Intake Actuator Rods
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
GL450
Intake Actuator Rods
Question...has anybody done this job at home? And does the whole intake manifold have to come out in order to have access to the rods and actuator? Just how difficult would you rate this job?
I had my GL450 in for the transmission valve body failure, which was replaced by in independent German transmission shop here in Phoenix. Job cost about $1900 which included transfer case and differential fluid service. During his diagnostics, he mentioned that I am throwing a code for the intake actuator rods being broken. I did not know this myself because there was no check engine light on. You can actually see the flaps and broken rod in engine compartment when you know where to look. I did notice a lot of hesitation when punching it coming from a stop, but didn't make much of it...you kinda forget just how fast these GL450's can be when they are running right.
So, I will be replacing the intake manifold rods and actuator shortly. Can't wait to feel the kick in the pants again when accelerating. Besides, this part being broken (cheap plastic), does decrease fuel economy! I see the replacement parts with new, improved aluminum rods and pivot are about $170 at PartsGeek or RockAuto, so that's a whole lot better than MB cost of $3000 because they want to place the whole intake manifold, fuel injectors, coils and plugs (the later I have already done before).
I had my GL450 in for the transmission valve body failure, which was replaced by in independent German transmission shop here in Phoenix. Job cost about $1900 which included transfer case and differential fluid service. During his diagnostics, he mentioned that I am throwing a code for the intake actuator rods being broken. I did not know this myself because there was no check engine light on. You can actually see the flaps and broken rod in engine compartment when you know where to look. I did notice a lot of hesitation when punching it coming from a stop, but didn't make much of it...you kinda forget just how fast these GL450's can be when they are running right.
So, I will be replacing the intake manifold rods and actuator shortly. Can't wait to feel the kick in the pants again when accelerating. Besides, this part being broken (cheap plastic), does decrease fuel economy! I see the replacement parts with new, improved aluminum rods and pivot are about $170 at PartsGeek or RockAuto, so that's a whole lot better than MB cost of $3000 because they want to place the whole intake manifold, fuel injectors, coils and plugs (the later I have already done before).
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
gl450 530i
The complete new intake is about 700ish from fcpeuro or rmeuropean...the actual replacement came be foums for around 50ish and yes the intake has to come out and you will need new imtake gasktets. Ive done it and took me threeish hrs from start to finish. My check engine light still comes on from time to time regarding intake runner position after to replacement. Next time ill juat do the whole assembly as the runners are plastic and can break into and damage the engine.
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
Just remove the broken flaps when you uninstall the intake, then disable the swirl motor, which is what drivers the flaps, with the resistor trick (google swirl motor disable resistor, you will see sprinter, MB and Jeep guys do it all the time).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
If you're not tripping a CEL I'd just leave well enough alone. My rod was popped off due to a broken ball mount.
I bought the replacement metal pushrods and vacuum pot to replace but have noticed no adverse performance nor CEL.
I'll get to it eventually but it's not pressing.
I bought the replacement metal pushrods and vacuum pot to replace but have noticed no adverse performance nor CEL.
I'll get to it eventually but it's not pressing.
