blkceaser

Hello everyone, i have a 2011 Mercedes GL 450 and my starter went out this past weekend. i took it to the dealership and they want to charge $1200 to fix it. they said the part is $500 which i found the same part for $100 brand new. What I was wanting to know is where is the started located on the GL 450 and on a scale of 1-10 haw hard is it to change it myself.

thtguy

the Search feature is always your friend.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...e-starter.html

blkceaser

Thanks for the link bro, i saw it earlier i just figured it would be easier since mine was a 2011 vs a 2007

DennisG01

Did you find a MERCEDES branded starter for $100? That sounds pretty cheap for a "real" Mercedes starter. Of course, that's not to say that other brands are not good, as well. Just that an MB can only use MB parts - which are never on the cheaper side. The plus, though, is that you know you are getting a quality product. Well, "should be", anyways. But at least it's more of a known thing than an unknown thing. I can't imagine why the starter R&R procedure would be any different from an '07 to an '11 - same engine, same basic engine bay configuration. It's not like a starter can be moved to the top of the engine (well, not without major engineering).

blkceaser

I found the OEM starter on Rock Auto which if I'm correct the starter that Mercedes uses is Bosch but i could be wrong i don't work on my Mercedes i always take it to the dealership since they are so finicky, but iI saw it on there for $96.00

lkchris

A couple things ...

I imagine the referenced post may convince you to have the starter replaced by a professional. Can save some $$ with an independent shop, just try to verify they have Mercedes experience. Also let that shop determine the part they want to install.

There is a good chance your Mercedes dealer can source a Mercedes rebuilt starter.

Whoever replaces the starter will also need to perform all the "reset" procedures required when battery is disconnected ... this was not mentioned in the referenced post.

lkchris

They are identical vehicles ...

What is NOT identical is Bosch USA versus Bosch Germany. They might as well be separate companies.

DennisG01

Just an FYI here... "OEM" does NOT mean that the starter on Rock Auto is the same one that Mercedes uses. It simply means that the make of that particular starter makes "something" for Mercedes. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer... they could make a seat cushion for Mercedes and label themselves as OEM when it comes to starters and they would not be wrong. I'm not saying that $100 starter is good or bad - just that you're confusing OEM with "Genuine MB parts". I could be off a little with my explanation, but that's the jist of it. And I'm still not attempting to justify a $500 starter!

blkceaser

thanks everyone for all the feedback, its been really helpful. Being that i dont ever work on these cars i think i'm gonna let the shop handle it especially with it being the wife's car lol and i'm gonna stick to working on things i know like my infiniti lmbooo. Thanks again fellas

thtguy

If he did a search using his vehicle I am sure it will fit. OEM in the automotive industry actually means that the part is made to the exact specifications, but still doesn't not mean same quality. often times an OEM rebuilt, which is likely what was found, will use the MB/Bosch housing and internals, with new generic bearings and brushes. looks like FCP Euro only stocks an OEM rebuilt Bosch, (Not genuine MB, which is unusual)

I have used "OEM" starters and alternators in the past when in a pinch, like out of town in a rural area with no MB dealer around but there was an autozone or an advance auto. and it has bit me a time or too.
As for OP doing this repair. if you normally go to a shop for repairs, I wouldn't make this one the first you try to tackle... I would maybe start with changing your oil, spark plugs. or serpentine belt.

blkceaser

Thanks bro good advice

DennisG01

OK, you got me. And Google didn't know, either. What is an "infiniti imbooo"?

blkceaser

LMBOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

DennisG01

You must be pretty young - talking in some kind of text-only language. I still don't get what you're working on. And... repeating it didn't help me

blkceaser

HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA i seriously bust out laughing ...i just can't lmboooo

thtguy

I'm raising the . I didn't know Infiniti made a Lambo. Lamborghini is owned by the VW Group, more specifically Audi.