xlr8tin

We are about to pull the trigger on a 2012 GL550, and I've been searching all over the internet with nearly zero luck. All I found was a $1500 tune on vividracing.com and that only gives me 20hp...I know this can't be the case. Are people just not making their GL's go faster? Is this not America? I know they have used this engine elsewhere so can I use other mods from other vehicles? Any help would be great.

BlownV8

If you want something you can easily mod, get a 2013. It's light years ahead of the X164 and you can get around 550 HP with just a tune.

xlr8tin

I have to keep the vehicle under $20K.

kombifan

Not really possible with the x164. It's na.

BlownV8

There are no cheap mods that are worthwhile for making significant power gains on the 164 550. You may be able to find a x166 GL450 close to that range. The 2013 and 2014 had the same engine as the 550 but with a different ECU tune.

xlr8tin

I'm not looking for the cheapest mods...just any. The usual bolt ons would be great, but for some reason no one cares about these it seems

BlownV8

No, it's not that we don't care. There is just nothing worthwhile unless you throw a supercharger or twin snails on the engine. If you want to do that, will be cheaper to upgrade to the x166 bi-turbo V8.

Miguk_Saram

Have you looked into the SprintBooster?

https://www.sprintboostersales.com/MERCEDES

I had one on my 2007 e500, and moved it over to my 2007 gl450. It takes away that 'laggy' feeling when you hit the gas, and makes the acceleration really peppy/responsive. I wouldn't drive without it.

I would urge caution though (it may take some getting used to); with great power comes great responsibility....

xlr8tin

I can't even find a supercharger for them...getting A GL63 is $20-30K more. Superchargers do not cost that much.

I had a sprintbooster on my W210 E55 and it didn't do anything. It was a big waste of money and sold it soon after installing it. Maybe it's better on this engine? Who knows


This is what I've found though...http://www.execstudio.com/products_power_kleemann.htm

Looks like this would be my best bet?

BlownV8

Get a 2013-2014 GL450 or 550. Both are tuneable to around 550 hp with just ECU tune.

omega48er

Awesome! I picked up a 2012 gl450 (wanting a 550) because the price was on point and the gl was super clean. I though I would be disappointed since I had a CLK550 (and a clk350 before thst) but shockingly the GL450 is pretty fast. For a heavy truck I dont think you would need any more mods on a stock 550, maybe a ecu tune and get a brabus or custom exhaust.

There is a 2008 GL550 with a Brabus Widestar Kit for sale for 20k. It's pretty rare. Search cars.com

Cap't Chuck

https://www.chipyourcar.com/
I have a 2012 GL450 - added this little ECU tuner and WOW! Took a chance on their level 3 chip and was pleasantly surprised. It's not going to rival a supercharger, but you'll definitely notice it.
Well worth the price and if you drive any distance, you'll appreciate the 22+mpg on the highway...
Hope this helps

JesusV

How long have you had it? Does it stay plugged in?

Yup497

Bump,


Another other user info on this. Is this for the 550?

@Eric_in_SD and @Kombifan- thoughts concerns?

xlr8tin

Well if you think the 450 is fast then you have no idea how fast the 550 is! I love the 550. But it's never enough power.