First GL450, what can you recommend?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
E55 AMG, Silverado, Cadillac, GL450
First GL450, what can you recommend?
So I picked up a 2011 GL450 with 93K on it. The body and engine seem to be in good shape. Prior to buying the vehicle I noticed the compressor for the suspension was cycling on more than normal, so the dealer ended up replacing the compressor.
As a former owner of an E55 AMG I'm aware of the cost/maintenance for the airmatic suspensions. With that being said I have a few questions that I'm hoping everyone can help me out with.
1) Besides the suspension, what are the known weak points on these vehicles?
2) What service manuals are the DIY's using for reference?
3) Anyone know of any COMAND navigation map upgrades or cool setting secrets?
4) I need to perform a rear brake job (rotors and pads), what do you recommend for pads and rotors?
Appreciate any help.
Mark
As a former owner of an E55 AMG I'm aware of the cost/maintenance for the airmatic suspensions. With that being said I have a few questions that I'm hoping everyone can help me out with.
1) Besides the suspension, what are the known weak points on these vehicles?
2) What service manuals are the DIY's using for reference?
3) Anyone know of any COMAND navigation map upgrades or cool setting secrets?
4) I need to perform a rear brake job (rotors and pads), what do you recommend for pads and rotors?
Appreciate any help.
Mark
Last edited by cabowabodude; Dec 7, 2020 at 10:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
The dealer replaced the compressor, that’s great but only one fifth of the job - the compressor is staying on because you have a leak in one or more air springs and those need to be replaced as well.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 11
2009 gl320
Hi Mark, the latest navigation update is from 2017. That is when it got discontinued. see link below.
https://mb.navigation.com/product/Ca...en_US/MBNA/USD
https://mb.navigation.com/product/Ca...en_US/MBNA/USD
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
E55 AMG, Silverado, Cadillac, GL450
Max, maybe I should have also mentioned one of the air lines had a nick in it and it was replaced. So no leak in the air bags.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
emanualonline has an electronic version of the MB shop manual that runs via a virtual machine. It isn't the most user friendly interface, but the information is there once you figure it out. I got 30 or 40% off with a discount code from a podcast. I don't remember what it was, but they are probably still out there if you look
The best Command upgrade is a new head unit. Double DIN units fit well and there are install kits that make for a clean install. You'll need a MOST adapter as well to convert from the analog output on the head unit to the optical output the stock amplifier needs. Android head units are popular, but I went with a Pioneer since the Android units seem to have their fair share of issues. About the only thing you lose is the compass and the ability to set the analog clock. You gain a much nicer screen, bluetooth/AUX inputs, and Android Auto/Car Play access which allows you to use navigation apps that are about 1000X better than the stock navigation system. The analog clock can be set by pulling a fuse or disconnecting the battery at 12:00 (the clock resets there after it loses power).
I use Akebono brake pads and really like them. Virtually no dust and very long wearing. You give up a little initial bite, but well worth it IMO to avoid having dirty wheels 10 miles after a wash.
Congrats on the purchase. As you've probably seen, use Arnott stuff for air suspension repairs, and you'll never have to pay for replacements again when they fail again (front shocks are the weakest link - I've probably replaced mine 5X in 210K miles).
The best Command upgrade is a new head unit. Double DIN units fit well and there are install kits that make for a clean install. You'll need a MOST adapter as well to convert from the analog output on the head unit to the optical output the stock amplifier needs. Android head units are popular, but I went with a Pioneer since the Android units seem to have their fair share of issues. About the only thing you lose is the compass and the ability to set the analog clock. You gain a much nicer screen, bluetooth/AUX inputs, and Android Auto/Car Play access which allows you to use navigation apps that are about 1000X better than the stock navigation system. The analog clock can be set by pulling a fuse or disconnecting the battery at 12:00 (the clock resets there after it loses power).
I use Akebono brake pads and really like them. Virtually no dust and very long wearing. You give up a little initial bite, but well worth it IMO to avoid having dirty wheels 10 miles after a wash.
Congrats on the purchase. As you've probably seen, use Arnott stuff for air suspension repairs, and you'll never have to pay for replacements again when they fail again (front shocks are the weakest link - I've probably replaced mine 5X in 210K miles).
Last edited by EWT; Dec 8, 2020 at 11:37 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Arnott: new vs. rebuilt hydraulic shocks
If you have ADS, you have a couple of options. New hydraulic shocks are aftermarket and use resistors to deal with the errors the car will throw. Reconditioned/rebuilt shocks use damping just like OEM. Arnott buys ADS shock cores and rebuilds them. I didnt know this until after I picked up two new shocks for the rear. I would have liked to keep the damping functionality.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
That’s also great but the airbags are a wear item and will need replaced around 80-100k of driving on them. If this one still has the factory bags you’re living on borrowed time until it sits very flat one fine morning. If it’s a slow persistent leak developing over time you should check and correct before your new compressor burns out trying to pressurize a leaky system. That’s why preemptive bag replacement at this interval is recommended.
