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There’s one - run the VIN and check for the m273 idler gear issue.
If only I had the money and the time for a project car, and it wasn’t so far away. Somebody in the Midwest would have a good opportunity here is the link.
If only I had the money and the time for a project car, and it wasn’t so far away. Somebody in the Midwest would have a good opportunity here is the link.
This one is mine’s twin but it’s LOADED…even has multi contour seats and HEads Up Display.
However; engine number 273923 30 032173 is in affected range for soft idler gear and the low mileage would indicate prior owners dumped it because it’s beginning to manifest itself. You’d have to check for a history of cam magnet codes to verify that’s this is the case. I’ve seen a LOT of ML/GL/Rs with engines in the affected range, low mileage (78-80k) but bad valve train noises. I know I’m contradicting my earlier post to leave well enough alone, but this may be the corner case where you have to tear into the motor.
so this may be the one to bargain hard on and swap a 550 motor into when the m273e47 in there goes boom.
Or that swap to an alphabet deleted OM642 from your ‘08 @jazz1064
Last edited by Max Blast; Jul 10, 2022 at 11:01 AM.
It's probably blasphemy to say it here, but I'd consider a Range Rover given how hard it is to find the offroad package for the GL. They offer the same options, I believe, and are much easier to find. The L322s with the 5.0 Jag engine aren't too bad in terms of reliability, especially the 11-12 years. I considered one for a while but it just didn't feel right when I sat in one. I only mention it because they offer these offroad options pretty much standard and are highly capable offroad.
@Tina Marsh what is the need for the off road package?
Are you familiar with 4ETS? It is MB’s traction control system that simulates locking differentials and is standard on models with 4MATIC since the W210 platform. Therefore 164 has 4ETS.
What is your use case or requirement that is solved by the off road package, and is not solvable by 4ETS?
The off road system has the cool factor but why do you need it? For the cool factor?
@Tina Marsh what is the need for the off road package?
Are you familiar with 4ETS? It is MB’s traction control system that simulates locking differentials and is standard on models with 4MATIC since the W210 platform. Therefore 164 has 4ETS.
What is your use case or requirement that is solved by the off road package, and is not solvable by 4ETS?
The off road system has the cool factor but why do you need it? For the cool factor?
Very good point. Lockers offer some but not much improvement over traction control.
The EORP also introduces mechanical complexity, which is something you want to avoid when doing any serious off-roading. The air springs, which are terrific for the extra 3" ground clearance, are an example of problematic complexity. Coil springs simply do not fail; in the air system there are seven components, any one of which can cripple upon failure. More if you count all the air lines snaking around.
I will also add: The low range offered with EORP is only useful if your tires have enough grip to make use of the added torque at the wheel. You simply cannot get very big tires on the GL; you probably could push the width up from stock by a bit, but the baseline best off-road tire is a 265 width. Jeeps have a similar base tire size, but some go crawling around look like they are sitting on balloons in comparison - and the GL is easily a half ton heavier.
My EORP specific components are factory at 217k with only major slop noted in the transfer case chain. No degradation in overall reliability vice a non-EORP.
I have a 2016 GL450 with the On & Off-Road Package. It is a true off road beast. I live in Colorado and have many miles in 4 Low. As a reference point, I have owned a 1975 Ford Bronco and dirt bikes for most of my life. I bought my GL not knowing about the On & Off-Road Package. I thought the sales woman didn't know what she was talking about. Actually, she knew her ****. I drove off the lot in 4 Low after she demonstrated it to me in the parking lot after the test drive. In most cases, on "Jeep Roads" you can get by without the lockers, steel skid plates and other features. So yes, a regular GL is capable. However, the Off-Road package adds even more capability. I don't plan to ever sell mine.
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