Tina Marsh

Hello,
I am trying to find a GL450 that has the off road package where you can lock the differentials. We are going to the 4x4 beach and it's required.
I looked at 1, but it didn't have it. I'm trying to confirm what I'm looking for from Pics Online and the VIN? Lots of dealers list it has off road. Even running some of the VINs they are listed as 4matic off roader, but when I search pictures there should be a dial either on the dash under heat control (2011-2012) or (2013-2014) a dial by the center console right? or is it off road if the VIN ran at MB decoder says off roader? I would rather get rid of the Jeep and take the GL, but I know the Jeep has 4x4. I'm looking for (2011-2014) TIA

Max Blast

Hi Tina

You're looking for a needle in a haystack. The Expanded Off Road Package was marketed pretty heavily at the beginning of the x164 (2007-2012) production run but very rare towards the end. I do not know my x166s (2013-2017?) so I'll defer to others on the rarity of this option in that platform. SO - If at all possible, avoid limiting yourself to a car with this option and just put decent tires on it. A stock GL is surprisingly capable off road with it's faux-locker system that is triggered by the ESP. If one wheel spins, the brakes lock it.

If you must, the dead giveaway for the x164 is the extra dials on the bottom of the center stack, in place of the extra cubby.

If you've already run the VIN decoder through the free (but sketchy) Kiev site, the option code to look for is 430. I assume you've also learned to look for the engine number and avoid any in the soft idler gear affected range (2007 only).

I doubt any dealer is going to give you a straight, accurate answer over the phone (10/10 "Yeah sure it has off-road!") so looking for the dials in the pictures and then confirming option 430 with the decoder before ever calling the dealer is your best bet.
Now, if the lockers still work after 10+ yrs of tooling around Costco parking lots is another matter.

EDIT: Good on you for ditching a jeep and taking a GL off the prepared surface. I think you'll find that the cabin air filtration and better ride will leave you in much better shape after a day of activities.

DarthVaderpa

You are looking for really rare beast. I bought mine in 2013 and since then I have been looking the one with the off-road package (that include dual-range transfer, center and rear differential lock, three settings of height-adjustable suspension). Since the I only found one. The GL has permanent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with three differentials. Torque distribution is 50:50 with electronic traction control. It also comes with Off-road driving program that adjusts the engine power and shifting of the automatic transmission to be more suitable for the off-road use of the vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP®, and 4-ETS designed for off-road use are automatically activated.
I think that the GL capable to do the job. Check out this video:

expl0rer

I don't want to contradict Max, as he knows what he's talking about. Just want to mention that in my datasheet the offroad package is code 430. Perhaps we're not looking at the same "datasheet"? I don't have anything under code 334. My speciment is a 2010 550 with the off road package. It took me semi serious searching over 18 months or so (I was not in a rush) to come across one in good shape and priced to my liking. I was looking at 2009-2013s at the time and saw about 5-6 altogether during my search. All were in the Canadian market.

The lessons I learned (applies to NA market) but may not be 100% accurate:
diesels don't have the off road package (you want to steer away from the diesels for a host of reliability reasons, anyway)
2007-2008 450 and 550 have it
2009-2011 550 have it (not sure about 450)
2012 may or may not have it (the Grand Edition from 2012 seemed to be fully loaded from the factory and I did not come across any 2012s with the off road option)
2013 550 have it, not sure about 450
2014+ seem to have it a bit more often than 2009-2013 (where I had focused my search)

The off road package will require more maintenance (transfer case + center and rear differentials) vs. a specimen without this option.

Your best approach is to ask for the VIN and run it, as well as look at/ask for center console pictures.

As Max said, finding one with the option and functioning diffs is a gamble, but so rewarding when you do.

As a side note, a capable alternative for off roading, but not as spacious as the GL, are Touaregs in the 2004-2007 vintage with air suspension and dual locking diffs. And quad (yes, quad) zone climate control, if you find one with that option. It does take some hunting to find those Touaregs too. Do not touch the V10 TDI at any cost. Any maintenance on that motor requires it to be removed from the chassis.

eric_in_sd

FYI there is an "Off Road Optics" package which includes the metal front and rear bumper guards and maybe the metal belly pan.

chassis

The newer X166 has the off road engineering package. The 100% for sure way to know is by seeing two knobs on the center console, rather than one. One knob is for drive mode and the other is to control the differential locks. Cars for sale with this option can be found on cargurus, and are rare but not impossible to find.

All 4MATIC systems are full time for W/X platform vehicles, let’s not confuse the issue. All W/X 4MATIC systems have three differentials. The comments in earlier posts give the idea that only the off road package has full time 4MATIC and three differentials, not the case.

Regarding aged locking diffs, avoid making predictions. We had a Toyota 4Runner that likely had zero diff locking and zero low range transfer case engagements in over 10 years. In other words, a grocery getter and family truckster. When I prepped the 4Runner sale, I made sure the locker and low range functioned, and they did. Perfectly. Foregone conclusions about locking differentials and two speed transfer cases should be avoided.

Last, it can’t be said loudly enough that the W/X platform is a solid off road vehicle, only a small step away from the Jeeps and G-Wagens of the world. The drivetrain with 4MATIC and 4ETS is a highly capable combination. 4ETS is part of standard 4MATIC and uses the ESP system to actuate brakes individually, thus simulating a limited slip differential. The biggest limiting factor for W/X platform off road performance is the driver, and secondly the wheels and tires which cater to pavement performance. Ground clearance 8”-9” for this platform is adequate for most situations. I drove my W166 up a very steep, rutted and loose rock mountain road in Colorado last year and the vehicle had zero difficulty. My vehicle has standard 4MATIC with standard 4ETS.

Max Blast

You're correct - it is 430. I'll edit my reply post to reflect that.

Max Blast

Tina,

I just re-read your OP - if lockers are required by the park you want to go off roading in, well then you do absolutely need the EORP.
This is my car's option sheet as pulled from the Kiev database, wall of text follows with the EORP related option codes bolded:

057 YOM 16/2
200A LEATHER
201A LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE
212B OP. INSTRUCT. AND MAINT. BOOKLET-ENGL. FOR USA/CAN
213 SPEED-SENSITIVE POWER STEERING/VARIO STEERING
214 ADAPTIVE DAMPING SYSTEM
220 PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS)
232 GARAGE DOOR OPENER WITH 284 - 390 MHZ FREQUENCY
242 FRONT SEAT RH ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE WITH MEMORY
249 INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING
275 MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
284B AIRBAG LABEL - ENGLISH FOR USA
289 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL WITH TRIM INSERT
293 SIDEBAG IN REAR LEFT AND RIGHT
301 ASHTRAY PACKAGE
345 RAIN SENSOR
359 TELEAID USA
389 MOBILE PRE.-INSTALLATION (MTUS) USA/CANADA COMPL.
414 ELECTRIC TILT/SLIDE SUNROOF IN GLASS VERSION
427 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED
430 OFFROAD PACKAGE
438 CRASH-ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINTS (CAK)
441 STEERING COLUMN, ADJUSTABLE
461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
470 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) LOW LINE
481 UNDERSHIELDS
489 AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL / AIR SUSPENSION SEMI-ACTIVE
494 U.S. VERSION
500 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR LH AND RH FOLDING
519 REAR AUDIO SYSTEM
524 VEHICLE PROTECTIVE COVER (FULL BODY COVER)
530 COMAND DVD APS USA WITH NAVIGATION
536 SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO COMPLETE SYSTEM
550 TRAILER COUPLING
551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
580 AIR CONDITIONER
600 HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
615 BI-XENON HEADLICHT W.ACTVIE CURVELIGHT RIGHT-DRIVE
619 CORNERING ILLUMINATION
636 DELETION - WARNING TRIANGLE
666 PRODUCT PROT.F.TRANSPORT VEH. W/O TIE-DOWN HOOKS
673 HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
690 EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE)
705L UNITED STATES (USA)
720 ROOF RAILING
723 TRUNK COVERING
723U CUBANITE SILVER - METALIC
731 TRIM PIECES - WOOD BURRED WALNUT VENEER
763 RADIO REMOTE CONTROL W/ PANIC SWITCH (315 MHZ)
7XXL NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
807 YEAR OF MODIFICATION
810 PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
819 CD CHANGER
840 DARK TINTED GLASS
845 THIRD SEAT ROW, ELECTRICALLY FOLDABLE
848 ELEC. SIDE WINDOWS
873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
876 INTERIOR LIGHT ASSEMBLY
890 AUTOMATIC REAR-END DOOR
989 IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
A05 TRANSMISSION ALL-WHEEL CAPABLE
A21 SHIFT BY WIRE
A22 NEW CONVERTER GENERATION
A38 M - VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH VGS 2
A44 SOFTWARE 3
A49 CONVERTER WITH 3 FRICTION DISKS
F164 SERIES 164
FV SEDAN ELONGATED
G904 TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 04
GA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
J58 RIGHT BRACKET
K12 CONTROL CODE FOR SERVICE INTERVAL
K14 CONTROL CODE FOR SERVICE INTERVAL 20000 KM
L LEFT-HAND STEERING
M273 V8-GASOLINE ENGINE M273
M46 4.6 LITER DISPLACEMENT
R02 ALL SEASON TYRES
R31 18" LIGHT ALLOY WHEEL 5-SPOKE DESIGN ALL-ROUND
U11 FLOOR MATS - RIPS
U40 CARGO NET BEHIND FRONT SEATS
U89 OPTICAL OFFROAD PACKAGE
V41 SPEED+ - LOADINDEX 110 H

The lines in bold are the options normally associated with the Expanded Off Road Package on an x164.

430 OFF ROAD PACKAGE which are the lockers and two speed transfer case, operated by the right selector wheel and hi/low push button.
U89 OPTICAL OFF ROAD PACKAGE, as Eric states above: Beware - some x164s may have this option specified to LOOK like they have the EORP package and not have 430, 481 and 214.
481 UNDERSHIELDS, which are heavy gauge steel armor plates for motor/tranny. Very hard to get a hold of these if they are missing.
214 ADAPTIVE DAMPING SYSTEM which are two mode selectable dampers (sport and comfort), and three level ride options driven by the left selector wheel. This option is bundled with the 430 option and I've never seen an EORP GL not have ADS. With this option comes an increased cost of replacement as compared to the basic Airmatic system with the standard shocks. Arnott and Bilstein supply replacements for airbags and shocks for the ADS equipped GL in the aftermarket.
Hope you find what you're looking for.

To just punctuate this, there's no filter or button you can select on cargurus, autotrader, ebay etc... that will tell you with 100% certainty if the car you're looking at has option code 430, but since 430 is bundled with 214; one trick you can use is to filter on GL450 cars that have adaptive suspension, but then you're relying on the dealership inputting everything correctly which I give about a 0/10 chance happening. Bottom line - you'll have to verify that yourself with pictures of the center stack and using a VIN decoder.

Max Blast

For my edification; on the x166 there would be two dials here instead of one?

DarthVaderpa

Check out this article:
https://www.daimler.com/magazine/tec...ch-4matic.html

expl0rer

On the 166 there are three dials, the right side of the lower part of the armrest is filled with the airmatic height selector and the driving program selector. The dials can be pushed up/down.



https://emercedesbenz.com/autos/merc...-gl450-review/

chassis

@Max Blast Correct. I need to correct my earlier post. The X166 has EORP as an option. It is not standard.

chassis

This listing has EORP, it's an X166 GL550. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=292304911

chassis

This article suggests the X164 has off road engineering package as an option, but it was standard on all European models. Two speed transfer case and locking center and rear differentials. I haven't found any X164 listed on cargurus with something that looks like EORP.

https://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.u...b/releases/120

chassis

The X167 GLS has an off road package, but without a locking rear differential. There is a two speed transfer case and a transfer case clutch that is capable of sending 100% of engine torque to either front or rear axle. The remaining function is handled by 4ETS, which is a brake actuation system to simulate a locking differential.

The X164 and X166 off road packages were extremely high performing, and I think not many people know this. All MB GL/ML/GLS/GLE models have outstanding off road capability.

eric_in_sd

Regarding off road capabilities: The fundamental limitation on ability to traverse a surface is
1) Ground clearance
2) Weight
3) Power (that is, torque at the wheels)
4) Contact patch and tire treads

The rest is - kinda - window dressing. Traction control will do most of what lockers will. Low range gives you a ~doubling of #3, which only helps you when you are climbing a steep hill and #4 is not the limiting factor. It probably helps avert overheating in the transmission, too; the torque converter comes into play when you're struggling over an obstacle.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have EORP, and I swear I'm not sour-grapesing it. EORP does add mechanical complexity, which is always more vulnerable to failure, which is what you don't want when off road. The air suspension is nifty, but it really flies in the face of the reliability principle.

Tires (which really ought to be on the 18's for sidewall flexibility) are critical. They need to have deep tread, too.

Makes me think I ought to have off road wheels, with tires I rotate to highway use when they wear down. Trail tires aren't bad on the highway, especially when the tread wears down, as the harder compound wears long.

I really would like to have the steel belly pans. If anyone has tips on finding these, I'd be most grateful.

chassis

mercedesbenzstarparts.com has "splash shields" for a 2007 GL450, with versions listed with and without off road package. I don't know if the off road package has an additional skid plate, in combination with the splash shield, or if the splash shield is the skid plate for the off road package.

Max Blast

they are one and the same. On the EORP they are heavy gauge steel, on the non EORP they’re plastic.

and OBTW, where’s OP @Tina Marsh on all of this - did she peace out?

eric_in_sd

Here are the diagrams. Regular:

EORP:

It's part #1 in both.

Now, I was wondering if anyone aftermarket made that steel belly pan. $350 seems like a "healthy" price to pay. There are aftermarket front and rear bumper covers - these are the parts that protect the bumpers on entry and exit, respectively.

It looks like a whole bunch of parts are required:

Front Shield
$381.99
164-520-16-70

Front Shield Stay
$77.99
164-520-06-32Front Shield Stay, Right

Front Shield Stay
$75.99
164-520-05-32Front Shield Stay, Left

Front Shield Buffer
$15.99
000-998-09-44Front Shield Buffer, Left

Front Shield Bushing

$9.99
000-992-15-29Front Shield Bushing, Left

Center Shield
$92.99
164-520-12-70


Center Shield Buffer
$2.00
000-998-05-41Center Shield Buffer, Left

With skid plates.


Rear Shield
$33.99
164-525-01-02With skid plates.

Add To Cart

Floor Cover
$284.99
164-610-18-08Side Shield, Right

Floor Cover
$344.99
164-610-19-08Side Shield, Left

Wardson

Regarding the off-road package available in GL's--it sounds a couple of you have had one.

I bought mine a couple of years ago and was unaware it even included this option. I've tried to learn more about it, but have found very little info. I now have to replace the front struts and am trying to confirm whether they are specific to the 430 package or are the same as the regular setup--dealers are no help with this. Arnott industries is telling me the AS-2450 is a direct replacement, but appear unaware of the 430 setup.

Has anyone dealt with changing the Airmatic struts in a 430 optioned GL?

Wardson

I've read some posts regarding the off-road package available in GL's and it sounds like some of you have or had one. I bought mine a couple of years ago and was unaware it even included this option. I've tried to learn more about it, but have found very little info. I now have to replace the front struts and am trying to confirm whether they are specific to the 430 package or the same as the regular setup--dealers are no help.

expl0rer

430 has no influence on the struts. Although I can see how one would think it might, with the 3 level suspension option. You should be cognizant of ADS. I think if you have 430, you also have ADS. I'm not 100% sure, though. I have both in mine, btw.

Arnott sells struts which are ADS compatible, but aren't true ADS. They also sell remanufactured struts, which are OE struts rebuilt by them. The latter are true ADS. The former use resistors to defeat the error message on your dash, but function wise they are not going to perform like the ADS specimens. Or go with Bilstein who make new ADS struts. Also consider if you're towing, that Arnott bags are rated for 100 psi max, while Bilstein are 190 psi. There is a whole thread about it. There's also a thread about ADS and how it works with a Bilstein diagram/brochure.

Edit: fixed spelling.

Panzerknacker

I wish the off road package was a little more common than it is. I have been watching and I don’t think I have seen one yet.

Still, you may be surprised at what you can do with AWD and some decent ground clearance even without locking diffs. I used to do some moderately difficult trails in a Land Rover LR3 and I was impressed with what I could get through without using low or lock.

jazz1064

i read of someone online that bought all the parts for the offroad package and tore his apart and installed the parts and had someone program the computers to recognize the offroad package. he did it because he has a diesel bluetec and since he wanted diesel and not the gasoline version, that was his only option. he supplied me with a parts list and i'm planning to do the same on my 08 gl cdi. i found that there are alot of used parts that i can buy for a fraction of what that other person i'm copying from. he bought all the parts new from europe. so far, what i had done so far is order the modules for the transfer case and differentials, I changed the suspension module and the dash so that i can at lease gain an inch of clearance over standard. the hardest part i found is finding the wiring harnesses for the two modules that control the center and rear diff. its going to be a long process, but having a diesel MB offroad capable vehicle in USA seem unique. its a dim a dozen in europe. but cannot import to USA

expl0rer

Two things: it might be cheaper to locate a donor vehicle with the off road package from a salvage yard. You'll have all the items you need, as long as it's intact and hasn't been scavenged. It might also be cheaper to buy a gas version with the package and still on the road and convert it to diesel.