GL450 underpowered?
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Joined: Jan 2018
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2006 S350L
Honestly, I'd avoid "launching" an X164 considering how expensive it will be to deal with either 7G, Transfer case, or front diff.. (my opinion.. I really don't feel these are "launching" style vehicles tbh..)
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From: Denver
2005 ML500, 2011 E350 4M, 2012 GL550
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 109
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2006 S350L
The last thing I can imagine myself doing is launching it. Yes it's fast no doubt, but.. why.. It just feels like *SO MUCH* is being stressed/torqued when you hit the gas hard on these, I'd try to stay away from the MB parts desk by being soft on this one.. This isn't the type of vehicle for that type of driving..
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I recently bought one of these a couple of months ago and replacing all of what you just wrote & the conductor plate, batteries, airmatic leaking bags, bla bla bla, has cost >6K and climbing.
The last thing I can imagine myself doing is launching it. Yes it's fast no doubt, but.. why.. It just feels like *SO MUCH* is being stressed/torqued when you hit the gas hard on these, I'd try to stay away from the MB parts desk by being soft on this one.. This isn't the type of vehicle for that type of driving..
The last thing I can imagine myself doing is launching it. Yes it's fast no doubt, but.. why.. It just feels like *SO MUCH* is being stressed/torqued when you hit the gas hard on these, I'd try to stay away from the MB parts desk by being soft on this one.. This isn't the type of vehicle for that type of driving..
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Yes lots of things work in conjunction to achieve that.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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2006 S350L
One thing is for sure, after buying the GL (X164) I am happy I didn't buy a 4MATIC W221
I'd have *DESTROYED* my wallet with that..
I can totally imagine what would have happened to me ..
RWD forever.
X164 = children transporter
W221 = personal transporter
I'd have *DESTROYED* my wallet with that..
I can totally imagine what would have happened to me ..
RWD forever.
X164 = children transporter
W221 = personal transporter
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Yup, 4MATIC there is the addition of a transfer case and front differential. There are also particular requirements for the tires and tread level as it might affect the drivetrain.
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Thats possible, also flaps in the intake manifold, I`d check the codes also a visual check on the lever. Its doesn`t always give a code, depending on what position it got broken and stuck.
Driven both 450 and 550 on the 164 platform, I can tell 550 is a bit more peppy at the launch but 450 is no slouch either, also when you are down to sea level you will have a noticeable difference, they both feel much more alive. Being in CO sucks, especially going to higher altitude.
Driven both 450 and 550 on the 164 platform, I can tell 550 is a bit more peppy at the launch but 450 is no slouch either, also when you are down to sea level you will have a noticeable difference, they both feel much more alive. Being in CO sucks, especially going to higher altitude.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2022
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2010 Mercedes Benz GL450 4MATIC
GL450
to be honest was just trying to test out the power, maybe have some “baller cred” as the other guy stated. There is nothing wrong with the car, I just for some reason dont like when the car feels stressed when flooring it. Especially since its a mercedes.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Probably if you had a manual transmission, a 7-speed would be considered a performance item.
The Mercedes automatic has seven speeds for fuel economy reasons. The first couple gears are pretty short and you won't wind out to any particular speed.
You're looking for something the car wasn't designed to be. The top speed your GL450 can achieve proves it's not underpowered, as aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed and it will require plenty power to pull the top speed your vehicle can achieve.
The next generation GL, the X166, has an AMG version. AMG engine, AMG tuned transmission. Your fantasy vehicle, perhaps?
The Mercedes automatic has seven speeds for fuel economy reasons. The first couple gears are pretty short and you won't wind out to any particular speed.
You're looking for something the car wasn't designed to be. The top speed your GL450 can achieve proves it's not underpowered, as aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed and it will require plenty power to pull the top speed your vehicle can achieve.
The next generation GL, the X166, has an AMG version. AMG engine, AMG tuned transmission. Your fantasy vehicle, perhaps?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
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Mercedes gl450
Hello guys,
I have a 2010 GL450. It’s a 4.7l v8 with 335 hp and 339 pound feet of torque. I always felt the car was underpowered for a v8 benz. For instance when I floor it from a stop the RPM shoot up before they shift and the engine sounds stressed. When its in there 3rd gear around 30mph then it feels better when I floor it, but do you guys think this SUV is underpowered? Does making the RPM’s shoot up to 4-5k from a stop bad for the engine? I often like flooring it.
I have a 2010 GL450. It’s a 4.7l v8 with 335 hp and 339 pound feet of torque. I always felt the car was underpowered for a v8 benz. For instance when I floor it from a stop the RPM shoot up before they shift and the engine sounds stressed. When its in there 3rd gear around 30mph then it feels better when I floor it, but do you guys think this SUV is underpowered? Does making the RPM’s shoot up to 4-5k from a stop bad for the engine? I often like flooring it.
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Have you considered dumping this slow boat of a vehicle and buying something that meets your expectations?
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 410
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From: Kelowna, BC
08 GL320 CDI
Yes, it puts extra stress on the entire system. Fuel pressures rise to pretty much max the system can deliver, coolant pressures shoot straight up because of the increase in RPMs, everything is “asked” to deliver its full output right off the start.
Now if the vehicle is only a few years old, this isn’t so much of an issue, but as it ages, seals, hoses, fittings, clamps, etc., all loose their original integrity and fail. Could mean a coolant hose that has been fine at lower rpm’s, will now split open when you “floor it”.
The whole “Italian Tune Up” (by revving the **** out of an engine) is 1980s thinking. You can’t flow more fuel over the valves and blow out carbon on a modern engine. Just the increase in airflow (by revving it) is not enough to do anything for carbon. Even soaking an engine doesn’t remove all the carbon, you think a few redline pulls would do it??
Bottom line, these are big family SUVs, they are not going to be fast, they are going to be comfortable and looking good doing it. My diesel has lots of jamb for a big SUV.
