SnowCub

About to order a GL450 and was wondering about the history of the engine. Is it a new design? Is it shared with any other models? Any common problems?

BlownV8

E550, GL550, ML550, CL550, SL550, and S550.

cookstar

It is the same engine they use in the E550, GL550, ML550,SL550 etc etc but detuned. I would go for the 550 or the 350 since the 450 really does not make that much power for a twin turbo v8. In Canada very few buy the 450 but in the states most sales according to MB are the 450.

xxGenericSNxx

Buy a 450 and chip it = same power as 550 chipped.

cookstar

its allot more than the GL550..... 530 hp , 606 lb-tq from RENNtech, they did a price drop now to $2740
http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/node/1056

xxGenericSNxx

If you chip both a 450 and 550 you will get the same power which is greater than both of those engines stock, as well as the 63.

fabbrisd1

By the way, the 450 scoots just fine, as it is actaully a hair faster than previuos gen 550 - but most naysayers forget to state that.

I wouldn't "assume" that the only uptune is the ECU, that's kindof a easy thing we would like to think - and for a outfit charging $2700 for a $400 tune, I feel Renntech's a bit overstating.

cookstar

Just like Mercedes they charge a premium for the name

sbkim

Great thread. I am curious if anyone could share the mechanical differences between 450 and 550. It seems like the same engine but just a different tune or is it more than that with different intake, exahaust etc?

Thanks!

cookstar

I was told at the dealer that the engine is the exact same displacement as the 550 but the 450 gets less boost to the turbos and thus makes less power, I looked it up online but I cant find what PSI each is running ( the guy at the dealer did not know as no one really cares to ask these types of questions for an MB). Its sort of like the R8 V10 and the Gallardo

derek

Get a tune, simple solution and a remarkable difference:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...-60-video.html

fabbrisd1

These 1st gen "chips" tunes are all bullsh*t... none of the US based tuners have spent anytime whatsoever with the X166/GL... notice how they just drop in for a weekend sales pitch.. then drop out...

Possibly by Fall there will be a legitimate tune available from a professional Euro house..

Oh, by the way, everybody has checked with their servicing dealer to see wheter or not the dealer won't erase the mod tune during service ?

derek

Wow, a bit energetic in your post there fabbrisd1. Go enjoy your overpriced euro tune then. Oh, two months 2k miles and no issues.

sam9187

I thought fabbrisd1 was trying to make a point that the euro tunes will be better and cheaper. He mentioned less than $500 in another thread.

cookstar

Fabris makes a good point.... you dont want something that's unproven on a car of this price range... this aint your average 95 civic

derek

What is "proven" I wonder? Considering this is the same engine across all TT 550's and OE, Eurocharged, Renntech, and others have been tuning the engine for some time now I would think most issues have been hammered out. All I know is that I've had it tuned for 2 months and 2k miles and haven't had any problems. My understanding of the tune from OE is that the boost isn't raised, rather it's prolonged.

At any rate, I'm happy with the tune that cost less than 1k, if others want to wait for the "superior" "$500" tune, by all means do.

A quick check of the aforementioned tuners looking at the previous 5.5 engine (non-turbo) I can't find a tune that costs less than $595. If you want to wait 2 years for the price to drop go ahead, by that time I will nearly be at the end of my lease and enjoyed my poor man's gl63 since week one.

sbkim

I guess tune on 450 makes sense as long as you are willing to risk losing your factory warranty.

sam9187

I am confused. Is the warranty voided by the tune or does the dealer erase the tune with warranty being left intact.

derek

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuso...s_Warranty_Act

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles...ne-maintenance

Mercedes would have to prove that the "issue" is a result of the tune in order to deny you warranty work.

Dalema

Some are saying they could wipe your new tune, some are saying that it could get flagged by MB central when they hook up the diagnostics and make any warranty repairs require "special approval". All seems to be speculation at this stage. Maybe there is experience in the other forums?

I asked my local service manager. He said he hasn't had any experience of adverse outcomes, and noted he tunes his personal cars.

I'm still holding off until I see some verified dyno charts.

sbkim

Great point. I am curious to see real world performance test result with the tune vs. just dyno figures.