Panda Build Thread
 

Picked up our GL550 this weekend after a long crazy journey to get there with multiple flight delays, re-routes, stranded in Houston, and lost luggage. We had 2hrs of sleep from Fri 8am to Sat 11am when we finally reached the dealer. Then on the drive home notice a few things once home late Sunday, and then dropped it off the next morning for service. Very irksome, but least under warranty so its all good.

It took us 2-3mth to locate one with the right options and colors. Key options:
- Calcite White with Auburn Brown interior
- Distronic
- Surround View
- Pano
- ACTIVE CURVE (sooooo hard to locate)

Lots planned to make it different and a little quicker. We had a deal on a ML63 but that dealer just seemed to refuse to want to sell a car. Never had a dealership try all they could to not sell a car.

Quick list of plans:
- Downpipes, remove resonator, and tune (DONE)
- Black out chrome window trim, grill and front/rear lower chrome bumper trim (DONE)
- Wrap the interior in gloss black (DONE)
- AMG pedals, rear difusser and exhaust tips (DONE)
- Lock pins (DONE)
- Lowered with black 22" AMG reps (just can't find a good wheel I like over the AMG style and don't want my girl messing up the OE $$$ wheels) (DONE)
- LED interior bulbs (DONE)
- LED brake bulb swap (DONE)
- Add 12" sub/amp (DONE)
- LED DRL upgrade to style like GLS (hope I can pull this off using the stock headlights) (STILL TO COME)
- Projector lens swap and upgraded bulbs (BULBS SWAPPED LENSES STILL TO COME)
- Red brake calipers (STILL TO COME)

I will document as best I can each mod here as I do it. I would like to be able to really give good before/after and some good helpful hints with pics as needed.

For now the one pic before taking delivery and a few other random pics of items I got for the car.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7d70f07e0a.jpg

Door Lock Pins
 

Purchased from eBay about $35. Easy to remove, just used a rag to protect the crap plastic ones and a wrench to twist them off. They are damn long and take more effort than they should to remove. I just got plain silver ones made of metal and they look great, esp when locked as they are flush with the trim since they are shorter.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7714011f3c.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...001ca3c377.jpg

Ugly stock plastic!!!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...641fe4285e.jpg

Much shorter.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...20ce165902.jpg

Unlocked.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d56925d099.jpg

Locked, nice and smooth.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c2d8e4121c.jpg

Because I Like Things to Match
 

I like things to match so I got a headphone case ($18 Amazon) to match the Auburn Brown color and bag ($24 Amazon) for my gf to keep in the back for all her crap.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...bcfaa9d9da.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0ba2d0a58d.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e6aedb5f4f.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e7de65c625.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b9a92a2734.jpg

AMG Pedal Install
 

Horrible this $$$ SUV with AMG appearance lacks good pedals. Oh well not to much to swap out ($60 eBay) and about 5min.

New pedals.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7d32b9c7ce.jpg


Ugly old pedals.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9148b9ddf0.jpg


Brake pedal cover will just need to be peeled off. Gas pedal will fit over existing cover. Both are tough to get on to a point, due to the rubber surround of the new pedal but takes just a few minutes.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...aba6614926.jpg

All done and much improved.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d0361fc1ea.jpg

Tablet Headrest Mount
 

Didn't want a "dated" rear entertainment system as kid is usually glued to his iPad so we got this mount ($22 Amazon) and some Sony bluetooth headphones to go in the headphone case.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...468f79b35e.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...046adf4d2a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...256c2d605e.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f5161161b1.jpg

....
mine is pretty identical to the one you picked up, but with the black Deisgno interior...almost got the brown Designo but it was purchased the next morning after I visited the dealer.

I too plan on very similar 'upgrades', having done the door pins, pedals, front tint... searching for wheels myself and saving for the exhaust/tune.
I was wondering if you could share a link with more details on the 'Projector lens swap and upgraded bulbs' you mention above...

thanks for sharing,

Congrats on the new ride! I know the fly in drive out experience all to well.

Sounds like some fun adds...love the idea of changing out the locking pins and adding the AMG pedals.

We are similarly equipped. Did your build include the off road package option as well?

The lens and bulb swap will be using ZKW-R lenses and Osram CBH bulbs. I used the lens in my E55 and loved the. I am using the CBH for the first time as I used the CBI on my E55. On a quick test fit of the CBH I honestly didn't see much of a diff in the color and brightness. However I didn't really properly seat the bulb in the housing so that might have something to do. Some links to the items and a video comparison stock D1S bulbs to the CBH.

Once I start the project I will get detailed pics and steps. I had active headlights on my E55 and it wasn't too hard to swap out the lens, so I am hoping the same holds true for the GL.

Bulbs $225:
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/bu...66144-cbh.html

Lens $40:
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...ses/zkw-r.html

Stock vs CBH:

Stock vs CBI vs CBH:

Don't have off road as finding both off road and active curve we only ran across 1 in the price range we were looking and even then it had tan interior. We wanted Auburn Brown or Black, Designo or not I didn't really care.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...558c6fdeaa.jpg
2018 black star emblem straight from the factory in Vance,AL.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...84b4e832d3.jpgBefore
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...45e2a0b0a2.jpgAfter
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a69f9ed847.jpgAfter
Black vinyl wrapped chrome trim

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...410d6aceb8.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2585c55e9f.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b9dde08f2d.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1e68c0045a.jpg

Gloss black wrapped front grill

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f94e98c998.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...cd618ca474.jpg

Gloss black wrapped the lower chrome liphttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...380355c12e.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...624032d688.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5cba5ea8dc.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1e1001d401.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4840616566.jpgBefore chrom lower trim
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9bc8e8c356.jpgAfter gloss black wrap
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...52880fee69.jpg

2nd pic shows
gloss black window trim
lowered on links
front windows tinted
removed chrome door handle trim


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...37b9eb5039.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...554a7edb20.jpg

I'm keen to have the window de-chrome, front grille slats wrap, bumper trim wrap and interior wrap like you did, on my GL63, looks so much nicer for my personal preference.

Did you see them do the front grille slats, do they need to pull the whole grille out, I have the radar cruise and read somewhere it needs to be re-calibrated after refit so Im concerned about having the extra cost of that after having a wrap done on the front grille?

Also, did you watch them do the bumper trims, do the bumpers have to come off or can they remove the trims separately to wrap and refit?

The work will be done by a professional company but I want to know whats required before I hand over the keys.

Thanks and nice ride :y

Ok .. so OP obviously doesn't like the chrome. Blacked out grill in front. Blacked out chrome in doors. Blacked out wooden dash ... but alas, replaced the existing black door knobs things with silver ones :nix:

Or I prefer that the door pins not be cheap plastic and the new silver metal door pins to match the rest of the silver trim inside. You know so it matches. Also the wood to black, I prefer non wood but felt silver would be too much. Black will blend in better with the dash. Oh and it matches since wood doesn't match anything inside or outside.

Also as seeing as how the rear chrome cargo strip along the top of the bumper and the chrome trim along the rear hatch are still there I would say chrome as it's place.

Just feel it ties the car together when it matches better. Enjoy your taste and I will enjoy mine.

black06c230 did you see my post about the removal of various parts for the wrapping process?

Thanks

Carl

i did but wanted to reply more in detail when I had time. I will do so tonight when I update with more updates to the car.

Don't forget to get rid of the blue center wheel caps.

Do they sell those at close to the OEM length? I'm old school, I feel like I need to always have access to unlocking the doors manually.

Got jokes huh?!?

FYI they will be replaced by Friday when my BLACK 22s come in but center caps will be black and red.

That I'm not sure of but told the new GLS has silver pins so that should be an option and likely the same length that you are looking for. I may ask my friend who sourced me the new black hood emblem to hook me up.

It's great being close to the factory and having friends who work there who can tear the care down so easily too.

I will update tomorrow late on the vinyl wrap of the grill and any other ?s on the vinyl.

In the meantime a sneak peak of what delayed me tonight​​​​​​​

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...269403b736.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4e9afa57f5.jpg

I have the black hood emblem and the black version of the blue wheel caps. I ordered them from a mercedes OEM online parts store.

If the new GLS has them all I need is the part number.

Those tips look awesome. And the carbon Fiber defuser looks great. However, if you wanted an AMG... Well you know the rest.

I did all the vinyl wrapping myself but it was a pain (grill and front/rear lip) the interior was rather easy and would gladly do again over any of the tough areas. I'm clearly not a pro but it works for me now.

The grill pulls away from the front bumper with just a few clips, some you press up and some down. I have some pics I will upload soon. Then there are the slats "covers", 2 on each side. I left them on but should I ever need to wrap again I would like separate. Again since I'm not a pro and not sure many pros would use a solid sheet I did it in sections. My friend who is must more of a pro liked my attempt and gave me pointers on making better seams.

As for re-calibrating the Distronic puck, no need. I have never had a problem on my E or now the GL.

The front lower trim can be removed I think from the bumper without taking the bumper off, just doesn't look easy. I left it on and again not a pro but the visual parts look fine but the underside could be better. I will ask my friend from the plant to show how to quickly remove it or I will see myself when he comes to help me take the front bumper off to access the headlights so I can swap the lens inside.

Pics of grill wrap to come soon.

Yes having an E55 putting down 521hp and 668tq I know if I want an AMG to get an AMG. My E is done right to be fast.

However as this is my girls car and not mine she picked the 550. Reasons; $20k less, didn't feel any real performance diff between 550/63; and so 550 practically the same car all around.

Adding the exhaust tips to me is fine as it has AMG everything else on the exterior. Not trying to be a 63 but will be just as quick esp with downpipes and tune. Just cheaper.

AMG Exhaust Tip Install
 

My girl really wanted the AMG tips on her 550 and pricing it out seemed a little nuts, kit on eBay is $1400. So I looked around and came up with this set of parts for much less. I originally ordered the OEM parts from parts.com but long story there, yeah don't as they will jack the shipping cost to $200 and you have to confirm the increase is okay. That's great but I confirmed 2x and parts never shipped delaying me. So parts there are cheaper a bit but not after shipping and the headache. So I ordered from M5 Motors.

Tips $213.51
- Arrived in about 7 days with little faster shipping option
- https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/...Id=32715563113
- These are clearly not OEM but I am willing to bet from the same factory.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f0b2ef72d4.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...25498a7b41.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...027ab0d4c6.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...aff41501d5.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...59e3bd40e0.jpg

Lower valance $310.70
- 1668856925

Heat Sheild aka bracket for tips $91.80 total ($45.90 each)
- 1668852714
- 1668852814

So:
Tips $213.51
OEM parts shipped $442.45
TOTAL $655.96 a savings of $743.04

Tools needed:
- 10mm socket
- 10mm ratcheting wrench
- T20 ratacheting screw driver, stubby

HOW TO:
1. Remove the exhaust tips using T20, remove the 2 screws circled in red. Then push towards front of the car and remove.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d3783929f5.jpg

2. Then work to remove the heat shield bracket. Remove the 10mm bolts along the rear to the left/right of hitch area. Easy to spot and likely tabs broken.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...376083b01f.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...6e39aac53d.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...594e3ccf0b.jpg

3a. There are then 5 more 10mm bolts to remove, look at new bracket to know location. There is one you will need a socket ext for and will likely need to clean out the dirt and crap built up to get too. A few pics the RED ones are easy the YELLOW a *****!!!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...811ff537fa.jpg

3b. The YELLOW pain "nuts" are visibile here but better to go up top to use the ratcheting wrench, use 10mm. Can easily pull the valance down to gain access.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a69b01e3bf.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...70f0925200.jpg


4. Remove bracket.

5. You can now reach the other YELLOW pain nut off the valance.
Before removing bracket
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...630264c9dd.jpg

After removing bracket

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7db501af24.jpg

RED bolt, use socket ext to access after clearing out dirt and crap.

6. After that there are 5 T20 screws along the valance, See new one for location, easy to get to but use a stubby ratcheting screw driver to make it easy. Sorry no pics. Then simply pull off starting from the side, there are other push clips but a little force will pop it loose.

7. Move all clips from old exhaust bracket and teh clips off the valance.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4f482371c4.jpg


Move these clips to new bracket

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f539802a96.jpg

Slide off clip and move to new valance

8. Install in reverse. Note the metal tabs on the tips might needs a slight bending to slide into the spot on the new bracket so that they mount properly.

Before:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d5c59ea8e1.jpg


After:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c9cbdc9bb5.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c0fbe70b73.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fc905ad1c5.jpg

Wheels
 

Wheels have arrived.

Ordered from SDTW from ebay.

Wheels:22x10 +48 offset gloss balck 22 reps of the stock 21s
Tires: 285/40/22 Prada Spec x
Center caps: from eBay using OEM center, painted red

More pics to come once the car is back home later today.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...3b373e3435.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fda0b51414.jpg

What are you doing with the OEM rims?

keeping them safe from the female. Rather her destroy cheaper wheels than the stock more $$$ wheels

You did a really nice job with the tips and the carbon defuser. Looks really clean.

I'm super curious to see how this turns out. I use the Osram CBI in my other car and love them. I think a combo of this and a clear lens is going to help out a lot. Are you planning to do any additional tuning with spacers when you're in the light?

S

How were you able to get this from the factory? Silly question, I know.

I live just 30mi from the factory in AL and have a few friends who work there.

Really? Do they have the leeway where I could reach out to them and order one for myself? I've seen them on ebay but they're coming from China and the estimated delivery is in January of next year.

Love your build so far! If i had a X166 I would be doing the exact same mods! Where did you get that carbon fiber omg diffusor for the X166? It looks like really good quality!

delete

The ones from China are no where close to OEM, just cheap crap. I ordered one from China first before my friend was said he would just get me one from the factory. Surely you can order from any parts website, likely $40 or so, I have no idea but would be worth it over China crap.

Thanks, but I ordered CF vinyl and just wrapped it prior to swapping the rear diffuser when I swapped the tips.

RADO Downpipes
 

Realized I didn't take pics of pipes before install but they were well built and the welds looked nice. Had bungs for all stock sensors. I didn't do the install but paid 1.5hr of labor and they didn't run into any major fitment issues. While the online diagrams show no gaskets there was one on the driver side that needed to be ordered which took more time than expected. I will update later on the part # if its on my invoice. I wanted the resonator remove prior to these being installed but was unable to, will still have resonator removed in the next short while.

Again pipes are catless so "off road" only, will throw a CEL until you are tuned and have the CEL turned off. That is coming shortly of me.

Reving:

Cold start:

Dude, these are available OEM from any online OEM parts store. I have the same part and posted the part number and pic a month or so ago.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...lem-black.html

Yeah, the one from China seemed fishy. Guess I'll look online. Does the emblem flush? Perfect fit? It looks a little smaller in the photo.

Just like the stock one just black like the pic.

Well done!
 

Beautifully done so far brother! i am loving the progress! and great find not he GL550! love the options. What resources did you use to locate this GL with specific options? (auto trader, MBUSA, car gurus)?

How is the update on your headlight and lens retrofit? how do you like the CBH performance color? I am looking to swap out my current D2S on my SL55 (Philips White Vision LED effect 5000K) to Either Osram CBI or CBH or CBB to get a cooler white light output vs the warm white i still have from Philips WHV2.

And, I LOVE the E55, hail M113K

I used cars.com and cargurus.com to locate. Took 4mths or so to locate this one as we only wanted white/pano with either black or auburn interior but had to have Active Cure option code 468 and Distronic. It amazed me to see so many with lots of options and Designo but lacking Active Curve. If you are getting a large SUV like this Active Curve makes a huge diff in the roll of car. It handles so well in turns and stays fairly flat with little body roll.

I haven't gotten to the lens and headlight retro just yet. Football took up most weekends in the last few months. I plan to get my buddy from the factory to help me tear down the front end in the next 60 days to do the headlights. This should speed up the process since he knows how to build and tear them down in a heartbeat!!! The CBH are good slightly better than CBI, I like them. When I do the headlights I will compare the stock to CBH better in stock setup and then stock setup vs lens/CBH upgrades. The new CBB is interesting and thought to move to them for the lumens out put but the color reviews I have seen say CBI, CBH, and CBB are all about the same color.

I also plan to get the calipers done in red soon.

I have recently had Tony from RaceIQ, he tuned my E55, and it has made a huge diff in the pickup and quickness. I have ordered a Sprint Booster in the last few days so will see how that goes.

Mods done since last update:
- Tune by Tony at RaceIQ
- Paddle shifter things added, will post pics soon
- 12" sub/amp install
- Sprint Booster

Upcoming mods:
- Headlight turn signals change to white instead of amber and lens swap
- Red calipers

If I get super froggy:
- Split cooling system
- Killer Chiller and meth injection
- Retune for meth

Subscribed, very nice progress!

Following this as well. The build is awesome! Will DIY mine when wife gets tired of it.

Paddle Shifters
 

Installed paddle shifters for giggles, I like them as when I get a chance to drive the car I like to manually shift. Cost was about $40.

Paddles
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e2978bca92.jpg


Before
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ca9d7a4973.jpg

After
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ec90a53b1f.jpg

Sprint Booster
 

Installed Sprint Booster and certainly improves response for the gas pedal. Install was simple and I leave is set to Race setting 3, any higher and the pedal is very touchy. No power gained but response of the pedal again greatly improved. Photos show connection in car but excluded the included instructions which just tell you to lock car for 10min then work on the car and how to set the various modes.

How To:
Find pedal connector under the dash
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...32aa40ea86.jpg

Remove these 3 Torx 20 screws and remove panel.
**Note the foot air vents are connected in an odd manner to this panel and the vent opening does have a temp sensor in it.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...08912ce401.jpg

Disconnect the connector and plug the Sprint Booster inline.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...188c469cd9.jpg

Connect all panels back together. Start car and ensure no codes thrown. Set the mode and setting on Sprint Boost controller. ENJOY!!

Heated/Cooled Cup Holder Pre-Install
 

Got my cup holders for $100 shipped on eBay. Friend is sourcing me the harness from the factory and will come install all for me in the next few weeks. In the meantime here are some pics and details on how to swap the rollback cover. Buy any set you need and swap over existing rollback cover.


Cover removed and before wrapped in black vinyl to match my earlier wrapping of the interior.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7a9ee33858.jpg

To remove the roll back cover simply pull towards you the "plastic stopper" in front of the rollback at the front of the unit. This will pop off and allow you to slide the cover right on out. Slide in the needed cover, snap back in the stopper and done.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0b0bcdc306.jpg

All done!!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5864b22a0c.jpg

Sub Install
 

Some pics of my sub install that my friend did.

Battery under the front pass seat
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...12de1e609d.jpg
Remove cover(s)
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d490183608.jpg
Amp was mounted in the pass side 2nd row seat. I had a larger amp but limited on space to easily hide. This is powerful enough and stays well out of the way.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f3f73b5616.jpg
Most importantly you can still move the 2nd row seat and have access to rear with no issues and looks like a factory wire loom setup.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...842908fc7d.jpg
Amp gets radio leads from the factory sub, I think is an amplified signal as I have to have the bass on Comand set to -6 to avoid it being too punchy, which takes out some mid. I have an amp bass control know which I will install and run once I remove the center console to do the cup holders.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fb929a12a9.jpg
Hard to see but wires run back to amp which was easy to do so I was told.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...04d814af0b.jpg
Sub in the rear.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...97ee1c51b2.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9a251d4a98.jpg

Heated/Cooled Cup Holders
 

As my buddy is always quick to tear the car down I didn't get pics of all the screws but the PDF diagram attached shows them just fine I think.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9b5b9926a7.jpg

Out of the car and taking it apart, again he did this pretty quickly. Certainly helps when you buddy builds them at the factory and can do this pit stop style.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...41ad607e46.jpg
Checking the wires to the diagram to re-pin.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...159cd0adc8.jpg
All done!!!
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e0f2a3c3c7.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0d37eedaeb.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b4c6b476db.jpg

Wiring diagram. I didn't take the pics of the exact wire as he did it but you can use the below to create and pin the existing harness to save on the new harness if desired. I think he wants to clean up a few things so I might get a chance to get some detailed pics of the re-wired/pinned harness.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...42558c670c.jpg

Super fancy MB crimping tool. Yep I had this installed literally professionally by a the same man who likely built it in 2012 using Benz tools, at HOME!!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a627306cd4.jpg

So back a month ago had a minor 3 car accident on 4-20. No real injuries just soreness. Front car stopped for a school bus they didn't need to stop for, middle car had stopped traffic in his lane and made a lane change to our lane but the front car was stopped for the bus, course we see the front car stopped and are braking but middle car now suddenly appears. Hit the middle car and pushed him into the front car. Police found the middle driver at fault for an improper lane change. Now there is a battle with the middle driver's insurance company saying the officer made a false statement?!?!? Anyway we have our company handling the claim to get repairs done and not have to wait or anything else. The repair shop is Classic Car Motoring, a shop that does custom work for the Benz factory and paints all of Benz's show cars. They are the only Benz authorized repair center in Alabama, needless to say the insurance companies aren't a fan of the labor rate. I however see it as not my fault and we didn't cause the accident so we want what Benz approves of. Really just need bumper, headlight, fender, repair 3 wheels, replace 1 tire, repaint hood as there is a crack in the paint, and blend it all back in. Total cost is about $13k.

While there they will also be doing the calipers in red and welding up my electric exhaust cutouts!!! Can't wait to have it back and those mods too!!!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a25f84b333.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e9aa64e08e.jpg

At repair shop stripped down.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...10faf08cf1.jpg

Chrome pins
 

I have the same amp and sub in my CLS63 but for some reason it dont slap that hard what do you have your gain set at? have you ever conisdered wiring in a DSP or anything?

Read through your posts - nice work and sorry to hear about the accident. Thanks for sharing details on how to do them too.

Nice! I remember the Subwoofer and Sprint Booster days.

Curious, how fast were you going when you rear-ended the car in front of you? Great thread, btw!

Hope it gets fixed quickly and turns out ok. Looks great but quick question. Why not a set of custom wheels? Seems a lot of work to stay stock. Some Vossens or find a deal on some Brabus wheels. Looks awesome, not bashing. Just wondering.

So, how are your final thoughts on the Sprint Booster? You'd do it again?

I'm a dealer for them, and haven't even thought of offering them for this yet....

I love your truck. How come you left some of the chrome and blacked out some? I am looking to do the exact same build with a few other touches. The chrome on the step and one the back is what I am worried about. and what about the rails on top? Can they come off? I have a 450 now and am going to get a 550 in a few months.

Would the sprint booster work with an ECU upgrade?

Great build.

Love the cutouts. They are loud all the way open and so I might go back and install the OEM resonator and remove the H pipe that was out in. The car just sounds too much like a straight pipe Chevy truck or the like but man the turbo whistle is OMG. So many people stop to ask about the car now it’s funny.

I have them programmed to use the Homelink buttons on the rear view mirror to open and close. So easy to make it quieter by controlling how far they open up.

the brand I forget and will update that soon.

Here are the cutout parts i ordered.

QTP Oval 2.5-3” dual kit from amazon about $415
QTP wireless remote kit from amazon about $88


i will also take time over the first few weeks in Sept to update this thread more on items I have done etc. I have neck surgery pending and will take time to just rest and do random stuff each day. Fun times.

Thanks, I love that sound but could understand if it is a bit too much. I currently have cutouts in my BMW 550i and LOVE em, leave em open 100% of the time Just bought my wife a GL550 and stumbled across your videos and am seriously considering adding them on her ride (for when I'm driving of course!). Looking forward to any pics/vids/walkthroughs that you share. Our trucks are very similar. Would be happy to share pics if interested.

The car looks great. I have a black GL550 and I’ve murdered it out but the only thing left is the rear diffuser. If I’m understanding correctly did you just use the stock diffuser and do a CF wrap? Cause I couldn’t find any new diffusers either.

Also if you did just wrap it, how’s that holding up? I was concerned that because I of heat and road chips the wrap wouldn’t be durable enough.

yes wrapped in cf vinyl. Has held up well with no issues to rock chips.

I am here from another thread, I am looking for how to remove the front grille. I read that it should be easy. I removed the rivet but the tabs are so hard to unhook..are there any specific order to start with or specific location or side to start? I seriously need some help before I kms...

how difficult is it to open these lamps I am thinking of doing the same thing. Maybe making the brow sequential flash back.

HARD!!!

I never started these and had your same plans but a friend with a ML63 did his and said it’s not really worth the hassle. They are sewed with permaseal so it’s not a easy bake and pry open like butyl rubber sealed ones.

Enough said... HAHAHA I opened my Eclass Lamps and it was almost 2 hours just for one lamp. That said these will stay as they are unless I go with the cutting method and if I go that route I will buy a donor set of lamps.

I am redoing my headlights on my 2005 E55. New inner chrome facelift style, Morimoto EVO projectors, Osram CBB bulbs, and new lenses. Course as they are very old the wires are brittle and the covering is coming off them so will redo the wires and pins. Fun times.

Front grille removal
 

Please give detailed instruction on removing the front grille.