GL450 X166 vs GL550 X164
#1
GL450 X166 vs GL550 X164
It is time to upgrade our family utility SUV. I currently have an Audi Q7 4L with the 4.2L V8. It has treated us good, but it is getting old I am just ready to upgrade.
I use the Q7 mostly to shuttle kids around and tow our boat so this would do the same and hopefully more. I currently split time driving the Q7 with my BMW 535i,
but have found since it is winter and Q7 has dedicated snows it gets driven more.
So we had a chance to drive a 2012 GL550 and other than a few issues we loved it. My wife really liked the seating dynamics of it and it just fit her. I loved the looks
of it. The only thing I was not excited about was the front seats seemed narrow. I am sure I might get used to it, but the seats fit my wife perfectly.
We have not had a chance to drive an x166. I would love to spring for a GL550, but that would eat into the budget I have set aside for a new waverrunner, bigger
boat, and utility shed. Those I am thinking x166 GL450.
-So if you had to choose between at X164 GL550 and X166 GL450 which would you get and why?
-What is better about the X166 and vice versa?
-Which model is more reliable?
-Are the 21inch wheels a pain on GL550's? (Q7 and BMW have 20's)
Thank you for your help.
I use the Q7 mostly to shuttle kids around and tow our boat so this would do the same and hopefully more. I currently split time driving the Q7 with my BMW 535i,
but have found since it is winter and Q7 has dedicated snows it gets driven more.
So we had a chance to drive a 2012 GL550 and other than a few issues we loved it. My wife really liked the seating dynamics of it and it just fit her. I loved the looks
of it. The only thing I was not excited about was the front seats seemed narrow. I am sure I might get used to it, but the seats fit my wife perfectly.
We have not had a chance to drive an x166. I would love to spring for a GL550, but that would eat into the budget I have set aside for a new waverrunner, bigger
boat, and utility shed. Those I am thinking x166 GL450.
-So if you had to choose between at X164 GL550 and X166 GL450 which would you get and why?
-What is better about the X166 and vice versa?
-Which model is more reliable?
-Are the 21inch wheels a pain on GL550's? (Q7 and BMW have 20's)
Thank you for your help.
#2
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
166 GL 450 for the engine and updated body. Throw a good ECU tune on the 450 and you have GL63 type power.
The 164 550 will be more reliable due to it being NA engine and fewer things to go wrong.
The 21" tires are not a pain. Many different makers of them now so no need to spend $1.5k every 20k miles.
The 164 550 will be more reliable due to it being NA engine and fewer things to go wrong.
The 21" tires are not a pain. Many different makers of them now so no need to spend $1.5k every 20k miles.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
It is time to upgrade our family utility SUV. I currently have an Audi Q7 4L with the 4.2L V8. It has treated us good, but it is getting old I am just ready to upgrade.
I use the Q7 mostly to shuttle kids around and tow our boat so this would do the same and hopefully more. I currently split time driving the Q7 with my BMW 535i,
but have found since it is winter and Q7 has dedicated snows it gets driven more.
So we had a chance to drive a 2012 GL550 and other than a few issues we loved it. My wife really liked the seating dynamics of it and it just fit her. I loved the looks
of it. The only thing I was not excited about was the front seats seemed narrow. I am sure I might get used to it, but the seats fit my wife perfectly.
We have not had a chance to drive an x166. I would love to spring for a GL550, but that would eat into the budget I have set aside for a new waverrunner, bigger
boat, and utility shed. Those I am thinking x166 GL450.
-So if you had to choose between at X164 GL550 and X166 GL450 which would you get and why?
-What is better about the X166 and vice versa?
-Which model is more reliable?
-Are the 21inch wheels a pain on GL550's? (Q7 and BMW have 20's)
Thank you for your help.
I use the Q7 mostly to shuttle kids around and tow our boat so this would do the same and hopefully more. I currently split time driving the Q7 with my BMW 535i,
but have found since it is winter and Q7 has dedicated snows it gets driven more.
So we had a chance to drive a 2012 GL550 and other than a few issues we loved it. My wife really liked the seating dynamics of it and it just fit her. I loved the looks
of it. The only thing I was not excited about was the front seats seemed narrow. I am sure I might get used to it, but the seats fit my wife perfectly.
We have not had a chance to drive an x166. I would love to spring for a GL550, but that would eat into the budget I have set aside for a new waverrunner, bigger
boat, and utility shed. Those I am thinking x166 GL450.
-So if you had to choose between at X164 GL550 and X166 GL450 which would you get and why?
-What is better about the X166 and vice versa?
-Which model is more reliable?
-Are the 21inch wheels a pain on GL550's? (Q7 and BMW have 20's)
Thank you for your help.
The 550 comes standard with most options. Hid headlights, multicontour seats, leather, rear ac, ventilated seats, more hp, adaptive dampening etc ;
These are all options on the 450 and you will spend a lot of time trying to find those options on a 450
#4
Thank you!
How often do the 21's crack? I saw somewhere people complaining about that.
Who makes tunes? (I did some research, but options seemed limited compared to MHD/APR I see on BMW/AUDI side)
Other than looks are there big improvements body wise in x166's?
How often do the 21's crack? I saw somewhere people complaining about that.
Who makes tunes? (I did some research, but options seemed limited compared to MHD/APR I see on BMW/AUDI side)
Other than looks are there big improvements body wise in x166's?
#5
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
You can always get replica or oem 20" and stick them on the 550 if you want more sidewall and are really concerned. Usa rim is highly recommended if you do.
Oetuning advertises on here. And they often have sale. Not worth it in the x164. If you yet the x166 it's cool. Only thing though what was mentioned about the 450 getting 63 power. Thats only available when the 450 was available with the biturbo v8: in the 13-14 model years.
And again you'll have to find a unicorn with all the mentioned options including a very important one. Harmon kardon sound system.
Big improvements? No. Not really. Body styling is changed. Command is slightly different. Bluetooth music streaming is standard in x166 but you can buy a 75$ adapter that does the same thing in the x164.
Airmatic still fails in both.
#7
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
2015 S550
Search cars.com for 2013-14 GL450's within 100 miles of where you live. It's a certainty that you'll find several with all of the options that you would want. You can likely pick up a loaded one with decent miles for under $30k.
Regarding reliability, the x166 4.6 biturbo motor is no less reliable than the NA 5.5L v8 in the previous gen 550. In fact, it gets better gas mileage and has A LOT more power than can be reliably tuned to massive power for $1k. IMO, the x166 is a much more attractive and modern looking vehicle than the x164, inside & out. And it is roomier and has more safety equipment available.
Regarding reliability, the x166 4.6 biturbo motor is no less reliable than the NA 5.5L v8 in the previous gen 550. In fact, it gets better gas mileage and has A LOT more power than can be reliably tuned to massive power for $1k. IMO, the x166 is a much more attractive and modern looking vehicle than the x164, inside & out. And it is roomier and has more safety equipment available.
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#10
I need to look at an x166 before I do anything. I did look at interior pictures and the x166's look slightly better and miles ahead of my Q7.
I am starting to think an x166 GL450 with some 20 inch replica's might be the way to go. Chipping it would be nice too.
Saw this in another thread that was helpful.
I am starting to think an x166 GL450 with some 20 inch replica's might be the way to go. Chipping it would be nice too.
Saw this in another thread that was helpful.
Based on experience:
X164
2007: early build GL450s have the dreaded balance shaft issue. GL320CDI very reliable.
2008: GL450s aren't bad, GL550 5.5L became a thing and are just AWESOME. GL320CDI still great.
2009: All GLs got a facelifted interior (mostly the front of the cabin.. BlueTEC became a thing unfortunately . I'd stay away from any BlueTEC diesels because they are nightmares. Do your research.
2010: Exterior facelift for GL350 and 450. Ugly mirrors though. 550 wasn't facelifted in the front for whatever reason... Would still stay away from BlueTEC. Interior ambient lighting became a thing on vehicles with premium leather package.
2011/12: Mirrors were facelifted on all mainly to acquire blind spot assist. GL550 front bumper was updated. GL450 & GL550 outstanding, very reliable. GL350 may had oil cooler seals updated. Still would stay away.
X166
2013/14: Entire new vehicle. M278s are just amazing and as reliable as they come. I don't have much knowledge on the BlueTEC but I've heard that the oil cooler still leaks... New AMG model was introduced.
2015/16: 3rd row fixed sunroof removed from then on, nothing too interesting here.
2017+: Facelift.
Hope this helps.
X164
2007: early build GL450s have the dreaded balance shaft issue. GL320CDI very reliable.
2008: GL450s aren't bad, GL550 5.5L became a thing and are just AWESOME. GL320CDI still great.
2009: All GLs got a facelifted interior (mostly the front of the cabin.. BlueTEC became a thing unfortunately . I'd stay away from any BlueTEC diesels because they are nightmares. Do your research.
2010: Exterior facelift for GL350 and 450. Ugly mirrors though. 550 wasn't facelifted in the front for whatever reason... Would still stay away from BlueTEC. Interior ambient lighting became a thing on vehicles with premium leather package.
2011/12: Mirrors were facelifted on all mainly to acquire blind spot assist. GL550 front bumper was updated. GL450 & GL550 outstanding, very reliable. GL350 may had oil cooler seals updated. Still would stay away.
X166
2013/14: Entire new vehicle. M278s are just amazing and as reliable as they come. I don't have much knowledge on the BlueTEC but I've heard that the oil cooler still leaks... New AMG model was introduced.
2015/16: 3rd row fixed sunroof removed from then on, nothing too interesting here.
2017+: Facelift.
Hope this helps.
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mr_maker (01-08-2021)
#11
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
GL 320's have the same issues as the 350's with the exception of Adblue system since the 320 doesn't have it. Still suffers from stretched timing chains, bad cam gears, leaking oil cooler seals, leaking turbos, and a few others.
The early 450's suffer from worn cam gears caused by the use of low quality material to make the gear. I have around 250k miles on mine and it still runs great with very little repairs needed. The CEL comes on but the car runs fine. I can swap in a used 550 engine if it starts running rough but, for now, it just keeps chugging along without using oil between oil changes.
The early 450's suffer from worn cam gears caused by the use of low quality material to make the gear. I have around 250k miles on mine and it still runs great with very little repairs needed. The CEL comes on but the car runs fine. I can swap in a used 550 engine if it starts running rough but, for now, it just keeps chugging along without using oil between oil changes.
Last edited by BlownV8; 01-21-2019 at 08:44 AM.
#13
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27
Likes: 4
From: Chicago South Suburbs
2015 GL450 1995 BMW 325IS
I have the X166 2015 GL450 that has the V6 twin turbo's. I don't believe there is a chip upgrade on this, so if you are looking at a X166 GL450 with the V8 that can be tuned, it will need to be a 2013/2014 model.
#14
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From: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
2015 S550
#17
Wife chose this one. I really liked the X166's. The seat controls are much improved, but she liked the seats in the X164 better. If all goes well in 2 years we will replace this with an X166 GL550.
#19
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
2015 S550
#20
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Ok. Eat some of it I mean. Retail is usually pretty high to begin with (7-9k) so if they can eat some of the cost at invoice the warranty becomes attractive.
Its pretty necessary if this this car is a daily.
Its pretty necessary if this this car is a daily.
#21
They offered a 2-year powertrain warranty for 4k. Service history was great on it.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
#22
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,034
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From: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
2015 S550
They offered a 2-year powertrain warranty for 4k. Service history was great on it.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
Save yourself money and get these far superior mats. They are never slippery when wet, fit better, stay in place much better, are easier to get in an out of the truck for cleaning, and weigh about 1/5 of the Weathertechs. I leave them in year round and they are great.
https://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.co...?set-vehicle=1
Last edited by DaveW68; 01-31-2019 at 10:35 AM.
#23
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
They offered a 2-year powertrain warranty for 4k. Service history was great on it.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
I am a DIYer so hopefully, this doesn't have any more issues than my 11-year-old Q7 did. The bad news is I think I already lost it to my wife. Her 2016 Honda Pilot is currently sitting in the garage waiting for a new snow tire so she is driving it and loving it. She already talked about ordering weather tech mats for it. It might be hard to get her out of it.
If that happens she has worked her butt off and we can get CPO one for her to replace the Pilot.
Yeah don't get the weather tech mats. The oe mercedes ones that are rubber are really nice though for the front and second row. For the third row j would get weather tech because they designed it to cover where you walk on.
It shouldn't be. Just keep an eye out on the air suspension. That would have been a problem either way on x166 or x164.
#25
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Soapy water and bubble test.
You'll notice when your car looks like it broke a leg and is kneeling.
Buy from fcp euro and stick to Bilstein. Fcp has a replacement warranty.
Arnott is also available, but they are known to fail earlier than oem. Hence the generous warranty provided.