GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

'14 GL450 or '15 GL450

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Old Mar 13, 2019 | 08:51 PM
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'14 GL450 or '15 GL450

Looking at 2 highly optioned GL450s one is a '14 with the 4.6 TT V8 the '15 with the 3.0TT V6, the '15 has the off-road package with low range and adjustable suspension. The off-road package isn't a requirement, as I live in FL. Just wanted to see what are pros and cons of V8 vs V6 as well as other things like eco start stop and what not?
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Old Mar 13, 2019 | 09:42 PM
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Oooo. Hard to choose.

The tt v8 is a great engine. Under stressed. Lots of power and with a tune you can match a gl63.

The v6 is a hot running engine, and will definitely be under a lifetime of more stress compared to the v8. Time will tel how it will last.

The off road package includes ads, which is so much better for us roads with potholes and imperfections. It smooths it out.

Options I would be sure to include are rear ac. Lighting package. Harman kardon and ventilated seats bit that's just me.
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Old Mar 13, 2019 | 10:25 PM
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V8 bi-turbo all day long.
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 12:02 AM
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16 GL550
v8 any day
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 04:13 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Oooo. Hard to choose.

The tt v8 is a great engine. Under stressed. Lots of power and with a tune you can match a gl63.

The v6 is a hot running engine, and will definitely be under a lifetime of more stress compared to the v8. Time will tel how it will last.

The off road package includes ads, which is so much better for us roads with potholes and imperfections. It smooths it out.

Options I would be sure to include are rear ac. Lighting package. Harman kardon and ventilated seats bit that's just me.
They both have rear ac, lighting, HK, and ventilated massaging seats. The V6 has the full safety suite, distronic plus, active lane keeping,blind spot, etc... This would be the one thing that pushes me to the V6, as I would rather have the V8.
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
They both have rear ac, lighting, HK, and ventilated massaging seats. The V6 has the full safety suite, distronic plus, active lane keeping,blind spot, etc... This would be the one thing that pushes me to the V6, as I would rather have the V8.
Trailer hitch?
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 08:28 AM
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The safety features are nice. I can see where you would want those features. When I was looking to buy a GL, I started comparing all the options I wanted with the price I could afford. After looking at all models, I decided on the 63 due to the engine, options, and looks. The 550 was a very close second place. Don't regret my decision for an instant.

The 63 does things that it shouldn't be able to do and the looks I get when accelerating are priceless. People just aren't expecting that beautiful AMG sound from a big SUV.
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
The safety features are nice. I can see where you would want those features. When I was looking to buy a GL, I started comparing all the options I wanted with the price I could afford. After looking at all models, I decided on the 63 due to the engine, options, and looks. The 550 was a very close second place. Don't regret my decision for an instant.

The 63 does things that it shouldn't be able to do and the looks I get when accelerating are priceless. People just aren't expecting that beautiful AMG sound from a big SUV.
Currently driving a pully'ed and tuned E55. I was leaning towards the V8 just because I know a tune can pull a bunch of power out of even the 4.6... the 63 just isn't in my price range at the moment.
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Trailer hitch?
Yeah both have factory hitch. That is a requirement for towing boat.
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
Yeah both have factory hitch. That is a requirement for towing boat.
Oh. If your going to tow definitely get the 14 tt v8.

Is the dealer offering a ext warranty? My "10 has had over 15k in covered repairs
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Old Mar 14, 2019 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
Currently driving a pully'ed and tuned E55. I was leaning towards the V8 just because I know a tune can pull a bunch of power out of even the 4.6... the 63 just isn't in my price range at the moment.
Just wait a couple of months and depreciation will deliver one to your price point.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Oh. If your going to tow definitely get the 14 tt v8.

Is the dealer offering a ext warranty? My "10 has had over 15k in covered repairs
As Freddie "tavarish" Hernandez says... " I am the warranty"

$15k in dealer repairs is about $5k in DIY repairs
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
As Freddie "tavarish" Hernandez says... " I am the warranty"

$15k in dealer repairs is about $5k in DIY repairs
I'm still far ahead of that 5k number with my extended warranty and deductible costs; so I feel perfectly fine not being the warranty.

Nah. Parts are expensive. 4 corners a valve block and a compressor are already 3 grand in parts.

Last edited by kombifan; Mar 16, 2019 at 05:20 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Nah. Parts are expensive. 4 corners a valve block and a compressor are already 3 grand in parts.
Really? Quick search had valve blocks between $125 for aftermarket on PartsGeek to $300 MB on FCP each and compressor between $200 and $500
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
Really? Quick search had valve blocks between $125 for aftermarket on PartsGeek to $300 MB on FCP each and compressor between $200 and $500
Oké. I went on fcp euro like you mentioned.

2 front non ads struts with airbag Bilstein oe
2 non ads rear shocks Bilstein oe
2 rear airbags Bilstein oe

2,940

Sorry that's for a 2010. They for some reason didn't list parts for a 14.
it's overpriced....it does have the warranty and such but I think mb genuine would be around the same price too.

Last edited by kombifan; Mar 19, 2019 at 10:01 AM.
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 10:48 AM
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For Rear Airbags and Sturts you can always try Arnott they make good quality and better stuff than OE\OEM. And good thing they are much much cheaper
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Dreamszalone
For Rear Airbags and Sturts you can always try Arnott they make good quality and better stuff than OE\OEM. And good thing they are much much cheaper
Can you tell the ride quality difference?
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Old Mar 19, 2019 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by NaviTimer1
Can you tell the ride quality difference?
There is no Ride quality difference. You can google or search this forum for Arnott and you will find tons of articles and posts. They use better rubber than stock, they use Continental rubbers. So the name should suffix your doubts.
And it comes with Lifetime Warranty anytime it goes bad you can have it replaced free of charge, but gotta pay shipping.

Thanks
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Oké. I went on fcp euro like you mentioned.

2 front non ads struts with airbag Bilstein oe
2 non ads rear shocks Bilstein oe
2 rear airbags Bilstein oe

2,940

Sorry that's for a 2010. They for some reason didn't list parts for a 14.
it's overpriced....it does have the warranty and such but I think mb genuine would be around the same price too.
You originally said valve blocks and compressor not airsprings. (Sorry just reread you said 4 corners didn't know that meant airsprings and shocks) Yeah airsprings can be pricey, but that is why you budget for something like that when you are buying a used luxury vehicle. Bilstein OE is the same as MB original that is why they are pricey. And yeah, I would most likely go arnotts. They recently started making the fronts also.
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
You originally said valve blocks and compressor not airsprings. (Sorry just reread you said 4 corners didn't know that meant airsprings and shocks) Yeah airsprings can be pricey, but that is why you budget for something like that when you are buying a used luxury vehicle. Bilstein OE is the same as MB original that is why they are pricey. And yeah, I would most likely go arnotts. They recently started making the fronts also.
haha budget?

Yiud be be surprised how many times I have seen people frustrated at the dealer with the suspension problems....and that’s just when I bring in my car for issues.

I have seen people drive their gl slammed to the wheels with no concern or clue 😳😱

Most people don’t know at all the car has a unique suspension system , I’m glad you do and it will make your ownership a little sweeter and easier!

rokauto has cheaper prices for bilstein, albeit no warranty. Fcp euro does and I suspect they raised prices to compensate for that.

I have ave my reservations about Arnott. I hear constant stories about how great Arnott is, these great testimonials are from people who have to replace their strut and airbag again.
Makes me wonder how really great it is if you have to replace, even once again, even if the warranty is easy to work with.
Just yesterday this guy in the x164 forum posted hat he had blown his rear two Arnott bags. Burst..
🤯

Last edited by kombifan; Mar 21, 2019 at 09:14 AM.
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
haha budget?

Yiud be be surprised how many times I have seen people frustrated at the dealer with the suspension problems....and that’s just when I bring in my car for issues.

I have seen people drive their gl slammed to the wheels with no concern or clue 😳😱

Most people don’t know at all the car has a unique suspension system , I’m glad you do and it will make your ownership a little sweeter and easier!

rokauto has cheaper prices for bilstein, albeit no warranty. Fcp euro does and I suspect they raised prices to compensate for that.

I have ave my reservations about Arnott. I hear constant stories about how great Arnott is, these great testimonials are from people who have to replace their strut and airbag again.
Makes me wonder how really great it is if you have to replace, even once again, even if the warranty is easy to work with.
Just yesterday this guy in the x164 forum posted hat he had blown his rear two Arnott bags. Burst..
🤯
Yeah I have owned many an MB some with normal coil springs and some with all their strange suspensions like a W123 with the Citroen based hydraulic system to the more modern ABC pneumo-Hydraulic system. Current in an E55 with air.
The problem with Luxury cars in-general is they depreciate enough after a few years for a "baller" to buy at the price of a new Accord. But they don't realize it is still a luxury car, with expensive systems that can fail. And they probably could barely afford that new Accord. I could buy a new GLS if I wanted,. But would prefer someone else eat the depreciation.
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by thtguy
Yeah I have owned many an MB some with normal coil springs and some with all their strange suspensions like a W123 with the Citroen based hydraulic system to the more modern ABC pneumo-Hydraulic system. Current in an E55 with air.
The problem with Luxury cars in-general is they depreciate enough after a few years for a "baller" to buy at the price of a new Accord. But they don't realize it is still a luxury car, with expensive systems that can fail. And they probably could barely afford that new Accord. I could buy a new GLS if I wanted,. But would prefer someone else eat the depreciation.
Have you purchased yours yet?
Carmax always has 550s come through. They come and go quickly. I highly recommend the maxcare. Max term limit of 6 yrs 120k. They paid all the claims I mentioned on mine. In your budget?

https://www.carmax.com/cars/mercedes-benz/gl550
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 04:23 PM
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Yeah I have been watching CarMax. I know their warranties aren't as low as they used to be but still worth it. Not in a rush, waiting till I find the right one, Like a GL63 around $50k 😁
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 04:53 PM
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They won't cpo it but they probably have other extended warranties available. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2541/overview/

And work some magic here. Cpo if you ask
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2068/overview/
And if your not afraid of being out of warranty.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...3601/overview/
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Old Mar 21, 2019 | 04:59 PM
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I'm sure the lexus dealer won't mind selling you a car.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6317/overview/

A higher mileage white one from a benz dealer
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...3685/overview/

And if you're really willing to take the plunge and aren't afraid of miles
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...1867/overview/

P.s. Yes they're all gl63s. From 34$k to 54k
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