450v8 vs 550v8
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Oxford NC
2010 s550 4matic w221, 2014 GL 450 X166
450v8 vs 550v8
Hello everyone,
I'm new to the GL class. I just hit a Deer with my beloved W221 not quite a year after it was hit by a Amazon van and repaired. USAA figured that along with high mileage was just too much to fix so they totaled it. I've been a forum member for a few years now but usually in the S class area. I really like the GL class and had a question about the difference between the 450 v8 and the 550 v8. Is it the same engine just detuned? Found a pretty well optioned out 450 and it's not for from my home. I was really interested in the diesel for the torque, but hear they were not the most reliable. Also the newer ones that I'm looking at do not have a diesel option.
Any information that could be given to me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all
I'm new to the GL class. I just hit a Deer with my beloved W221 not quite a year after it was hit by a Amazon van and repaired. USAA figured that along with high mileage was just too much to fix so they totaled it. I've been a forum member for a few years now but usually in the S class area. I really like the GL class and had a question about the difference between the 450 v8 and the 550 v8. Is it the same engine just detuned? Found a pretty well optioned out 450 and it's not for from my home. I was really interested in the diesel for the torque, but hear they were not the most reliable. Also the newer ones that I'm looking at do not have a diesel option.
Any information that could be given to me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 30
From: Chicago/Serbia
2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
Do you have any proof that engines are the same?
renntech offers 500hp for 450 and up to 540hp for 550 gl so my conclusion they are not the same.
People claim all kinds of stuff without any evidence
renntech offers 500hp for 450 and up to 540hp for 550 gl so my conclusion they are not the same.
People claim all kinds of stuff without any evidence
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Oxford NC
2010 s550 4matic w221, 2014 GL 450 X166
Is the Renntech just a tune? Or do they install new parts ie intake or different turbos to achieve those #'s? Or change anything internal to the engine? Maybe the 450 has smaller injectors and lower duty cycle? Perhaps that is how the 450 gets slightly better mpg then the 550? It seem that the two motors do have the same designation. I'm just speculating for I truly don't know...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
The 2013 and 2014 GL450 utilized the same M278 4.7L V8 engine as that used in the GL550. How they exactly differentiated them deep down, I have no idea. For 2015, the GL450 became a six-cylinder.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,680
Likes: 4,579
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Interesting. A search through EPC shows that some fundamental and power-delivering components are the same part number between the GL450 and GL550 with the M278 V8 engine. I used VIN numbers from Cargurus for a 2014 GL450 and a 2014 GL550. If the parts below are identical between the two models, it does seem plausible the power difference is from "just a tune" which means fuel, spark and cam timing changes in software.
Camshaft
GL450 A2780506201 inlet right, first part number in sequence
GL550 A2780506201 inlet right, first part number in sequence
Spark plug
GL450 A0041598103
GL550 A0041598103
Fuel injector
GL450 A2780700687
GL550 A2780700687
Piston
GL450 A2780300100 left, first part number in sequence
GL550 A2780302317, however the GL450 part number is in the GL550 change history
Camshaft
GL450 A2780506201 inlet right, first part number in sequence
GL550 A2780506201 inlet right, first part number in sequence
Spark plug
GL450 A0041598103
GL550 A0041598103
Fuel injector
GL450 A2780700687
GL550 A2780700687
Piston
GL450 A2780300100 left, first part number in sequence
GL550 A2780302317, however the GL450 part number is in the GL550 change history
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,680
Likes: 4,579
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,680
Likes: 4,579
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
If you believe this site (the data is apparently calculated) the GL450 has different torque and power curves vs the GL550. No way they would perform the same in 0-60.
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_cmpower.php
Is it possible the only differences in the GL450 vs GL550 is throttle plate opening? In other words, programming of one sensor? It would mean that if you are in the GL450 and you stomp the gas pedal, the throttle plate opens less than it would if the vehicle was a GL550. A modern day version of a NASCAR carburetor restrictor plate.
The throttle bodies are the same part number between GL450 and GL550, see below.
Throttle body
GL450 A2781410025
GL550 A2781410025
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_cmpower.php
Is it possible the only differences in the GL450 vs GL550 is throttle plate opening? In other words, programming of one sensor? It would mean that if you are in the GL450 and you stomp the gas pedal, the throttle plate opens less than it would if the vehicle was a GL550. A modern day version of a NASCAR carburetor restrictor plate.
The throttle bodies are the same part number between GL450 and GL550, see below.
Throttle body
GL450 A2781410025
GL550 A2781410025
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Joined: Jul 2009
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
BTW somewhere above it stated 450 had V8 until 2015, actually until 2014. From 2015 GL450 became V6 TT.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,004
Likes: 241
From: Usa
mgLipGD
As stated the 450s with the V8 are simply detuned 550s. If you want to save money but want more power go 450 and add a tune.
We have a tuned 550 with catless DP so making a little more than a stock 63. Tony at RaceIQ turns it for us since he has done all our other cars.
Now outside of saving money think about the options you might want. The 550 came with many options as standard plus they have the AMG look. The price diff now is not as big between the 2.
Also if you really want to have the best experience with the 166 find one with Active Curve, option 468. It helps keep the car flat in turns and makes a huge diff. Crazy to basically feel the car push itself to be level in turns. It’s a hard option to find but well worth it.
if you want to see it work drive a 63 as it’s standard on them.
We have a tuned 550 with catless DP so making a little more than a stock 63. Tony at RaceIQ turns it for us since he has done all our other cars.
Now outside of saving money think about the options you might want. The 550 came with many options as standard plus they have the AMG look. The price diff now is not as big between the 2.
Also if you really want to have the best experience with the 166 find one with Active Curve, option 468. It helps keep the car flat in turns and makes a huge diff. Crazy to basically feel the car push itself to be level in turns. It’s a hard option to find but well worth it.
if you want to see it work drive a 63 as it’s standard on them.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Oxford NC
2010 s550 4matic w221, 2014 GL 450 X166
Thank you everyone for the information. I love the new to me 450 that I just purchased. I will upload some pictures of it. Very pleased that the original owner purchased just about every option that i would want.
I do have another question about the engine. I noticed that there is a electric motor that continues to run for for a little while after i turn the vehicle off. It is not the cooling fan. I was thinking it maybe a pump continuing to circulate oil through the turbos? That would be very smart !! Or continue to circulate the engine coolant? Does anyone know what it actually is?
Thanks
I do have another question about the engine. I noticed that there is a electric motor that continues to run for for a little while after i turn the vehicle off. It is not the cooling fan. I was thinking it maybe a pump continuing to circulate oil through the turbos? That would be very smart !! Or continue to circulate the engine coolant? Does anyone know what it actually is?
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
GL450
Hi All.
First and foremost - thank you all for posting valuable information. For the last 12 years, I haven't had the need for a car so been saving for a home and paying off school. However, the pandemic doesn't make taking/ riding public transportation a viable choice. Especially with twins (first-time dad) on the way ...going to bite the bullet buy used 2013 gl 450. The miles are ~82k and is loaded with many options. Noticed the engine is the is same as gl 500. Out of curiosity how much does it cost to tune. I live in the NorthEast. I imagine will be putting around 500 miles per month on the car and this car will be with me for a while.
Thanks for your attention and advice
First and foremost - thank you all for posting valuable information. For the last 12 years, I haven't had the need for a car so been saving for a home and paying off school. However, the pandemic doesn't make taking/ riding public transportation a viable choice. Especially with twins (first-time dad) on the way ...going to bite the bullet buy used 2013 gl 450. The miles are ~82k and is loaded with many options. Noticed the engine is the is same as gl 500. Out of curiosity how much does it cost to tune. I live in the NorthEast. I imagine will be putting around 500 miles per month on the car and this car will be with me for a while.
Thanks for your attention and advice
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
Hi All.
First and foremost - thank you all for posting valuable information. For the last 12 years, I haven't had the need for a car so been saving for a home and paying off school. However, the pandemic doesn't make taking/ riding public transportation a viable choice. Especially with twins (first-time dad) on the way ...going to bite the bullet buy used 2013 gl 450. The miles are ~82k and is loaded with many options. Noticed the engine is the is same as gl 500. Out of curiosity how much does it cost to tune. I live in the NorthEast. I imagine will be putting around 500 miles per month on the car and this car will be with me for a while.
Thanks for your attention and advice
First and foremost - thank you all for posting valuable information. For the last 12 years, I haven't had the need for a car so been saving for a home and paying off school. However, the pandemic doesn't make taking/ riding public transportation a viable choice. Especially with twins (first-time dad) on the way ...going to bite the bullet buy used 2013 gl 450. The miles are ~82k and is loaded with many options. Noticed the engine is the is same as gl 500. Out of curiosity how much does it cost to tune. I live in the NorthEast. I imagine will be putting around 500 miles per month on the car and this car will be with me for a while.
Thanks for your attention and advice
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 46
Likes: 5
From: Arlington TX
2013 GL450
The 2013-2014 GL450 has exact same M278 and the GL550 there is no doubt about this fact.
there are several tuners including renntech (see below), eurocharged and oetuning prices range from 1500 - 2500. I purchased the GL450 planning to add a tune but am happy with the stock power, not sure more power would be usable on a big suv.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...rse-power.html
Ready to unlock the power that your GL is hiding? Well RENNtech has the solution for you. We have tunes for both the GL450 and GL550.
GL 450 (X166- M278 Biturbo Engine) Stock Performance:
GL 550 (X166- M278 Biturbo Engine) Stock Performance:
there are several tuners including renntech (see below), eurocharged and oetuning prices range from 1500 - 2500. I purchased the GL450 planning to add a tune but am happy with the stock power, not sure more power would be usable on a big suv.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...rse-power.html
Ready to unlock the power that your GL is hiding? Well RENNtech has the solution for you. We have tunes for both the GL450 and GL550.
GL 450 (X166- M278 Biturbo Engine) Stock Performance:
- 362 HP @ 5,250 RPM; 406 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM
- Note: Mercedes M278 engine performance when measured obtains higher numbers that rated from factory.
GL 550 (X166- M278 Biturbo Engine) Stock Performance:
- 429 HP @ 5,250 RPM; 516 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM
- Note: Mercedes M278 engine performance when measured obtains higher numbers that rated from factory.
Last edited by Packrat555; Feb 7, 2021 at 01:46 PM.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
