2015 GL 450 starter replacement
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 4
GL450
2015 GL 450 starter replacement
My starter seems to be going bad, so need to replace it.
All info I can find in the Internet is for the V8, but this is the 3.0L turbo V6.
I took a look, and seems like no way this is coming out from underneath (in contrast to the V8).
I think the following is what is going to be needed:
* Disconnect battery.
* Remove plastic stuff from top of engine.
* Remove passenger side turbo charge pipe.
* Detension drive belt.
* Disconnect alternator and move out of the way.
* Remove engine mount heat shield.
* Remove starter heat shield.
* Remove starter from above and install new.
* Put everything back.
Hopefully can get to the starter and get it out from above after removing the two heat shields, but not 100% sure.
Had anyone done this? I’ve replaced the engine mounts from above, and I think some of the steps are similar in terms of getting access.
All info I can find in the Internet is for the V8, but this is the 3.0L turbo V6.
I took a look, and seems like no way this is coming out from underneath (in contrast to the V8).
I think the following is what is going to be needed:
* Disconnect battery.
* Remove plastic stuff from top of engine.
* Remove passenger side turbo charge pipe.
* Detension drive belt.
* Disconnect alternator and move out of the way.
* Remove engine mount heat shield.
* Remove starter heat shield.
* Remove starter from above and install new.
* Put everything back.
Hopefully can get to the starter and get it out from above after removing the two heat shields, but not 100% sure.
Had anyone done this? I’ve replaced the engine mounts from above, and I think some of the steps are similar in terms of getting access.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
CLK55amg CL600Renntech GL320BT
I have a Bluetec 3.0 I just did this job.... your making it harder on yourself that it is. Starting from the top:
Remove the beauty cover
Remove Strut support bar
Remove 10mm bolts and nut securing clearance pan at firewall
Loosen fasteners removing one and lift out pass side air filter box
Disconnect neg battery cable and secure it
Remove the 16mm bolt holding the heat shield for the motor mount. Using a flex headed ratchet with a 45 degree bend to loosen it, I found working it in behind the alternator gives you the leverage to get it loose. Then you will need a short stubby 3/8 preferably flex headed ratchet to remove it, a wrench will not fit due to the contours of the shield. Getting the shield out of the way is the main obstacle. Most book time requires you to drop the Catalytic convertor, to get to he 16 mm bolt, the key is the tools listed above.
Underneath the vehicle remove the 6 10mm bolts holding the shield or just the three passenger side bolts
I then used a swivel and assorted extensions to achieve a straight shot at the two E14 bolts securing the starter
Once loose rotate the starter towards the wheel to remove the 10mm starter connection then pop the plastic cap off the main 12v connection under it is a 13mm nut.
Pull the starter forward, it will literally fall out from underneath. Hope this helps....
Remove the beauty cover
Remove Strut support bar
Remove 10mm bolts and nut securing clearance pan at firewall
Loosen fasteners removing one and lift out pass side air filter box
Disconnect neg battery cable and secure it
Remove the 16mm bolt holding the heat shield for the motor mount. Using a flex headed ratchet with a 45 degree bend to loosen it, I found working it in behind the alternator gives you the leverage to get it loose. Then you will need a short stubby 3/8 preferably flex headed ratchet to remove it, a wrench will not fit due to the contours of the shield. Getting the shield out of the way is the main obstacle. Most book time requires you to drop the Catalytic convertor, to get to he 16 mm bolt, the key is the tools listed above.
Underneath the vehicle remove the 6 10mm bolts holding the shield or just the three passenger side bolts
I then used a swivel and assorted extensions to achieve a straight shot at the two E14 bolts securing the starter
Once loose rotate the starter towards the wheel to remove the 10mm starter connection then pop the plastic cap off the main 12v connection under it is a 13mm nut.
Pull the starter forward, it will literally fall out from underneath. Hope this helps....
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
From: So Fla
2016 GL450
Hi domehead100; were you able to replace your starter? I have a 2016 gl450 but all info I'm able to find is about the x164. Did you end up doing it from above or below? Any tips are greatly appreciated!
