Yes, I've searched the web and this forum and have come to the conclusion that no equipment exists for serious off roading with the GLK other than the MB skid plates that are not available in the US. I'm looking for:

1. winch bumper
2. skid plates
3. lift kit-only an inch or so

It was easy to raise our 2001 ML430 just with larger tires, got an additional 1.5" with the largest Michelin Latitude X-Ice available for the 17" wheels. It appears that the largest 19" X-Ice is only going to provide about 12mm (more research required on my part).

There are several areas in Utah and Colorado that we'd like to go which are risky without a winch. Been trying to find someone selling the ARB winch bumper (no longer made) off their ML without any luck.

Sure I could go back to Toyota LandCruisers but they get terrible fuel economy, the seats are uncomfortable and they lack legroom for a tall driver. (Don't get me going on how Toyota short tracks their front seats, my son's Subaru Imprezza has more legroom than a 4Runner, LandCruiser or Sequoia. Unlike in the 80's, their seats are no longer comfortable either.)

If we can't do serious offroading, there isn't much point for us to buy a GLK; might as well buy a Subaru Outback and save $20,000.

 

Why don't you go for a G ?

 

Twice the price.
Twice the fuel consumption.
In the USA, they are Hollywood cruisers. The true offroad versions are not sold here.

 

Buy a Subaru.

 

Nice Photo shop though...



This one looks more promising...

 

Ruination of a good vehicle.

 

One can get TUV certified 17" wheels for the GLK from TR. You'll have to do your research on tires that fit your needs.

We in the US do not have the options the rest of the world has for the GLK( or the G for that matter.) As far as GLK off roading there are two buttons mentioned in the OM to raise the vehicle and allow limited off roading that are blank in the US model.

Did you have skid plates on your 2001 ML430?

I would not consider the Outback as a serious off roader but we also have a G.

 

This is what the builders of this one had to say, and it doesn't seem that hard or expensive to do...

While the other specialists in the competition opted to lower the GLK's ride height and increase wheel size for visual or performance reasons, Legendary realized, in order to achieve the go-anywhere character of the Rock Crawler, ride height would have to be increased by 1.5 inches and wheel size would have to go down.

The GLK comes as standard wîth 19-inch wheels but, working wîth National Four Wheel Drive, Legendary selected 18-inch Jesse James Black-Widow rims for added all-terrain toughness and to incorporate the extra rubber on the Toyo Open Country AT mudder tires. Meanwhile, ride height was increased wîth custom-made spacers on the lower control arm at the rear and billet aluminum spacers at the front.

 

Sorry for the slow response.

No, do not have skid plates on our 2001 ML430 though we have ruined and removed most of the plastic under body pieces. The large X-ICE tires gave it just enough extra clearance (over an inch) to go where we want to go without scraping.

Now however there are some places in Arizona and Utah where it is risky to go without a winch so we'd like to install one on preferably a GLK Diesel (not yet purchased) or on the ML430 and have not had any luck finding a winch setup for either.

I did understand that the Subaru suggestion was a joke.

We could go with a 4-runner or a Lex-runner but they are so primitive, uncomfortable, lacking in legroom and inefficient. They are worse all the way around compared to my 2001 ML and have nothing on a modern ML or GLK. Not counting that they are bigger on the outside and smaller on the inside, shades of Detroit.

 

A Jeep it ain't...

 

No way a 2½ ton vehicle with wheels, can ever be a serious off roader.

 

Actually it's better to buy a GLK 350 4matick. I bought my 2010 for 10K with 90K miles on it. I could not touch a similar age and mileage subaru for that. These rigs are so cheap in the after market. I'm adding a set of strut spacers to gain a bit of lift. As far as bigger tires, the spring perch on the struts limit the diameter of the wheel. Largest you can go is 235/65/17 on a 17 inch rim. I've got some cheap black steelies I'll be adding this spring.
These rigs are so cheap now it's easy to get one and play with. There is a growing movement to change their image from street rollers to trail rigs.

 

Have to disagree, the 350 lacks enough torque for off road use. It will just get stuck on steep hills or sandy rutted roads. If it had a low range, but it doesn't. For serious off road on the cheap with a Mercedes, then (at least in the US), the ML430 can't be beat. 31" tires fit without a lift kit (33" of one can find the ARB 2" lift kit). With low range, it runs out of traction long before it runs out of power.

If one is patient and hunts around on CraigsList and eBay, MLs (thru 2002) can be found fully tricked out with the ARB gear: lift kit, winch bumper and skid plates.

 

 

I may be the greater fool here, just bought 2010 350 with 179k miles got $8400. Still in better shape and better driving than 2017 Subies priced at $23k. I plan at least change to 17" tires. A good friend who rebuilds cars from bare metal opined that if I follow maintenance manuals, these will run "forever".

How did your mods work out? (For all posts)

 

I don't think these modern cars are as over-engineered as the Mercedes of the past and forever is a long time. However, I am certain that if you start off roading your GLK forever will come a lot sooner than later. These vehicles are designed as road cars.

 

Agree with both points. LIGHT "off roading" only, and only to get to a destination, not as a hobby to rip thru trails. For more, I'll get an FJ or old Cherokee.

 

What do you now drive?

 

Right there with you walrusmt

 

2010 Legacy, a couple of Chevy Cruze, 2010 glk (in 18 months I’ve changed motor mounts twice, new alternator, door lock, thermostat, front axles, and theft lockout box behind steering wheels - all normal repairs for a Mercedes I think)

 

Hi walrusmt,
thanks for the reply. Your level of trail driving is what i am seeking to do. I liked you mods, "I'm adding a set of strut spacers to gain a bit of lift. As far as bigger tires, the spring perch on the struts limit the diameter of the wheel. Largest you can go is 235/65/17 on a 17 inch rim. I've got some cheap black steelies I'll be adding this spring." How have your mods worked out? And what was the approximate cost?

 

I ultimately did not go with the strut spacers. There were other repairs that took over. Instead I am going with 4 wheels from a 2004 ML. These take 275/55/r17 tires - which are just under the max diameter of 29 inches. Note that I said I "am" going. The car has been typically unreliable - new thermostat, engine mounts, brakes, power steering, alternator, door locks - all have failed and taken time. I'm not able to do many mods because of the reliability issues.

Price for the wheels and tires and new tps is just under $700 thanks to craigslist, walmart.com and ebay.

Cheers,

 

OUCH!! My sympathies. Hope you have a trusted mechanic. Maybe I can offer a tip on preventing a problem, specifically, tires. What tires are you planning to get? I have read that heavy tires like Goodrich KO2's add weight that lowers gas mileage and can stress the transmission. There is good article in Outside magazine, discussing Falken Wildpeak A/T's. They were specifically commissioned by Toyota for their RAV4 Adventure crossover, and are a great option for this class of vehicles.

 

Also, are the ML wheels similar in weight to the stock GLK wheels? Great tip on 29" max diameter, thanks!!

 

Here is short video with good suggestions on which products are good ads for our adventure mobiles in develI thought Ithe value topment.
I thought the value was in the product reviews
https://www.outsideonline.com/240599...-road-upgrades