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I just purchased a 2017 GLS450 4Matic with 40k miles on it, and love it!
However, I would like to upgrade the front/rear bumpers and fender flares with either the GLS63 or GLS550 parts. They will be accompanied with 21” or 22” wheels.
On eBay I see tons of GLS63 kits but no GLS550. I’m not sure the best place to purchase the 550 parts. My knee-jerk is to go with the 550 parts. Any thoughts comments suggestions opinions appreciated! My car GLS63 GLS550
Used car price difference between a 450 and 550 with similar low mileage is only about 8K-10k. A bargain considering they were about 25k apart brand new.
After what you are ready to spend, why not just get a 550? It is a night and day improvement in driving experience and standard options than the 450. To upgrade to decent 21"/22" wheels tires alone you’re looking at about $3500 which probably won’t even ride that well since the 550 has Adaptive Damping shocks and wider front track which the 450 does not which is why the 550 drives sportier and handles better and the 21" low profiles were fitted with the 550 and the 20" with the 450.
Used car price difference between a 450 and 550 with similar low mileage is only about 8K-10k. A bargain considering they were about 25k apart brand new.
After what you are ready to spend, why not just get a 550? It is a night and day improvement in driving experience and standard options than the 450. To upgrade to decent 21"/22" wheels tires alone you’re looking at about $3500 which probably won’t even ride that well since the 550 has Adaptive Damping shocks and wider front track which the 450 does not which is why the 550 drives sportier and handles better and the 21" low profiles were fitted with the 550 and the 20" with the 450.
Totally understand that perspective and I do appreciate the feedback. However, we just bought the 450 and aren’t selling it anytime soon. Also, we picked the 450 for various reasons- one of which is the reliability over the 550. I’ve changed the wheels on every vehicle I’ve ever bought so I don’t sweat that part.
Understood. Yea the engine of the 550 could put you in a different segment of maintenance/ reliability. I bought my 550 CPO and extended it an additional 2 years so right now I’m not worried about it I’m just enjoying the experience. If changing the looks of your 450 is important to you and will not set you back too much then go for it. However I’m a fan of letting a 450 be a 450, keeping it stock and enjoying the comfortable ride of the 19"/20" tires which can last 40,000+ miles vs replacing the low profile 21/22" tires every 15,000-20,000 miles which also will most likely be a rougher ride.
Also, if your on Facebook you probably will get more activity on your posts by joining the GLS Enthusiasts group.
I voted other in the hopes that Ebay has a bumper that fits your car. Seems like I recall these bumpers won't fit the 450. I'm not sure how you would handle the wheel flares since the bumper has it as apart of the front pumber. Seems like I read there are other parts that won't fit.
I voted other in the hopes that Ebay has a bumper that fits your car. Seems like I recall these bumpers won't fit the 450. I'm not sure how you would handle the wheel flares since the bumper has it as apart of the front pumber. Seems like I read there are other parts that won't fit.
I found several full kits made compatible with the 450. The wheel flares are included, and they just mount onto the fenders. The 450/550 body may be a little more similar than you think.
Understood. Yea the engine of the 550 could put you in a different segment of maintenance/ reliability. I bought my 550 CPO and extended it an additional 2 years so right now I’m not worried about it I’m just enjoying the experience. If changing the looks of your 450 is important to you and will not set you back too much then go for it. However I’m a fan of letting a 450 be a 450, keeping it stock and enjoying the comfortable ride of the 19"/20" tires which can last 40,000+ miles vs replacing the low profile 21/22" tires every 15,000-20,000 miles which also will most likely be a rougher ride.
Also, if you’re on Facebook you probably will get more activity on your posts by joining the GLS Enthusiasts group.
Yeah sadly the Facebook groups have a LOT more activity than this sub—forum.
I run 22’s on both my SUV’s in my opinion these vehicles are too large for 20’s. I just put 22’s on my 450 and they look fantastic. I may hold off on the body kit for a while. It’s only a couple grand + a few grand for paint/body. I’ll think on it.
10-16-2022, 10:34 PM
