Random Issues - New purchase
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 675
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
2018 GLS 550
Random Issues - New purchase
Hello all, long time member, recently back in a Benz… Picked up a 2018 GLS550 as a daily, and noticed a couple small things that I’d like to figure out.
1) Side Bolsters & Massage Function… Massage seems to be not working, or working but very very weak. I could swear I felt it one day very faintly, but most times, I don’t feel anything. I also tried to adjust the side bolsters, and the first time, they adjusted, and when I got in the car next time, the were at 0 again, so I went in to adjust and as soon as I select any number, it just goes right back to 0 on the display. It seems to be intermittent, but any time I adjust, if it does hold, within a few minutes, I can feel them going back to 0.
2) Very faint clunk in the front end that I can feel in the steering wheel, mainly at low speeds over bumps, or at higher speeds over consecutive smaller bumps. I looked underneath as best I could with the car raised all the way up on a slight incline, and all swaybar ends and tie rod ends seem to be solid, but the car was still on the ground, have not had a chance to get it on a lift yet.
Anyways, still glad to be back in a MB, and it definitely compliments my other toy well… Thanks for the help in advance!
1) Side Bolsters & Massage Function… Massage seems to be not working, or working but very very weak. I could swear I felt it one day very faintly, but most times, I don’t feel anything. I also tried to adjust the side bolsters, and the first time, they adjusted, and when I got in the car next time, the were at 0 again, so I went in to adjust and as soon as I select any number, it just goes right back to 0 on the display. It seems to be intermittent, but any time I adjust, if it does hold, within a few minutes, I can feel them going back to 0.
2) Very faint clunk in the front end that I can feel in the steering wheel, mainly at low speeds over bumps, or at higher speeds over consecutive smaller bumps. I looked underneath as best I could with the car raised all the way up on a slight incline, and all swaybar ends and tie rod ends seem to be solid, but the car was still on the ground, have not had a chance to get it on a lift yet.
Anyways, still glad to be back in a MB, and it definitely compliments my other toy well… Thanks for the help in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 33
From: Aubrey, TX
GLS550, GLE450 Coupe
What is your mileage? Chances are good that you may be due for lower ball joints.
The first thing I would do after an oil change and air filter change is get it to a reputable independent euro repair shop for a four-wheel alignment. I would have them set the rear camber as close to zero as possible and have them advise about ball joints at that time.
Welcome back!
The first thing I would do after an oil change and air filter change is get it to a reputable independent euro repair shop for a four-wheel alignment. I would have them set the rear camber as close to zero as possible and have them advise about ball joints at that time.
Welcome back!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 675
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
2018 GLS 550
What is your mileage? Chances are good that you may be due for lower ball joints.
The first thing I would do after an oil change and air filter change is get it to a reputable independent euro repair shop for a four-wheel alignment. I would have them set the rear camber as close to zero as possible and have them advise about ball joints at that time.
Welcome back!
The first thing I would do after an oil change and air filter change is get it to a reputable independent euro repair shop for a four-wheel alignment. I would have them set the rear camber as close to zero as possible and have them advise about ball joints at that time.
Welcome back!
Since you’re close to me, any recommendations on a shop? Was thinking Modern Mercedes?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 33
From: Aubrey, TX
GLS550, GLE450 Coupe
Hey johnny--2k, I haven't been to Modern Mercedes. I purchased pre-paid maintenance for my GLS550 when I bought it, *and* I purchased the CPO Extended Warranty at that time. So, mostly I've just taken the car to Mercedes Benz of Plano and they've been great.
I did use Denton European (as I'm outside of Denton in Aubrey) to do the 4-wheel alignment. I did that because I couldn't get MB of Plano to deviate from factory camber specs on the back wheels. I wanted them as near to vertical as possible (camber is adjustable on the 550) so I used an independent shop to get it done the way I wanted. It is not eating back tires now.
You might consider Fifth Gear Automotive. I've had them do work on other cars in the past and they are very good; more expensive than most but very good as well. All of that said, your Modern Mercedes shop sounds like a good solution for you.
I did use Denton European (as I'm outside of Denton in Aubrey) to do the 4-wheel alignment. I did that because I couldn't get MB of Plano to deviate from factory camber specs on the back wheels. I wanted them as near to vertical as possible (camber is adjustable on the 550) so I used an independent shop to get it done the way I wanted. It is not eating back tires now.
You might consider Fifth Gear Automotive. I've had them do work on other cars in the past and they are very good; more expensive than most but very good as well. All of that said, your Modern Mercedes shop sounds like a good solution for you.
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 150
Likes: 23
2017 GLS450, 2013 GL450, RIP 2011 GL450 (totalled)
I'm having this same problem. Links are new and lower control arms replaced in 2020. Trying to nail it down with some silicon spray. I sprayed sway bar bushing first and it didn't help. Just sprayed the upper control arm bushings and ball joints and will see if that leads me anywhere...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 675
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
2018 GLS 550
Hey johnny--2k, I haven't been to Modern Mercedes. I purchased pre-paid maintenance for my GLS550 when I bought it, *and* I purchased the CPO Extended Warranty at that time. So, mostly I've just taken the car to Mercedes Benz of Plano and they've been great.
I did use Denton European (as I'm outside of Denton in Aubrey) to do the 4-wheel alignment. I did that because I couldn't get MB of Plano to deviate from factory camber specs on the back wheels. I wanted them as near to vertical as possible (camber is adjustable on the 550) so I used an independent shop to get it done the way I wanted. It is not eating back tires now.
You might consider Fifth Gear Automotive. I've had them do work on other cars in the past and they are very good; more expensive than most but very good as well. All of that said, your Modern Mercedes shop sounds like a good solution for you.
I did use Denton European (as I'm outside of Denton in Aubrey) to do the 4-wheel alignment. I did that because I couldn't get MB of Plano to deviate from factory camber specs on the back wheels. I wanted them as near to vertical as possible (camber is adjustable on the 550) so I used an independent shop to get it done the way I wanted. It is not eating back tires now.
You might consider Fifth Gear Automotive. I've had them do work on other cars in the past and they are very good; more expensive than most but very good as well. All of that said, your Modern Mercedes shop sounds like a good solution for you.
Thanks! I have no issue coming up to Denton, have friends in Aubrey/Prosper anyways so I'm up there a few times a month at least. I will look them up and ask about the alignment specifically. I noticed camber is heavy when down in sport mode, which I like to drive in more often than not, so would def like that adjusted asap.
