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I've had the pleasure of driving an X166 GL450 for about two years which served me very well. But since I've had acquired a W221 S550 which I'm ecstatic about! Driving it is a true luxury. It was a great find sitting at 49k miles and pristine service records - the suspension still feels new and the interior is almost flawless!
The vehicle is not fully equipped to my likings, but given the platform is very well built and designed, retrofitting is fairly easy! I hope to share my personal findings with others in the future! I'm not exactly sure what is standard, but my vehicle came with Dynamic Seats, Airmatic suspension, Adaptive headlights, Parktronic sensors and even an aftermarket remote starter that works with the original key!
Having an automotive background, I do all my repairs and maintenance myself, given there's no fabrication involved.
Prior to purchase of the W221 I found out the steering wheel height adjustment motor was inoperable - it was fixed easily by gaining access to the steering column and assisting the height adjustment motor with a wrench while operating it, which got it moving and works perfectly now.
Although I did end up purchasing a $70 second hand steering column from eBay (instead of just the motor itself @ $300!) as I was planning on using it as a donor, assisting the original motor got it working again.
I acquired a VXDIAG SE for the Mercedes platform to assist with diagnostics, which gave me access to plenty of useful information and I would highly recommend such tool for others tinkerers as well (unsure of forum rules permit directly sharing such tools.).
Since the purchase I've completed an oil change (Forgot the Blackstone lab test kit - Will share findings next oil change!) and a spark plug change, come to find out my whole Bank 1 has oil on the plug threads... In addition the filter housing appears to be seeping, hoping to document it well and share my work!
I have added a storage box under the front seats since they discontinued their implementation back in '09 - while it is a very quick install, I can add that maybe one of the reasons they were discontinued, was the fact that it is very easy to accidently kick it open. Regardless, I'm keeping them.
I did bite the bullet and replace my rear muffler sections with ones from a '09 S65!
It does sound amazing and will share some videos down the road once the install is finished. I was provided information that the exhaust will be a direct bolt on replacement, but the fact that the diffusers don't match was left out. I have a proper diffuser coming my way, as well as replacement tips to match my likings!
I am planning on adding some features to the vehicle, such as Blind spot assist, a fridge retrofit and a somewhat inconspicuous dash camera. I really love to keep things as original and sleek looking as possible and stay away from aftermarket options that stand out from the general design of the vehicle.
There are some options of the dashcams that appear to be molded around the OEM mirror cover, curious to see if anyone has had any experience with their install and quality.
I have gathered most of the information and part numbers for the Blind spot feature, but since the vehicle does not have Distronic option which is used to communicate the blind spot sensor data, I am still researching the retrofit and will share with the final outcomes.
Looking forward to gaining knowledge from the rest of the forum! Impromptu tow! Friend had no tow hook but the GL Handled it perfectly! Roughly ~2,500 lbs tow was very smooth! Solar windows with a 35 Tint makes the windows look mirror finish - absolutely love it! First picture I took of it S65 Muffler section first fit - Ignore the dirty tips!
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new member here. I have a 98 c230 in Kentucky with 115k miles.
im curious what do I need to do to be able to PM someone on here? I’m trying to inquire about a body kit someone posted here.
R231 M279 SL65 AMG; '70 Cuda B convertible; FJR1300; CBX1000, GPz1100, GS1100ES ('Busa)...
Used car warranty recommendations & experiences?
Hi, Jim in SoCal. Just received our amazing new (for us) dream car. Everything seems to work and I'd like to keep it that way.
I'm looking for recommendations (whether) to purchase a used car warranty based on your experience (I believe its called exclusionary coverage?) for my 2014 SL65 43k mi.
Thanks,
Last edited by droptail; 03-29-2023 at 06:12 PM.
Reason: deleted my chassis # in title as not a model specific question
Just acquired this car for longer road trips - computer says I got 37 mpg on a 220 mile drive. Loving it so far - should I just follow the computer for maintinence? Says I need next service A1 in 8700 miles...
I live in France and I have owned several models of Mercedes-Benz including the 126, 124, 203, and currently the 168, 163, and 215.
It's difficult to find the right tutorials and explanations in France, so I often look to MBworld for mechanical information.
And now i Register
I'm finally in a position I can own a MB car. It's not much but I literally fell in love with a CLA200. Should be here next week and I really can't wait
Just purchased my first Mercedes. 2009 GL550 X164. Loving it and I've already learned how to trick the air ride for a permanent lift and fit some big tires on it (cutting involved).
I've already learned a ton from the fantastic forum members.
Just purchased my first Mercedes. 2009 GL550 X164. Loving it and I've already learned how to trick the air ride for a permanent lift and fit some big tires on it (cutting involved).
I've already learned a ton from the fantastic forum members.
I really like this. I have been looking at Cayenne's and Range Rover Sport's to do a lift kit on but seeing this makes me want to add this to the group. Would you mind sharing with me where you purchased the lift kit and also the trick you mention? Feel free to message me privately about it. Thanks in advance for any help.
Found the time to finally join the family here on the forum.
Bought my 1st Mercedes here back in 11/2021...with 43k miles on the odo, off a 2nd hand dealer, after a 15 minute pre-purchase inspection by my independent Subie shop. Car was clean as a Boomer old time whistle despite being originally sold & driven for the 1st year in NJ.
After 15 months and 34k miles, this car continues to impress me and my passengers. Since I'm a former or reformed (or turncoat) Turbo Subie owner, I tend to pay extra attention to things like oil changes, waiting for the car to fully warm up b4 exercising (just like me).
My Dad had a few MBs (2001 E55, 1986 300E), so I probably have it in my DNA somehow to wind up with an AMG Winter set up: Konig Rennform 18"s with Michelin CrossClimates.
Found the time to finally join the family here on the forum.
Bought my 1st Mercedes here back in 11/2021...with 43k miles on the odo, off a 2nd hand dealer, after a 15 minute pre-purchase inspection by my independent Subie shop. Car was clean as a Boomer old time whistle despite being originally sold & driven for the 1st year in NJ.
After 15 months and 34k miles, this car continues to impress me and my passengers. Since I'm a former or reformed (or turncoat) Turbo Subie owner, I tend to pay extra attention to things like oil changes, waiting for the car to fully warm up b4 exercising (just like me).
My Dad had a few MBs (2001 E55, 1986 300E), so I probably have it in my DNA somehow to wind up with an AMG
Winter set up: Konig Rennform 18"s with Michelin CrossClimates.
Welcome and thanks for the intro and the pic. Looks great! Congratulations
Just bought a 2013 SL550, first MB for me, so I have a lot to learn! I would like to add Apple CarPlay and am looking for input as to what others have found.