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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| 2017 G550
Hey guys, I'm a long time overlander who has built a handful of trucks over the years: Land Rover Discovery, Defender 110 NAS, AEV JK
While I have enjoyed them greatly I have always wanted G-Wagen. After seeing the spy photos of the 2018 it seems the the G-Wagen as we know it was coming to a changed end. Earlier this year I placed an order for a white on black 2017 G550 and it's finally here.
I took the liberty of doing a couple mods right off the bat. First off, I was not a fan of the chromed front brush guard that Mercedes forces on us here in the US. I ordered the blanking plates from Four-by-Four and had them painted to match. My dealer did a great job removing the front bumper for me and now it lives wrapped in foam in storage. I also was not a fan of the 19" rims that offered no off road tire options. I changed them for the 18" split 5 spoke rims that came on the 2015 G550. For tires I put on BF Goodrich AT KO2s in stock 265/60R18 size. Lastly I wasn't a fan of the overly delicate rear tire cover, so I removed it and put on the OEM fabric one that ships on the lesser spec models.
Overall I am really happy with the truck. I did tell my self that I would stay away from going overboard with the mods this time and try to stay with a capable but stock look. My only concern is that the tires look a little small on the truck. Am I crazy? They are 30.6" according to BF Goodrich's website. The rear tire cover barely fits over the current size so if I go up in size I'm looking at either modifying it or coming up with a different cover. The trucks stance is also quite good as it is stock so I don't think I am going to look into a lift for now. I guess I'm looking for advise as to where I am now and if I should increase the tire size.
Thanks!
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| Re: 2017 G550
The tyres do look small. I had 285/60 R18s on both a 2005 G55 and a 1999 G500. The OEM fabric cover I got from Fourbyfour Club does fit (tightly) over the 285s. With the 285s you get a wider and taller tyre. |
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| Re: 2017 G550
Can you post photos? Any issues I should expect with electronic ESP or transmission? Any rubbing in full articulation? Remember I have stock suspension. |
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Luky
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia, EU
Vehicle(s): 300GE LWB auto, E320CDI 4M, VW Polo Classic 1.6
Posts: 1062
| Re: 2017 G550
It is possible to set the correct wheel size in the computer so You will avoid the ESP problems. Any (skilled) MB shop should be able to do it.
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=9622&sta...
BTW. when talking about wheels AFAIK even on the new 4.0 biturbo G500/G550 it is still possible to use the military grade 7.5x16 inch 5-spoke alloys (they are part of an offroading packet offered in Europe) so You can choose from a variety of 16 inch offroading tires.
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| Re: 2017 G550
Luky - 12/4/2016 10:41 PM
It is possible to set the correct wheel size in the computer so You will avoid the ESP problems. Any (skilled ) MB shop should be able to do it.
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=9622&sta...
BTW. when talking about wheels AFAIK even on the new 4.0 biturbo G500/G550 it is still possible to use the military grade 7.5x16 inch 5-spoke alloys (they are part of an offroading packet offered in Europe ) so You can choose from a variety of 16 inch offroading tires.
I'm not sure if the new 2017 can be accessed like the older versions to change transmission settings. Do you think I can get away with ever a 265/65R18 which is only 31.5" (1" over stock) without making any modifications. It seems that I have plenty of clearance from rubbing even in full articulation. ESP is really the only question. |
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chinochulo
New user
Date registered: Jan 2016
Location: PNW
Vehicle(s): 2014 G550
Posts: 2
| RE: 2017 G550
They look small because 1) they are BFGs in stock size (I just got BFG KO2s in 275-70-18 for all five wheels for my 2014 G550); 2) your stock fender flares are the AMG size, thereby making wheel spacers necessary in order to "fill the wheel wells". I would also just go nekked on the spare tire cover if you do decide to size up on the tires; I don't think it will look bad. |
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| RE: 2017 G550
Photo attached of my G500 with 285/60 R18s and the OEM tyre cover (under the dust) over the spare of the same size.
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| RE: 2017 G550
MiN - 12/5/2016 8:36 AM
Photo attached of my G500 with 285/60 R18s and the OEM tyre cover (under the dust) over the spare of the same size.
Thanks MiN, alright I have made a desicison and ordered the 265/65R18 BFG AT KO2s. It's only an inch larger then what I have now and shouldn't mess with the ESP and based on your accounts should barely fit the stock cover that I have. I will report back later today with results. |
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DesertStar
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 85-280GE/95-G320/08-G500
Posts: 2156
| Re: 2017 G550
Nice G. Sure looks like the one that was on the dealer lot in Carlsbad last week. The wider fender flares on the 2016 (and newer) G550 do make the tires look smaller in my opinion...it does not take away how fantastic you G looks.
Have fun making it "yours". |
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| Re: 2017 G550
DesertStar - 12/5/2016 2:12 PM
Nice G. Sure looks like the one that was on the dealer lot in Carlsbad last week. The wider fender flares on the 2016 (and newer) G550 do make the tires look smaller in my opinion...it does not take away how fantastic you G looks.
Have fun making it "yours".
Thanks, they are mounting the new rubber as we speak. |
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| RE: 2017 G550
Done. New tire size of 265/65 R18 seems to be a great fit for a stock G550. The 1" (31.6") increase caused no issues with the handling, speedometer, clearance, ESP, or transmission. I like the look much better also.
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HeliNomad
Member
Date registered: Oct 2016
Location: Napa CA
Vehicle(s): 2017 G550
Posts: 7
| RE: 2017 G550
And the rear tire cover fits also.
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: 2017 G550
Nice ride.
The new tires look much better.
I see your front bumper has proximity sensors at the corners, smart move MB.
My wife almost rubbed off the front corner of my truck backing out of the garage..glad I caught it in time.
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: 2017 G550
Min
I see your mud flaps, nice. One of the previous owners of my truck, cut them off with a steak knife, by the looks of it!
After seeing your truck, I think I'm going to replace mine. There presents adds to soften the height of the rear end the stubbiness of the body, after the rear wheels. If that makes sense? |
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thebigblue
Date registered: Jan 2012
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: 2017 G550
Spare-tire-cover seems to be redesigned compared to the earlier versions... |
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| Re: 2017 G550
NHDave, the mud flaps do have a tendency to snap off at the bracket, which may appear like they were cut off with a knife. It happened several times with my Gs. They do 'add' to the look though. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: 2017 G550
Looks great! |
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GwagenLover
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Winston Salem, NC USA 27104
Vehicle(s): 2016 G550 & 2016 GLE350
Posts: 473
| Re: 2017 G550
I'm in the same boat that you were.
First off, I did not like the brush guard.
I ordered the inserts and had them painted to match the bumper which is charcoal dark gray.
I also ordered the emblems that show the "BiTurbo" in chrome.
The dealer checked and said there was only one brush guard in inventory in the US which was $4300.00.
I told them to let me know if they needed on cheaper.
I ordered the formed rubber mat for the cargo area.
I'm in the process of installing a "Pilot" camera on the front windshield.
I miss the storage area under the seats.
I am at a loss as to why MBenz removed them.
I also really liked the fuses located in the left side of the dash which have been relocated too.
I'm courious as to how MBenz can make a 260 cubic inch (4 Liter) engine and get 416 HP out of it.
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: 2017 G550
GwagenLover - 12/16/2016 5:14 AM
I miss the storage area under the seats.
I am at a loss as to why MBenz removed them.
Where do they put the jack, the first aid kit, and the tools? |
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HolsonY
Member
Date registered: Oct 2017
Location: San Francisco
Vehicle(s): 18 G550
Posts: 18
| Re: 2017 G550
This looks great! I have a ‘18 G550 in midnight blue on order and looking to do the same mods minus the wheels and tires plus the amber side markers!
The dealer offered to have the brush guard removed at VPC but I’m going to ask them to remove it so I can either sell it or put it back on in case I need to sell it! I figured there’s got to be a market for one
I think the original size tires looked small because the 16+ come with the wider fenders. |
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