Hidden features and retrofits for the Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS (X166) 2012–2019
38 features for the Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS (X166) 2012–2019: what it does, duration and price from. Workshop in Waddinxveen, remote across the Netherlands.
Final compatibility is confirmed at diagnosis.
Display 7
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto activation
Your phone on the car screen via the USB cable: navigation, music and messages in a familiar layout.
Depends on the infotainment type; we check this first.
Condition: GLS 2015+ NTG5 only (sibling of listed platform)
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Change units (kW/hp, bar/psi, °C)
Power, tyre pressure, temperature and consumption are shown in the units you are used to, for example on an imported car.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Range countdown down to 0 km
The remaining-range display counts down to 0 km instead of stopping earlier, giving a more honest picture. It is a display change only.
Display only; the fuel warning stays active. Do not deliberately run the tank empty.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Infotainment start-up logo
Choose a different start-up screen for the infotainment system, for example the logo of a sporty version or of the sound system.
Display only; nothing changes technically.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Skip MBUX legal disclaimer
Shorten or skip the MBUX or COMAND start / legal disclaimer. Mercedes W205 W213 W177.
Checked at diagnosisPrice on request
Needle sweep at start-up
At start-up the speedometer and rev counter needles sweep fully out and back once, just like on sports cars.
Only visible with analogue gauges.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Video in motion
Videos and images from a USB stick or SD card stay visible on the screen while the car is moving, so the passenger can watch.
For the passenger only. The driver must not watch video while driving.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Lighting 5
Ambient lighting setup
More colours and your own brightness for the mood lighting in the doors and dashboard, selectable on the infotainment screen.
Only if ambient lighting is fitted from the factory.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Coming home follow-me-home time
After you get out, the lights stay on longer or switch on automatically so you can reach the front door safely. A wider time range becomes available in the menu.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Tail lights with DRL – adjust
The tail lights come on together with the daytime running lights, so you are more visible from behind at dusk and in rain.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minAgreed in the workshop
Mirror ground lights when folded
The ground lights under the mirrors can also work when the mirrors are folded, or together with the rest of the entry lighting.
Only if the mirrors have these lamps.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Longer blue welcome light in headlamps
The blue welcome light in the LED headlamps stays on longer after unlocking, up to about 25 seconds.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
632 · 642
Likely15 minPrice on request
Comfort 4
Air suspension: adjust ride height
The standard ride height of the air suspension is set slightly lower within factory limits, for a tighter look.
After adjustment we check headlight aim; an alignment may be needed.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis30 minPrice on request
Comfort-indicator flash count
A short tap on the indicator stalk gives the number of flashes you prefer, for example five instead of three when changing lanes.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Close windows when it rains
If a window or the sunroof is left open while the car is parked and locked, the car closes it automatically as soon as the rain sensor detects rain.
Only works with a rain sensor; we check this first.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Rear wiper in reverse
Choose whether the rear wiper sweeps automatically when the front wipers are on and you select reverse, or not.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Convenience 3
Open fuel cap warning
The instrument cluster warns you when the fuel cap is not closed properly after refuelling.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Start-stop – remember last setting
The car remembers whether you had switched the start-stop system off, so you do not need to press the button on every trip. The final setting is agreed together.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minAgreed in the workshop
Close power tailgate with the key
The power tailgate also closes via the key or with one press of the inside button, without the ignition on.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
881 · 890
Checked at diagnosis30 minPrice on request
Access 1
Alarm and interior monitoring settings
Adjusts the alarm or interior monitoring, for example if you often leave a pet in the car or use a car wash.
Check your insurance conditions first.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Audio 1
DAB+ digital radio retrofit
The radio gains DAB+ for clear digital reception and more stations, fully operated through the original system.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
537 · E1D
Checked at diagnosis120 minPrice on request
Sound 2
Acoustic lock confirmation
A short tone when locking and/or unlocking confirms that the car really is locked.
Requires alarm siren or suitable horn.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
Reverse-gear beep off
Removes the short beep when you select reverse; the parking sensors keep working as normal.
Only with factory parking sensors.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minPrice on request
Climate 1
Parking heater with remote control
The parking heater can be started by remote control, so in winter you get into a warm, ice-free vehicle.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
B24 · HY1 · H12
Checked at diagnosis120 minPrice on request
Assistance 3
Lane assist – remember last setting
Preferably the car remembers whether lane assist was on or off when you switched off. Other variants are discussed in the workshop.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minAgreed in the workshop
Speed Limit Assist – adjust
Cruise control can adopt the recognised speed limit after confirming with one press of a button. We discuss in the workshop what suits your car.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
5AT
Checked at diagnosis15 minAgreed in the workshop
Traffic-sign recognition coding
The camera behind the windscreen reads speed signs and shows the current limit in the instrument cluster and on the screen.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minAgreed in the workshop
Safety 1
Seatbelt reminder – adjust
The seatbelt reminder can be set differently, for example for work where you often get in and out briefly. We discuss which setting suits you in the workshop.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely15 minAgreed in the workshop
Performance 4
AMG menu and performance screens in MBUX
MBUX gets the AMG performance pages with a g-force meter, engine data and power display. Useful to see what the car is doing.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely30 minPrice on request
Remember driving profile
The car starts in the last chosen driving profile instead of always in Comfort or Eco.
According to sources, Go-Kart mode cannot be chosen as the default.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minPrice on request
ESP Sport / handling mode Mercedes
Code ESP Sport or a sharper handling line. Not a public-road safety delete.
Checked at diagnosisPrice on request
Exhaust flap behaviour
Opening and closing of the exhaust flap follows the chosen driving profile more clearly, for example quieter in Comfort.
We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop; you sign for it at intake.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis15 minAgreed in the workshop
Retrofit 6
Blind spot assist retrofit
Radar sensors behind the bumper warn with a symbol in the mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
234 · JA7
Checked at diagnosis360 minPrice on request
CarPlay and Android Auto via interface
For the original iDrive system we fit a module so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work on the original screen with the existing controls.
Condition: GL (pre-2015) NTG4.5/4.7 head unit (sibling of listed platform)
Likely90 minPrice on request
Upgrade to a newer infotainment unit
The older NTG5 system is replaced by a newer head unit with modern functions such as smartphone integration.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis240 minPrice on request
Rear-view camera retrofit
A genuine rear-view camera with guidelines on the infotainment screen, coded as if fitted at the factory.
Price and feasibility after checking your equipment.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely120 minPrice on request
Facelift steering wheel retrofit
The newer steering wheel with touch controls is fitted, with airbag and wheel controls coded correctly.
Condition: Sibling platform of those named in sources; confirm on diagnosis
Likely120 minPrice on request
Tow bar fitting and coding
A tow bar is fitted and coded so trailer lighting, stability control and parking sensors recognise the trailer.
Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis
Checked at diagnosis240 minPrice on request
Services 1
Workshop services for the same Build. Without a price: price on request.