Mercedes-Benz GLS Transfer Box Replacement Parts

Yes, every GLS has a transfer box as standard because the GLS is exclusively a four-wheel-drive vehicle in all variants sold in the UK — there is no rear-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive option. The transfer box is part of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system and is present regardless of whether the vehicle is petrol, diesel, or hybrid. This means you won't need to check which drivetrain variant you have, but you will need to confirm your engine code to find the right unit.

The first-generation GLS (X166) ran from 2016 to 2019, and the second-generation GLS (X167) launched for 2020, so a 2017 and a 2020 GLS are entirely different platforms with different transfer box designs. A unit from an X166 is very unlikely to be compatible with an X167, and you should not attempt to cross that boundary without confirming against your registration with the breaker. Always supply your engine code and full VIN when requesting a quote.

Within the X166 generation (2016–2019) and within the X167 generation (2020 onwards), engine code is the primary fitment factor, and the same engine code fitted throughout a generation should broadly correspond to the same transfer box unit. However, Mercedes can make ancillary and mounting changes mid-production without a formal facelift, so you should confirm the exact unit against your registration with the breaker rather than assuming any same-generation unit is a guaranteed match. Providing your engine code from the V5 or a VIN check gives the breaker the best chance of finding the correct part.

Yes, fuel type affects fitment because different engines produce different torque outputs and may use different transfer box specifications, even within the same generation. For example, a 3.0-litre diesel engine (engine codes such as OM656) and a 4.0-litre petrol V8 (engine code M176) will not share the same transfer box. Always confirm your engine code rather than relying on badge or fuel type alone, as the engine code is the single most reliable detail a breaker needs.

Trim level alone does not determine transfer box fitment on the GLS — the trim name (AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, or the full AMG 63) is largely a cosmetic and equipment distinction rather than a mechanical one, with the exception that the AMG 63 uses a different high-output engine and will require a transfer box matched to that specific engine code. For non-AMG 63 variants, two vehicles with the same engine code but different trim levels should share the same transfer box specification. Confirm your engine code with the breaker regardless of trim, and note that the AMG 63 unit is a distinct part.

Whether a replacement transfer box requires any ECU pairing, software adaptation, or immobiliser coding on your specific GLS is something you must confirm directly with the breaker or a Mercedes-specialist installer before purchasing. This varies and is not something that can be stated as a blanket rule, so it is important to raise it at the point of getting your quote. Factor any potential coding costs into your budget when comparing prices from breakers.