MAXHO

Looking to buy 07' 08' GL. Start looking at some in my area. After checking car fax report walking away from all of them. Nothing but repairs, replacements, adjustments listed on trucks that have 30k to 60 k miles. And most of them same issues over and over. Example: right signal bulb, power staring, pulling to the right. Are those trucks really that bad?

aggst1

I have owned three other MBs prior to my current 2011 GL450. All of them experienced various small nuisance electrical problems that where covered by warranty. After the warranty expired they became expensive to repair when needed, but they were completely worth it since all where quite reliable. I only experienced a few problems over the years. The jury is still out on the GL since I bought it 6 months ago but having owned a R500 and ML350 before I suspect the GL will be similar if not better in reliability given they share platform etc..

A 07 or 08 will be just out of warranty, so prepare yourself for some hefty repair bills down the road in addition to scheduled maintenance.

MAXHO

I have 03 e500, and small stuff not big concern- can fix it myself. But engine, trany etc those are big $$$$ items. I think GL base on ML, so they should have same problems. Different suspention and engine though.

JimBarnhart

I've been on this forum for quite a few years now. I'm not the most active member, but I don check fairly often. I bought a 2007 GL450 in October of 2007. Over the years on this forum it seems like the issues are usually fairly minor. There have been some issues with transmission not shifting (I've seen this myself 2 times). I can't remember many engine issues. Suspension issues tend to be more common.

I believe there have been two GL's that were 'lemon lawed' on this forum.

My assessment based upon my own experience and what I've seen and remembered on this forum would be in line with aggst1. I think many have some nuisance issues. I don't see any high occurrence transmission or engine issues.

Since you've had an MB you know that repairs are expensive.

ferrariyellow44

My ML, which is very similar to the GL, had a couple of gearbox not shifting issues. And it needed a new power steering pump. Aside from that, the drive train and suspension was flawless. Granted the GL has air suspension and my ML didnt so there may be issues there.

KipF

I have an 08 and an 09 GL, both diesels. The 08 has about 70K on it and the 09 about 30K. No issues at all with the 08 and I've only had to change a rear air spring on the 09, aside from regular scheduled maintenance. They have both been very reliable vehicles.

captivabenz

My 07 320 has 64,000 mi and has not had any of the issues that some on this forum have mentioned. It has been reliable and a joy to ride on long trips. However, I did not purchase an extended warranty and have my fingers crossed.
Tires have only lasted 30,000 miles and I am still with my original brakes and battery.
My dealer is desparate to purchase my vehicle when I order the 13 model, but I will see what the trade in value is.
Just a positive response among the negative ones...