keithwbloom

Active in Audi/VW forums for my own car, I have joined here to keep track of pointers/potential issues for my wife's new (to us) 2009 GL320. We are purchasing from an independent dealer with an extended warranty that should cover us for the next 3 years, however typical wear items are not covered. We do plan to have it serviced regularly at local M-B dealer service center.

Have seen threads on run-flat tire expense, current rubber has >50% depth left. I will be inspecting rotors and pads, but I am not afraid of servicing those parts myself if needed. Anything else I should be considering as we embark on our first journey with a GL?

TIA,

Keith

43221B

I've got the same year and engine. It's a great SUV and one that I think is good to buy used with a warranty. Mine seems to have gotten more reliable the longer I've driven it but I've never had any major issues. Just minor stuff like a key-less go door handle failing to unlock the doors after touching it. The past 20,000 miles or so have been issue free. I would purchase a quart of oil from your dealership and check the level before any long trips because it will use about a quart of oil between oil changes. Purchase the correct oil or it will damage the particulate filter.

This has been discussed many times on this forum, but if you are going on a long trip, you can top off the tank with about 3-4 extra gallons of diesel by slowly dispensing the fuel into the filler neck. Fill it slowly until the fuel comes all the way to the top of the filler neck. The 320/350 doesn't have the emissions equipment on the tank that can be damaged by topping off like the 450 and 550 do. You can get yourself an extra 100 miles of range by doing this. You can easily put 29+ gallons in the tank.

stickygreen

Other than a turbo intake sensor & an airbag sensor (both warranty repairs early on), has had no issues. But I do like having the extended warranty for another 50k.

Things I can remember:
-use Bridgestone Runflats and buy from Discount/Americas tire WITH replacement warranty, as tires can not be repaired if driven on while "flat" for any distance
-buy your AdBlue from VW/Audi (in 2.5 gal jugs) or even cheaper from truck stops or auto parts stores instead of from MB in 1/2 gal bottles. Just make sure it's ISO 22241 (?) approved
-DO NOT close either front door while mirrors are folding in/out as it can throw them off track and cause rubbing on door paint
-Always a good idea to have a spare run flat tire (or even better, wheel/tire combo) in case one does go flat. Nobody stocks them and will often take several days to get a replacement. If you need one, I do have an extra '09 gl320 20" wheel and/or tire that I'd be willing to sell.
-the MB 229.51 spec oil can also be bought at Pep Boys, and for a great price when they have their M1 sales. Mobil 1 5w30 ESP comes in 1 liter bottles, and Mobil 1 5w40 ESP Formula M comes in quarts. Picked up a bunch last black Friday for $5/qt

keithwbloom

Thanks for the responses 43221B and stickygreen.

Just came home with the car for the first time. Wife was very pleased to get an average of 24MPG on the 60 mile trip from the dealer. Super clean, near indistinguishable from brand new. Very excited to join the community in earnest.





Need to get an additional key ASAP, and plan to add a rear-seat DVD entertainment system for the kids. It seems many of these GLs have headrest back DVD systems, but I don't think they are a factory option. So I am researching what is available that works with the Logic 7 head unit.

Cheers!

Keith

Spaipal

Hi everyone,
I live in snowy MN and am considering a 2009 cl320 w/35k. Can anyone attest to long term issues I should be aware of? I like the idea of great mileage with diesel, but want to be sure this is not a bad model year or purchase. Thanks!!

wally AMG

Congrats ! Same color here

KipF

I've had my 2009 for a little over 2 years now and the 2008 for 4 years. Neither has had any issues other than the airmatic problems. The 2009 has had a rear shock replaced, the 2008 has had the air pump replaced. Other than that, no real issues. Both have been superior vehicles (knock on wood).

Keith - my 2009 has factory rear entertainment with DVD players. If I had to do it over again, I would not have bought one with this option. The screens are kinda "in your face" for the back seat passengers. I'd look for something portable for the kids. As far as the run flats, I got rid of mine, upgraded to GL550 wheels/tires and put a plug kit in the back along with a portable air pump. I'd rather plug it and get it to a station for repair than be stuck on the road somewhere with a tire that cannot be patched and have to wait 2 - 3 days to get another run flat. The ride is also much better, even with the low profile tires.

memphis c350

Congrats. Same color and model here.
Bought the wife a 2008 c350 but everyday I'm off she's taking the gl. Her excuse is that it's parked in the back !
No major issues since purchased.