prospect131

How is everyone doing?

I am looking into getting a used 2011 GL450 4matic. I wanted to get some of your input on this vehicle. I would really like it if owners of this particular year and model could comment on their experience with this model. Any insite into common problems and reliablility issues would be greatly appreciated.
Also how is the gas milage? Does it have to be 91+ octane fuel or is it just regular? Any information that could help me into making a sound choice would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance to all who reply to my post!

sacleonard

I've had my 2011 GL450 for about three months, so my experience is much more limited vs. other owners. It's extremely comfortable to drive, and the mileage varies between 11-15mpg in town to 18-20mpg on road trips (equal or better than the 13/18 mpg ratings). And yes, premium fuel is required (no regular gas).

I have only a few complaints about the car, so far. I enjoy the parking sensors and camera, but wish it included lane and blind spot sensors. Also, the X164 vehicles are Bluetooth for phone, but not for streaming music, which was surprising. I've considered getting a BT adaptor ($99), but have opted with running a wire out of the glove box for now. Also, there are no speakers or air vents in the third row (both are upgrade options?), which was another surprise for a vehicle at this price point.

We owned our previous (non-MB) cars for about 13 years, so it will take time to comment on the longevity, reliability, cost of repairs, etc. However, since it was the 5th model year for X164, the 2011 models are probably more reliable than the earlier model years. Good luck with your decision!

BlownV8

I've been using regular for approximately 100k miles. Runs great.

WaveyKat

I recently got a 2011 GL550 So far all I changed was the Rear Two Air Bags and 4 tires but the truck came loaded with almost every option (No heated Steering wheel) other than that great truck fast too..

prospect131

Thanks alot, your reply was very helpful.
Any input ftom others on repairs or reliability issues would be great.

BlownV8

A quick search should get you what you want. I'll throw this out though: trans turbine speed sensor/valve body, air struts, peeling window trim, and the trunk latches fail. Replace the airbags with.Arnott units. The most expensive repair is the trans valve body/turbine speed sensor.

eric_in_sd

Ditto. I did an exhaustive mileage experiment. For 1,000 miles I ran premium and for another 1,000 miles I ran regular. The mileage was slightly higher with the regular. Very occasionally, with small throttle opening, at certain low rpm ranges, there is a faint knock. My guess is the knock sensors aren't even picking it up.

My conclusion was that there is little to no merit to premium in this engine.

BlownV8

Yes, the mileage is a little better with regular unleaded in this engine.

prospect131

Can you tell me the price if you know of that trans valve body/turbine speed sensor.

BlownV8

I believe it was around $1.5k. Don't remember exactly because it was covered by an aftermarket warranty.

dimitristx

Let me see: one buys a 340+ HP V8 and then one gets concerned about the cost of premium gas and MPG gains between regular vs. premium gas?!

How about buying a TDI instead?

eric_in_sd

And this is from the "Because I'm a Mercedes owner, I ignore money" school of thought. People actually feel obliged to waste money.

News flash, genius: The motor should make modestly more power, not less, with regular. That is, unless the knock sensors are retarding the timing to prevent knock. But that would be manifested in lower gas mileage. You want to run the lowest octane gas you can get away with.

My test seems to prove that, in San Diego and with mild driving, the GL450 does not need premium gas, and in fact it seems to prefer regular. So I can save money and the 340+ HP V8 runs better? What's not to love?

dimitristx

Runs better? Based on what criterion, lower MPG? Higher octane gas results in better burn-mixture and fewer deposits to the valves & cylinders. Depends on how many years you intend to keep the vehicle. It's not about MPG, it's about longevity. I've talked to various mechanics of European cars, and they have stories to tell about engines they've serviced who have run on non-premium gas for extended periods of time/miles.

eric_in_sd

Ah, that's excellent. My great-aunt Bertha told me regular is just fine. And she really knows her stuff.

Seriously, everything you just wrote is nonsense. "Burn-mixture"? And the octane has nothing whatsoever to do with engine deposits.

Octane has to do with knock and ping, and that's it.

http://www.cartalk.com/content/premium-vs-regular-1

But if you insist on putting premium in your car, it's your business. All the more power to you. LOL.

dimitristx

That's all that matters!