chaddengml55

I've searched this forum for potential red flags for the 2009 GL550 but haven't found anything specific so decided to start this thread. I have owned and will still own my 2001 ml55 (I don't think I will ever get rid of it) but am in the market for something more tech advanced and with 7 seats. I would love your guys experience with them and opinion if I can rely on it as I did with my ml55. Thanks in advance. GL550 I am considering is a 2009 with almost 90k miles. No record in carfax regarding suspension replacement, engine or Trans mount replacement, maintenance either. Car is clean inside and out. No sign of frame repair or body repaint. Thanks in advance.

Isawelvis

Have no info but you seem to have experience with Mercedes. I have heard if this model has the twin turbo and a V8, that they required the engine to be pulled to replace the turbos. FWIW

jylee

Buy it if you can turn wrench. These high end SUV will eat your lunch even on simple minor repair. At 90k miles, many parts may need replacement due to its age. One example is the air suspension, water pump, alternator, among others, these repairs will cause high $$$ if the repair is done on dealership/repair shop.

alx

Buy it. Replace tranny fluid, diffs fluid. Replace front shocks when they leak. Replace rear bags when they blow up. Replace rear shocks when they leak (right about 100k miles). Drive it into the ground. Be advised that it eats rear brakes and tires.

Btw, I used to have too an ml55. I still miss it despite being a clumsy crude rattle box...

BlownV8

2013+ 450/550 have twin turbo engines. 2009 is NA.

2010GL550

+1 for the comments above. We have a 2010 GL550 with around 98,000 miles. Ours has the 21" wheels and man does it go through rear tires...even though the alignment is spot on.


Yes to the suspension, shocks and air springs but they are a DIY if you are handy. Had motor mounts done about 10k/mi ago buy an independent shop. There was also an issue with the rear hatch locking mechanism and a few other small issues. I fix most myself.


We recently looked into replacing our GL with a 2016 Volvo XC90 or 2015 Lexus GX460. After test driving both, the wife said she wanted to keep her MB! That's a pretty good testimonial to how much we like it.

WaveyKat

I have 2011 GL550 68k Miles so far the only major replacement was the rear Air bags..
which you can do yourself.

carlosamg50

I'm about to get a 2011 with 59k miles, is the airbag replacement common at this kind of mileage?

Benzman33

Anything dealing with Airmatic will be prone to be replaced. You'll see when one side of your truck is on the ground and the other half is riding higher than Putin

eric_in_sd

I'm figuring out that the older Mercedes are a surprisingly good deal. Here's why:
1. Most people baby them and do the maintenance because MERCEDES.
2. Most people only get work done at the dealership. This is expensive - boy is it ever expensive - and so the price of used vehicles plummets when stuff starts to go wrong.
3. If you live in a big city and can find a good independent shop, you'll be okay.
4. Better yet, if you don't mind turning a wrench on your own, you can do just fine. Classic example is aftermarket air springs: Parts are a few hundred bucks; dealership job will set you back $thousands.
5. Much of the meat of the vehicle is sturdy. "That truck ages well." h/t alx
6. Much of the supposed fussiness is nonsense. I run 87 octane and had used 10w30 oil for a long time with no problems.

If you panic when something goes wrong, and take it to the dealership for repairs, not advisable.

Buy a used one if you have a clear head about repairs and a good method for doing so. You'll have a good driving, nice looking truck for surprisingly cheap.

2010GL550

Yes, everyone told me to plan on replacements around 60K/mi. At 62,000 miles, one of the front bags developed a leak.