GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

2011 GL350 - Loud Thunk>Limp Mode>Leaking Fluid

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Old 12-02-2016, 01:57 PM
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2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
2011 GL350 - Loud Thunk>Limp Mode>Leaking Fluid

Hi Everyone...

2011 GL350 with about 105k on it.

On the freeway and a loud thunk, truck pitches forward and goes to limp mode with a high pitch whistling sound. Doesn't throw a code.

Pulled over called Service Manager and ask if we'd shut the engine off and if it would come out of limp mode. Check for dangling parts and leaks - nothing. Not wanting to be stranded where I was, drove in limp mode four miles to the closest dealer service parking lot and shut it down there.

What ensued was a 4 in diameter puddle of fluid. Didn't look like oil. Different viscosity. Maybe transmission fluid. Luckily, service was still there. They took the car and gave me a loaner. Have 10k left on my extended warranty (lifesaver). No calls yet from the dealer.

Any guesses?
Old 12-02-2016, 02:08 PM
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alx
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thats what you get for not deploying the chaff and flares when the lock-on alarm sounds off.

from your description it is clear that a surface-to-surface missile has found its way either to your tranny or center diff
Old 12-04-2016, 07:51 PM
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2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
LOL! and thanks!
Old 12-08-2016, 01:46 AM
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2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
Update: Early diagnosis = blown turbo?
Old 12-08-2016, 04:42 PM
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2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown on Espresso Brown Leather, 2014 C250 Sport Diamond Silver
Originally Posted by revets
Update: Early diagnosis = blown turbo?
That does not sound too good. One expensive fix. I hope you have an extended warranty.
Old 12-14-2016, 04:13 AM
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2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
Fortunately, it is under warranty with just 15k to go. Don't know what we would have done without the ELW.

Turbo blew. The car had been shuttering at acceleration for some time. Took it in several times and techs said they couldn't replicate.

Trying to figure out how I get the work guaranteed and establish the service techs got all of the turbine out of the oil galleys and cylinders. I'm told the dealer work is guaranteed for 12 months.

Apparently, they replaced the air cooler and also replaced rear suspension.

Jeesh. Any tips are appreciated.

Last edited by revets; 12-14-2016 at 09:50 PM.
Old 12-14-2016, 11:20 AM
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alx
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if the impeller desintegrated i would wait for the vehicle to be repaired and sell it. the minute pieces (shards) of the impeller are going to be all over the place inside the top end. there is virtually no cleaning unless the heads come off to confirm no shards in cylinders. not to mention that if the engine ran after the impeller failure you prolly already have scorned cylinder walls.

just my 2 cents on this
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Old 12-14-2016, 09:08 PM
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2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
Thx, alx.

Will look into that. Really bummed. They said they cleaned everything down to the cylinder. They've had the car for over a week now.

Corrected. They replaced the air cooler, not the oil cooler.

They drained the oil and replaced the oil filter and told us it was not covered under the ELW, but we just had it changed less than 3,000 miles ago. What?!?

Last edited by revets; 12-14-2016 at 09:53 PM. Reason: replaced air with oil. added a service.

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