Looking at 2016 GL350 - what am I in for?
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Looking at 2016 GL350 - what am I in for?
The newest diesel GLs are 2016 s far as I can tell. Most have a few miles on them and are not eligible for MB ELW. I have read a lot about recalls etc but wondering how risky it would be to buy one of these..? I know this is subjective, but would really appreciate some thoughts on how reliable these things are in general. I don't want to drop 30k on one and spend the next few years fixing it. I plan to tow a camper with it, so it will see some stress, and needs to be reliable.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,053
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
The newest diesel GLs are 2016 s far as I can tell. Most have a few miles on them and are not eligible for MB ELW. I have read a lot about recalls etc but wondering how risky it would be to buy one of these..? I know this is subjective, but would really appreciate some thoughts on how reliable these things are in general. I don't want to drop 30k on one and spend the next few years fixing it. I plan to tow a camper with it, so it will see some stress, and needs to be reliable.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
If you are in the USA there's a recent settlement with the DOT/DOJ to replace most of the exhaust and emissions systems. These components are also the most problematic (historically), so the new 4-year warranty on these parts quite helpful, IMHO.
FWIW, we've had ours since new and it just passed the 7-year mark with minimal issues at 77,000mi. I consider our truck to be totally reliable and would fill up the tank and do a 3000mi road trip tomorrow without a second thought. With the long wheelbase and air suspension these beasts are the ultimate highway cruisers with the diesel just loafing along in 7th gear.
That said, these trucks require a little TLC and if I were to buy a used one I'd want to see the full maintenance history that documents that all the routine stuff has been performed on schedule, at a minimum. And if the truck spent its previous life in a region with biodiesel I'd want to see much more frequent oil changes than the book suggests.
Since you plan to tow, only consider trucks with FACTORY hitches. There are lots of trucks out there with aftermarket hitches that don't have the internal structure, wiring, or stability programming of the factory setup. If you don't see a hitch on a build sheet or windows sticker, move along.
Last edited by cadetdrivr; May 18, 2021 at 03:27 PM.
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Are we talking Bluetec ?
If that's so, it would help a lot to start with proper description.
Yes 2016 Bluetecs are subject to settlement and if you buy 1 with no AEM done, you can do it and claim $2400 reward and get 4 years warranty on most of engine components.
Now how heavy trailer you are talking about?
The OM642 engine has nice torque curve, but with ca 200 HP it will be consider underpower for big trailers.
Bluetecs were selling dirt cheap lately, so I wonder where the $30k come from?
If that's so, it would help a lot to start with proper description.
Yes 2016 Bluetecs are subject to settlement and if you buy 1 with no AEM done, you can do it and claim $2400 reward and get 4 years warranty on most of engine components.
Now how heavy trailer you are talking about?
The OM642 engine has nice torque curve, but with ca 200 HP it will be consider underpower for big trailers.
Bluetecs were selling dirt cheap lately, so I wonder where the $30k come from?
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,053
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 35
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Thanks folks. The vehicle I am looking at is literally at the MB dealer now getting the emissions recall stuff done. I am about to pull the trigger on it feeling a lot better about things now. And yes it has a factory installed hitch. I saw it on the sticker.
As for the $30 price tag, it is right in line with KBB fair market value. The miles are pretty decent for a 2016 at 60k. I wanted less, but all of the lower mileage ones listed nationwide are already sold.
As for the $30 price tag, it is right in line with KBB fair market value. The miles are pretty decent for a 2016 at 60k. I wanted less, but all of the lower mileage ones listed nationwide are already sold.
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10
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From: Alberta, Canada
GL350 Bluetec
Thanks folks. The vehicle I am looking at is literally at the MB dealer now getting the emissions recall stuff done. I am about to pull the trigger on it feeling a lot better about things now. And yes it has a factory installed hitch. I saw it on the sticker.
As for the $30 price tag, it is right in line with KBB fair market value. The miles are pretty decent for a 2016 at 60k. I wanted less, but all of the lower mileage ones listed nationwide are already sold.
As for the $30 price tag, it is right in line with KBB fair market value. The miles are pretty decent for a 2016 at 60k. I wanted less, but all of the lower mileage ones listed nationwide are already sold.
