The Deal is Dead
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
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From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
What was the production run on the 320? I'm looking at the statistics. If there were 800 produced, then to have 400 with a problem is a serious issue. However, if 16,000 were produced, then it is a much smaller percentage. It still sucks for those 400 people to have the problem & I certainly don't blame them for being upset, but I'm wondering if this problem is limited to a certain production run or obtaining bad components from a vendor. No matter what the % of defect, this is certainly something MB needs to investigate as part of their quality process.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
What was the production run on the 320? I'm looking at the statistics. If there were 800 produced, then to have 400 with a problem is a serious issue. However, if 16,000 were produced, then it is a much smaller percentage. It still sucks for those 400 people to have the problem & I certainly don't blame them for being upset, but I'm wondering if this problem is limited to a certain production run or obtaining bad components from a vendor. No matter what the % of defect, this is certainly something MB needs to investigate as part of their quality process.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
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From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
50/month (for the US) was discussed in this thread GL320 Production but I think the concensus was more than that. I would say 500-750/month would be ballpark (for US GL320's) meaning less than 10,000 total for US since it's introduction.
I know somebody who had a Ford Escape which caught on fire. Turns out, she wasn't the only one -- there were thousands of people affected. She, however, was the one who contacted NHTSA and after about a year, finally got Ford to issue a recall.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
a man has to do what a mans got to do: J Wayne
I received a phone call from AutoSaurus at about noon today. He was on his way home with the family from Orlando to Gulfport. He said he heard the familiar noise and lost power and knew he had another cooler hose event. He is able to drive it at restricted speeds and hopefully will make the 400 miles home. If it starts to overheat then he will be looking for MB help to get him home.
I contacted my rep about 2:30 or so and told him that I could no longer trust the GL 320 CDI engine and had lost confidence in the ability of MB to fix the problem. The "parts delay" a couple of weeks ago is rumored to be related to the hose problem and generated some major apprehension. But try as I might and as much as I like the GL, I will not put myself into a situation that I will always be wondering when the shoe will drop. I intend to take some long trips with this vehicle and the history of the past several months indicates this may not be the one I want to do it in.
You are smart. Some people on this board did not like what I said about the new MB diesels. I feel they are not ready - yet. In a rush to please the Kali-fornication-ia tree hugging stupidos the Terminator and Henry Waxwoman rushed to push through diesel unfriendly legislations to get re-elected.
That is why I bought the last of the common rail diesels and not a Bluetec or an AdBlue. I want to be able to blow black smoke. I want to be able to burn any diesel fuel including 500 ppm while others are made to use the "ultra low" stuff. I want to be free.
To the tree-hugging lunatics I say look at my middle finger. It is sore from all your BS and that is why it is sticking at 90 degrees vertically to you.
You burn more fossil fuel in your new S550. With Ozone Man's recent diatribe about his "scrotal warning" and his legal and presentable wife's "climateric change" there are lots of vulnerable young people rushing to ban diesels.
To them I say go and get a life and a gas guzzling Mercedes or Bentley Turbo, if you are lucky.
Greg Weiler and Westminster MB generously returned my deposit and were great during the past 5 months of waiting. If someone wants a fully loaded GL diesel and feels confident about it, I would recommend you contact Greg and talk with him.
There are a great bunch of guys on this forum and I have enjoyed the "ride" but I will now return to the S550 board and see what is going on there. I will track this board from time to time also just to see if the BBQ meeting takes place...
I contacted my rep about 2:30 or so and told him that I could no longer trust the GL 320 CDI engine and had lost confidence in the ability of MB to fix the problem. The "parts delay" a couple of weeks ago is rumored to be related to the hose problem and generated some major apprehension. But try as I might and as much as I like the GL, I will not put myself into a situation that I will always be wondering when the shoe will drop. I intend to take some long trips with this vehicle and the history of the past several months indicates this may not be the one I want to do it in.
You are smart. Some people on this board did not like what I said about the new MB diesels. I feel they are not ready - yet. In a rush to please the Kali-fornication-ia tree hugging stupidos the Terminator and Henry Waxwoman rushed to push through diesel unfriendly legislations to get re-elected.
That is why I bought the last of the common rail diesels and not a Bluetec or an AdBlue. I want to be able to blow black smoke. I want to be able to burn any diesel fuel including 500 ppm while others are made to use the "ultra low" stuff. I want to be free.
To the tree-hugging lunatics I say look at my middle finger. It is sore from all your BS and that is why it is sticking at 90 degrees vertically to you.
You burn more fossil fuel in your new S550. With Ozone Man's recent diatribe about his "scrotal warning" and his legal and presentable wife's "climateric change" there are lots of vulnerable young people rushing to ban diesels.
To them I say go and get a life and a gas guzzling Mercedes or Bentley Turbo, if you are lucky.
Greg Weiler and Westminster MB generously returned my deposit and were great during the past 5 months of waiting. If someone wants a fully loaded GL diesel and feels confident about it, I would recommend you contact Greg and talk with him.
There are a great bunch of guys on this forum and I have enjoyed the "ride" but I will now return to the S550 board and see what is going on there. I will track this board from time to time also just to see if the BBQ meeting takes place...
That is why I bought the last of the common rail diesels and not a Bluetec or an AdBlue. I want to be able to blow black smoke. I want to be able to burn any diesel fuel including 500 ppm while others are made to use the "ultra low" stuff. I want to be free. The good stuff with 500 ppm sulfur is still available here for "off road" use. I do that daily when I park my car in the garage and off road.
To the tree-hugging lunatics I say look at my middle finger. It is sore from all your BS and that is why it is sticking at 90 degrees vertically to you.
You burn more fossil fuel in your new S550 Jack. With Ozone Man's recent diatribe about his "scrotal warning" and his legal and presentable wife's "climateric change" there are lots of vulnerable young people rushing to ban diesels.
To them I say go and get a life and a gas guzzling Mercedes or Bentley Turbo, if you are lucky.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Northern California
MBs
For the USA GL320 CDI MBUSA advised in a Dealer Technical Bulletin published on April 9, 2007 to replace the hose in case Q1 is installed with the Q2 version, shown below.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 254
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From: N. Illinois, USA
2021 GLS450, 2015 E250BT 4Matic, 2007 GL320CDI, 2005 SLK350, 2001 SLK320
Three hose clamps aren't enough to keep this thing on the engine? And why do the European GL320s use different hoses anyway? Can't we just use one of theirs?
So many questions. So few answers.
So many questions. So few answers.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 672
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From: Northern California
MBs
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
The electronic parts catalog just lists different part numbers for GL320 CDIs outside of the USA and gives no reason why. You can try those if you like, but my guess is chances are better with following MBUSA's recommendations.
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
The electronic parts catalog just lists different part numbers for GL320 CDIs outside of the USA and gives no reason why. You can try those if you like, but my guess is chances are better with following MBUSA's recommendations.
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
The electronic parts catalog just lists different part numbers for GL320 CDIs outside of the USA and gives no reason why. You can try those if you like, but my guess is chances are better with following MBUSA's recommendations.
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
Here's a copy of the dealer bulletin again which explains how to install the hose and also lists recommended part numbers, since I could not find it posted yet. The author is Dariusz Okoniewski, an MBUSA tech in New Jersey.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Northern California
MBs
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/tsb_164.html
Presumably MBUSI changed over the production to Q2 in the meantime, but have not yet figured out the VIN or date when the change took effect.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
BTW, so far the wife's gone from Scottsdale to Claremont, California, then to Disneyland, back to Claremont (day trip) as well as several visits to the dog show she's attending out there, without incident. Monday evening she drives back to Scottsdale - we'll see! Most of it is flat I-10 driving, but there are a few hills. Plus it's hot, so the lower air density might require greater boost from the turbo to acheive the same air/fuel mix the car needs to perform.
Or something.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Fort Lauderdale
Mercedes GLE 63S / GL 420 CDI / C250 Diesel 4 MATIC
Hi Jack
I am sorry that you have canceled the deal on your GL320CDI. You have been one great enthusiast of this forum, and I have enjoyed your posts. I am from Portugal, I have lots of friends with 320 engines including my S320CDI and so far so good. Excelent engine. The US engine maybe have some diferences in this case for worst, special with this hose. This is a question of time. Very soon MB will solve the problem. This engine have this single problem in the US, other makes have other types of problems. The GL is an excelent SUV, very safe and very confortable with an excelent riding. Nothing compares to this car. I have a GL 420 CDI one month old. Terrific machine. Excelent in every way. Mine is one of the firsts in Europe. Too risky but if anything happens with the engine or the car, MB, in one way or another must solve the problem.
That's why Jack, do not buy something else. If you love the GL go for it, and if something happen I am shure that MB will solve your technical problem. Other makes have other type of problems and most of them worst.
That's why Jack, do not buy something else. If you love the GL go for it, and if something happen I am shure that MB will solve your technical problem. Other makes have other type of problems and most of them worst.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
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From: Rectortown, VA
2012 GL 350, 2011 E 350, 2005 F-250
I am not a mechanic, but this seems fairly simple, by reading service bulletin. The hose must audibly snap into place and then be tightened, and this step is probably not being done properly. It would also explain the sporardic nature of this failure. http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/T-9-41-28.pdf
At least I hope this is the answer, as mine was replaced this week.
At least I hope this is the answer, as mine was replaced this week.
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3
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From: Vermont
MB 2014 GL350, MB 1998 SL500
First post. I've been keeping an eye on this and other issues. Sorry for your troubles NJ and especially AutoSaurus. I too had the hose go at 2300 miles. The dealer replaced with the Q2 hose and I think they used a glue type agent on it as well. Anyways, just got back from a 400 mile trip towing my 24 ft Cobalt bowrider(4500 lbs loaded with fuel), Magic Tilt double axcel trailer(2000), two Labradors( 90 lbs each), one wife(20lbs overweight), and all our gear. I live in the mountains so there were lots of hills, temps in the high 80's, AC on the whole time. Got about 16-17 mpg on one tank of fuel. No problems, pulled the weight easily. Towed better than the Escalade I traded in. Nice having the 7 speed tranny, shifted beautifully. You gotta do what you gotta do, but I think and hope they solved the hose problem with me. I gave it one hell of a test.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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EX-NSX; 991TT; MDX; Land Cruiser
Thank you Jack!
Been a lurker for a while but here's my story........
My last Mercedes was a brand new 2002 G500......always lusted after a G Wagen but was reluctant because up till '02 they were all "Gray Market". I felt that since MBUSA was bringing them in I'd have no worries... Big mistake! I got rid of it after 3K miles and ump-teen problems. Put my ego in my back pocket and switched to Acura MDX's and they've all been bulletproof. I do own two other toys that make up for my own plebeian insecurities & the looks I get from drivers of other prestige marques :-)
Fast-forward to 4/07. I read all the magazine praise that the new GL is getting and decide maybe things have changed with Mercedes quality and start thinking very seriously about a GL320CDI. With research I'm finding it's the same old game with Mercedes quality and levels of customer service - ditched that plan but not until I'd heard all the BS about how rare these vehicles are (meaning near full price) & how Mercedes quality problems have changed and it's a different ball game...ha ha.
I just purchased one of the new 2nd generation '07 Sport MDX's and am amazed at the upgrades from the '01 to '06's + how much technology & quality you get for just under $50K MSRP completely loaded. The bonus is of course Honda's reputation for reliabilty. Additionally it drives and handles better than the GL IMO. The only trade-off for me is that it's somewhat
smaller behind the 2nd row with the third folded but I can live with that.
Thanks Jack ....too bad things worked out this way for you with the GL but it was probably not meant to happen anyway.
My last Mercedes was a brand new 2002 G500......always lusted after a G Wagen but was reluctant because up till '02 they were all "Gray Market". I felt that since MBUSA was bringing them in I'd have no worries... Big mistake! I got rid of it after 3K miles and ump-teen problems. Put my ego in my back pocket and switched to Acura MDX's and they've all been bulletproof. I do own two other toys that make up for my own plebeian insecurities & the looks I get from drivers of other prestige marques :-)
Fast-forward to 4/07. I read all the magazine praise that the new GL is getting and decide maybe things have changed with Mercedes quality and start thinking very seriously about a GL320CDI. With research I'm finding it's the same old game with Mercedes quality and levels of customer service - ditched that plan but not until I'd heard all the BS about how rare these vehicles are (meaning near full price) & how Mercedes quality problems have changed and it's a different ball game...ha ha.
I just purchased one of the new 2nd generation '07 Sport MDX's and am amazed at the upgrades from the '01 to '06's + how much technology & quality you get for just under $50K MSRP completely loaded. The bonus is of course Honda's reputation for reliabilty. Additionally it drives and handles better than the GL IMO. The only trade-off for me is that it's somewhat
smaller behind the 2nd row with the third folded but I can live with that.
Thanks Jack ....too bad things worked out this way for you with the GL but it was probably not meant to happen anyway.
Last edited by NSXER; May 29, 2007 at 04:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
With research I'm finding it's the same old game with Mercedes quality and levels of customer service - ditched that plan but not until I'd heard all the BS about how rare these vehicles are (meaning near full price) & how Mercedes quality problems have changed and it's a different ball game...ha ha.
Thanks Jack ....too bad things worked out this way for you with the GL but it was probably not meant to happen anyway.
Your indication that "it's the same old game" with MB quality could not be further from the truth. My S Class has been absolutely perfect after a year and with 12,000 miles on it. The GL is also perfect per the comments on this and other forums except for the single "intercooler hose problem" on the GL320. I do think MB handled this problem incorrectly and for that they have to suffer the PR effect. But to condemn the car and the efforts by MB to return to quality production is wrong. Also the GL320 is rare and hard to come by and it is probably tough to obtain any substantial discount right now.
I may have cancelled due to my plans to travel extensively in the GL but that in no way says the car is of poor quality.
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F150,GL450, G63, Aprilia Tuono, Honda Cbx
Quality
Product quality wise, MDX is no where NEAR the MB. I do own acura and no doubt there are hardly any issues. The certainly make good cars. However, GL is a totally different car. I did test drive the new MDX as well. Drives nice but there is something missing which you can only feel if you drive a GL for a few days.
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EX-NSX; 991TT; MDX; Land Cruiser
[QUOTEYour indication that "it's the same old game" with MB quality could not be further from the truth. My S Class has been absolutely perfect after a year and with 12,000 miles on it. The GL is also perfect per the comments on this and other forums except for the single "intercooler hose problem" on the GL320. I do think MB handled this problem incorrectly and for that they have to suffer the PR effect. But to condemn the car and the efforts by MB to return to quality production is wrong. Also the GL320 is rare and hard to come by and it is probably tough to obtain any substantial discount right now.
I may have cancelled due to my plans to travel extensively in the GL but that in no way says the car is of poor quality.[/QUOTE]
Your recent plethora of posts to the GL forum seem to say otherwise. Also anytime I would have to cancel travel plans because I didn't trust my new car would cause me to re-evaluate my priorities and loyalty to a brand- I don't care how many of them I've owned over the years....sheesh!
Just ask AutoSaurus and apparantly many others what they think about the quality of their $70K investments today ( tax and lic incl of course). Like I said before, I was ready to buy until I found out that MB is doing the same crap they did when I had problems w/ my brand new POS G500 in 2002!
Enjoy your beautiful S class and pray that MB does the right thing this time.
I may have cancelled due to my plans to travel extensively in the GL but that in no way says the car is of poor quality.[/QUOTE]
Your recent plethora of posts to the GL forum seem to say otherwise. Also anytime I would have to cancel travel plans because I didn't trust my new car would cause me to re-evaluate my priorities and loyalty to a brand- I don't care how many of them I've owned over the years....sheesh!
Just ask AutoSaurus and apparantly many others what they think about the quality of their $70K investments today ( tax and lic incl of course). Like I said before, I was ready to buy until I found out that MB is doing the same crap they did when I had problems w/ my brand new POS G500 in 2002!
Enjoy your beautiful S class and pray that MB does the right thing this time.
Thread Starter
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Your recent plethora of posts to the GL forum seem to say otherwise. Also anytime I would have to cancel travel plans because I didn't trust my new car would cause me to re-evaluate my priorities and loyalty to a brand- I don't care how many of them I've owned over the years....sheesh!
Just ask AutoSaurus and apparantly many others what they think about the quality of their $70K investments today ( tax and lic incl of course). Like I said before, I was ready to buy until I found out that MB is doing the same crap they did when I had problems w/ my brand new POS G500 in 2002!
Enjoy your beautiful S class and pray that MB does the right thing this time.[/QUOTE]
My "plethora" of posts are consistent...I call them as I see them and when MB is due some flack they get it. In this case they were due some flack and I did what I had to do. However, this problem is not related to W211 and other trends with MB vehicles. Going to a Honda for relief is not in my future....
I didn't cancel my travel plans...I will merely suffer through with my S Class:-))
BTW...AS and I are personal friends so I don't have to ask him anything.
Just ask AutoSaurus and apparantly many others what they think about the quality of their $70K investments today ( tax and lic incl of course). Like I said before, I was ready to buy until I found out that MB is doing the same crap they did when I had problems w/ my brand new POS G500 in 2002!
Enjoy your beautiful S class and pray that MB does the right thing this time.[/QUOTE]
My "plethora" of posts are consistent...I call them as I see them and when MB is due some flack they get it. In this case they were due some flack and I did what I had to do. However, this problem is not related to W211 and other trends with MB vehicles. Going to a Honda for relief is not in my future....
I didn't cancel my travel plans...I will merely suffer through with my S Class:-))
BTW...AS and I are personal friends so I don't have to ask him anything.
Last edited by Nevada Jack; May 29, 2007 at 07:35 PM.
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Please don't suffer with that S class, we all know what it looks like, it's a beautiful ride Jack.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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Oh Okay.......I misunderstood......you canceled the car not your plans to travel because the GL was maybe suscepticle to leaving you stranded..... it wasn't because of it's poor quality and reliability...now I understand I guess :-/
Please don't suffer with that S class, we all know what it looks like, it's a beautiful ride Jack.
Please don't suffer with that S class, we all know what it looks like, it's a beautiful ride Jack.
Thanks for the complements on the S...it really is a beautiful ride. From all reports on this forum so is the new GL...
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