Worries
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Taft, CA
GL450, 99 Road King
Worries
I’ve bought 6 new cars since 1990 all but one (a BMW) have been Japanese. I was so excited to place an order for my first Mercedes. I knew my repair luck might not hold out (3 repairs in total, one overdrive switch, a broken power seat switch and a cracked heater button) but I love the drive and feel of the GL so much I was ready to take the leap knowing a few trips to the dealer would be in order. But after reading so many troubles capped of by oinick electrical melt down I’m having second thought some 25 days before “BUILD DATE”…should I take my deposit and run? HELP!
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 226
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From: South of the Mason Dixon, North of the Gulf
2007 GL 320 CDI, 2008 M5
I worried about issues related to the diesel GL before I bought it, while it was being built. I have had no problems with the turbo hose issue, and until yesterday had never had a serious problem with my GL. But it is a $70k car with only 15k miles on it. I can't advise you about what to do, but at least you have been informed. I guess the opinion I have about the car will be colored by how quickly and completely the problem is fixed.
I have had a dozen BMWs and GM cars before this and have NEVER had a problem approaching anything like this. It's just something to ruminate on...
That said, I have loved my GL. I hope my experience continues that way, and I am glad I bought the 100k mile MB warranty!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
I’ve bought 6 new cars since 1990 all but one (a BMW) have been Japanese. I was so excited to place an order for my first Mercedes. I knew my repair luck might not hold out (3 repairs in total, one overdrive switch, a broken power seat switch and a cracked heater button) but I love the drive and feel of the GL so much I was ready to take the leap knowing a few trips to the dealer would be in order. But after reading so many troubles capped of by oinick electrical melt down I’m having second thought some 25 days before “BUILD DATE”…should I take my deposit and run? HELP!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 241
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Of course if all warranties paid for themselves warranty companies would be out of business.
There are more satisfied than dissatisfied owners on this forum.
Don't let buyer's remorse get you down, your new GL will easily prove the best vehicle you've ever owned.
There are more satisfied than dissatisfied owners on this forum.
Don't let buyer's remorse get you down, your new GL will easily prove the best vehicle you've ever owned.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
You will love your GL. That is all.
STP
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
GL550
Mmmm. I see how you could be worried....I myself was always obsessing over whether the car I wanted was reliable every since I dumped a Dodge Durango after only 15 mos and 12k miles and HOURS in the shop. It was annoying, but other than that I was out nothing as it was all covered under warranty.
Since then I've kept to my new plan which is to not keep cars longer than the original manuf warranty
Seriously, I think everyone here would say the same thing, buy it, love it, if something happens...luck of the draw. I really feel that way.
Since then I've kept to my new plan which is to not keep cars longer than the original manuf warranty
Seriously, I think everyone here would say the same thing, buy it, love it, if something happens...luck of the draw. I really feel that way.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
Mmmm. I see how you could be worried....I myself was always obsessing over whether the car I wanted was reliable every since I dumped a Dodge Durango after only 15 mos and 12k miles and HOURS in the shop. It was annoying, but other than that I was out nothing as it was all covered under warranty.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
GL550
I feel your pain on the Dodge...we had a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 that ended up on the flatbed tow truck 3 times in a period of 2 years (manual transmission went at 27K, fuel pump went at 50K and I forget what the final straw was). We traded it in for a 2001 F150 which we still have.
That stupid Durango put me off Dodges forever, I think. I can't even tell you all the things that went wrong--it was in the shop every month practically. When the brakes started going out I freaked out because the service guys kept telling me nothing was wrong. I told them I'm not going to be the person who slams into some minivan with kids in it and traded it straight away. I feel bad for whoever bought it from the dealer I traded it into. It should have been junked.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
Wow, small world! Both of my husband's brothers had Ram 1500's and they both had problems with their trucks. One of the brothers still has his, but the other one went back to Ford.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
My last car was a 1999 Lexus LX470. Before that it was an LX450. Before that it was a Toyota Land Cruiser. I'm a Japanese car fan (in fact, a Toyota fan) through and through. That said, I don't think I've ever had a better car, overall, than my Mercedes. I've had two - one used 1986 560SEL, and my 2007 GL32CDI. I lost the hose my CDI, twice. It was a pain in the rump, really annoying, something I didn't think should happen. That said, they corrected the problem and now I go without fear. I drove from Scottsdale to Las Vegas and back on one tank of fuel, and didn't worry a single time. It drove like a dream, it looks like a menace, and I feel like I'm in a vault when it comes to safety. Heck, even the wipers are great!
You will love your GL. That is all.
STP
You will love your GL. That is all.
STP
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
GL550
That's great to hear. I've owned many cars but just traded in my first Toyota (the Sequoia) for the 550 (still waiting) and my wife keeps saying she hopes I made the right decision. I've never enjoyed any vehicle like that Sequoia, it was truly awesome. I'm psyched about the 550 though.
Am I the only person who just assumed by your screen name that you were a girl? LOL....It certainly doesn't matter, but it's an interested commentary how I just assigned a label to you.
I know exactly how you feel about the Sequoia! I've had 6 cars in 9 years and I had a 2003 Toyota Landcruiser that I still miss. Like you, I just enjoyed the heck out of that truck. I love the GL and I hope that I generate the same "warm fuzzies" that I still feel over the LC.
You and I will walk the path together....I'm sure it won't be hard to learn to love the GL!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
Your WIFE?
Am I the only person who just assumed by your screen name that you were a girl? LOL....It certainly doesn't matter, but it's an interested commentary how I just assigned a label to you.
I know exactly how you feel about the Sequoia! I've had 6 cars in 9 years and I had a 2003 Toyota Landcruiser that I still miss. Like you, I just enjoyed the heck out of that truck. I love the GL and I hope that I generate the same "warm fuzzies" that I still feel over the LC.
You and I will walk the path together....I'm sure it won't be hard to learn to love the GL!
Am I the only person who just assumed by your screen name that you were a girl? LOL....It certainly doesn't matter, but it's an interested commentary how I just assigned a label to you.
I know exactly how you feel about the Sequoia! I've had 6 cars in 9 years and I had a 2003 Toyota Landcruiser that I still miss. Like you, I just enjoyed the heck out of that truck. I love the GL and I hope that I generate the same "warm fuzzies" that I still feel over the LC.
You and I will walk the path together....I'm sure it won't be hard to learn to love the GL!
I am a girl
Just kidding. Hadn't occurred to me but I guess it makes sense. It's comforting to know that many people here have had many other great vehicles and still love their GL the best.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 362
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From: Minnesota
2008 GL 320 CDI Black/Black
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 64
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
2022 GLE 350; 2016 BMW 428i gran coupe; 2014 Audi Q5 tdi
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 221
19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
I’ve bought 6 new cars since 1990 all but one (a BMW) have been Japanese. I was so excited to place an order for my first Mercedes. I knew my repair luck might not hold out (3 repairs in total, one overdrive switch, a broken power seat switch and a cracked heater button) but I love the drive and feel of the GL so much I was ready to take the leap knowing a few trips to the dealer would be in order. But after reading so many troubles capped of by oinick electrical melt down I’m having second thought some 25 days before “BUILD DATE”…should I take my deposit and run? HELP!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I do have to say how surprised I am that your Toyota pickup was the least reliable. The standard cab 2-wheel drive 5-speed Toyota pickup truck has been one of the most reliable, longest-lived vehicles on the road ever, discounting specially treated antiques. If you ever watch a show on BBC America called "Top Gear," you'll see one they burned, crushed, wrecked, flooded, and buried which is still running and working (and it was very used when they bought it!) Did you buy it new?
End
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, California
2016 GL63 & 2008 S550
I do have to say how surprised I am that your Toyota pickup was the least reliable. The standard cab 2-wheel drive 5-speed Toyota pickup truck has been one of the most reliable, longest-lived vehicles on the road ever, discounting specially treated antiques. If you ever watch a show on BBC America called "Top Gear," you'll see one they burned, crushed, wrecked, flooded, and buried which is still running and working (and it was very used when they bought it!) Did you buy it new?
End
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Taft, CA
GL450, 99 Road King
I think the long build delay is playing with my head! I just did an inventory search and found an identical unit to mine. I fired off a letter to the sales manager to see if he can trade for it. Once I have the sucker in my garage I’m sure I’ll quit looking and reading about the dang LX570 (made in Japan). I could be having a “AMERICAN built” flashback, back to 1986 when I bought a Ford Taurus and the tranny went out at…..hold on…..115 miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Texas
06 CLS500
If it makes you feel any better, I bought my 08 GL last week of Aug, and as of today (Nov 18) and 6200 miles its been in the shop for the left mirror, the left rear shock failed and the air suspension pump failed.
been in the shop 3x's for mirror = once to tell them about it, once to install the new parts (but they ordered the wrong ones) and 3rd time to actually install it.
Been in shop 3x's for rear shock 1) to identify the bad rear shock. They thought it was a bushing, so when I went back to have it fixed (2), the shock was leaking and it needed to be replaced (3rd visit for shock)...
(thats 6 so far)
On way to get rear shock replaced the suspension malfunction light came on and it needed to be replaced too. Noise (clunking) from rear after shock was replaced, dealer thought it was rear license plate and drilled 2 big-*** screws thru the rear deck.
Litigation pending as of now
not all are having these issues, and I suspect the uneducated, idiot MB techs and their boss are the main problems at this dealer.
I would make sure your dealer is up to par, not the truck. Dealers suck around here.
been in the shop 3x's for mirror = once to tell them about it, once to install the new parts (but they ordered the wrong ones) and 3rd time to actually install it.
Been in shop 3x's for rear shock 1) to identify the bad rear shock. They thought it was a bushing, so when I went back to have it fixed (2), the shock was leaking and it needed to be replaced (3rd visit for shock)...
(thats 6 so far)
On way to get rear shock replaced the suspension malfunction light came on and it needed to be replaced too. Noise (clunking) from rear after shock was replaced, dealer thought it was rear license plate and drilled 2 big-*** screws thru the rear deck.
Litigation pending as of now
not all are having these issues, and I suspect the uneducated, idiot MB techs and their boss are the main problems at this dealer.
I would make sure your dealer is up to par, not the truck. Dealers suck around here.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Taft, CA
GL450, 99 Road King
Off to the Lexus dealer I go! Ha. You are right most problems are dealer problems. With as much “STUFF” on the GL vs. Camry I would expect a few more issues. I guess it’s all about the Dealer and how they handle it. I have a close friend whose wife has an E 320 and has high praise for my local dealer. I guess it’s going to me a 70K dice roll!
