Looking at '08-'09 GL550 - the good, bad & ugly?! Need you help...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Carlisle, PA
CLK 430; '94 Porsche 911 Turbo; Callaway Corvette; '95 Corvette ZR-1; Ford GT; Callaway & etc.
Looking at '08-'09 GL550 - the good, bad & ugly?! Need you help...
I'm looking at a couple GL550's and I'd like to know what current owners think about the SUV. Please provide the good, bad and ugly here.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
Lance
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
Lance
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 846
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From: da long island
1989 Toyota Tercel Coupé
Had a 09 GL550 for a year and a half. No complaints what so ever. You might want to put some snow tires on it for the winter but no problems with it at all. I just sold it for a G55 so if you are looking for a clean perfectly maintained GL550 in white PM me and I'll give you the salesmans name and price they gave me for it so you get a good deal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,630
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
I love my GL. It's one of those vehicles that you should ride in / drive at least once in your life to appreciate the comfort, composure, and ability of it. I don't have any complaints about mine, and I've hauled everything from 7 people to mulch in it. My only observation that wouldn't necessairly be apparent about the GL550 from a non-owner point of view is that for an SUV that can easily top $100k, the 550 doesn't turn very many heads around town. I would also echo the winter tire comment - I was one of the first people romping around DC after last winter's storms.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11
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09 GL550, 08 S550 4MATIC w/sport package
I recently traded in my Range Rover for an 09 550. I didn't think I could like a car more than the Rover, but the 550 has made me rethink that. It's an absolutely fabulous car drive. My only complaint is for the price I wish it didn't such a cheap feeling plastic on the interior of the doors. Other than that I have no complaints.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 846
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From: da long island
1989 Toyota Tercel Coupé
I recently traded in my Range Rover for an 09 550. I didn't think I could like a car more than the Rover, but the 550 has made me rethink that. It's an absolutely fabulous car drive. My only complaint is for the price I wish it didn't such a cheap feeling plastic on the interior of the doors. Other than that I have no complaints.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,300
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2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
I don't have a GL550, but I love the grill 
The plastic on the door is the same as on the GL350. I am surprised that Mercedes would put some polyurethane plastic on the doors (so cheap!)
The plastic on the door is the same as on the GL350. I am surprised that Mercedes would put some polyurethane plastic on the doors (so cheap!)
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 626
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From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
I've had ours for a little over a year now with very few complaints. We've had some random stuff break: the gas tank door would not close and the AC went out due to a faulty switch on the console. But my biggest complaint so far is the tire size. I don't particularly care for Continental's wet traction and you are limited to 2 options if you want to stay with the factory tire size and ratio. I wish they would have picked a more flexible size like 22's or 20's. I have heard this vehicle is horrible in the snow with the factory tires. But then again, that's not what they were designed for. I'm sure they perform great doing 120 in Germany!
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Carlisle, PA
CLK 430; '94 Porsche 911 Turbo; Callaway Corvette; '95 Corvette ZR-1; Ford GT; Callaway & etc.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 23
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From: Staten Island, New York
2010 GL350 Steel Gray
You will like the raw power of the 550 V8, however you may not like the mileage you get. No one mentioned anything about that here but it's got to be dismal around town. My wife's ML500 averages about 12mpg in stop and go here in the city. My GL350 gets about 18.3 in the same situation. I absolutely love the way it rides and handles. The power is great and has a nice surge when you step on the pedal. The throttle tip in is actually a lot more managable then in my V8 ML500. Nice and gradual but it goes if you really step on it. Also, lots of room for anything you might want to haul. The rearmost seats are actually inhabitable by adults and have ample leg room. Oh, and you can jack up the suspension 4 inches to help get over the snow. That just came in handy as we got 31 inches of snow here. Mine has 275/55-20 Goodyear runflats on Black optional MB wheels. Look about half worn at 11000 miles and were fairly decent in the snow. Will try Bridgestone Dueler next time.
