GL350 starting problem
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Mercedes 350 GL
I have a 2011 GL350 and it's not always starting, usually when it's been sitting overnight or for a while. Got a new battery 3 days ago and still the same problem.
Anyone have the miracle fix? I just had my first service inspection but I don't know if they updated the software. I had to charge the battery last week before I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the battery was at 75% charged. They also confirmed there was no battery drain so where's the missing 25%?
Anyone have the miracle fix? I just had my first service inspection but I don't know if they updated the software. I had to charge the battery last week before I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the battery was at 75% charged. They also confirmed there was no battery drain so where's the missing 25%?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 287
Likes: 55
From: McLean, VA
2011 Audi A4, 2014 E63S Wagon, 2020 GLS 580
When you say it doesn't start what are your symptoms? On mine, it was a push on the start button that would not even attempt to start the engine. The starter was not engaging or turning over. This was corrected by the dealer with an ECU software update. If yours is something different, I would take it in and have the dealer diagnose it. Should still be under warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Mercedes 350 GL
Actually it basically does the same thing with the push button or the key. It hardly turns over 1/4 turn. I have to turn the key 5 or 6 times then it eventually turns the engine and starts. Other times I put a charger on it for a few hours and it fired up no problem. Great truck but this makes it unreliable! The truck is still under waranty but my dealer is 2 hrs away so I have to try and pin poInt the problem before driving down there.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
MB GL350 Bluetec
Starting problem/low battery
My 350 GL (2010) has just had the 3rd battery installed and it's already failing to start the car. Doubt it's loose terminals as the battery has been replaced so often and it's still ongoing - in fact seems to be getting worse. Had a software update done last June (2011) and has made no difference. On the Service sheet had under software istalled "025058 Operations: Battery Charger" - presume this is the software update mentioned in previous posts early in 2011?
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Mercedes 350 GL
Hi Robyn,
Sorry to hear your having all these problems, really sucks to invest in a nice car and get all these problems. So far the software upgrade has been great, my GL starts even in really cold temperatures. In the 2010 GL I herd there may have been a loose cable on the starter that may be the cause of your issues...you may have already checked this but just in case. Hope you find a remedy becquse they are great truck to drive.
Sorry to hear your having all these problems, really sucks to invest in a nice car and get all these problems. So far the software upgrade has been great, my GL starts even in really cold temperatures. In the 2010 GL I herd there may have been a loose cable on the starter that may be the cause of your issues...you may have already checked this but just in case. Hope you find a remedy becquse they are great truck to drive.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
MB GL350 Bluetec
GL350 Starting Problems
Thanks for the note of sympathy! I'm taking it in on Monday so cross fingers. I had it in for a service last June and there was a software update which should have fixed the problem - perhaps the wrong version who knows, but hopefully the issue will be resolved. I'll let them know that similar issues have been successfully dealt with through upgrades. Otherwise thanks for the suggestion regarding the loose starter cable - will have that checked.
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2009 GL 320 and 1998 E320
Yep, that fixed it...no more problems with intermittent start. Turns out the copper corroded on the positive cable. It was really bad, could slice it with a Swiss Army knife. I'll take close up pics...definitely something to look out for
