GL450/350 worth the investment?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Wichita ks
2003 sl500, 2003 c240
The x164 gl is one of the most expensive used mercedes you can own, imo. The air suspension is the main issue possibly due to the weight of vehicle they tend to fail more often than other air suspension mercedes. Other extremely common issues are, ac compressor, front axle boots, intake manifold, oil cooler/filter housing, oil separator, lower and upper control arm bushings, p/s pumps and racks. I see these problems all the time. The ml with v6 after balance shaft problem, with steel spring suspension is much cheaper to own and easier to work on with more space due to v6 option.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 314
Likes: 34
Mercedes gl450
The x164 gl is one of the most expensive used mercedes you can own, imo. The air suspension is the main issue possibly due to the weight of vehicle they tend to fail more often than other air suspension mercedes. Other extremely common issues are, ac compressor, front axle boots, intake manifold, oil cooler/filter housing, oil separator, lower and upper control arm bushings, p/s pumps and racks. I see these problems all the time. The ml with v6 after balance shaft problem, with steel spring suspension is much cheaper to own and easier to work on with more space due to v6 option.
The most common AirMatic problems are air leaks and, in my view, at 100k+ miles, that is maintenance, not failure. All shocks wear out. Obviously, air suspensions are more expensive to fix. That doesn't mean they fail "all the time" or "extensively."
And the GL and ML are completely different vehicles, made for different purposes. You are presenting a mechanics-eye view of these vehicles that just doesn't match the vast majority of owners' experiences or interests.
I read mechanics' posts all the time about "don't buy Jeeps." "Don't buy BMW." Don't buy MINI." Yes, all those vehicles have known problem areas. Still, the vast majority perform well without any of those problems arising. I've owned a number of new and used Benz's of different models, as well as those "don't buy" ones and, while I did on occasion have to make some non-routine repairs, none presented the horror stories many of these posts suggest, or even insist, will happen.
And, yes, if someone buys any luxury brand, they are going to pay more for repairs and maintenance.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
ML and GL
What do you mean by "extremely common" and "all the time"? If you are a mechanic, of course you are going to see a lot of the more common problems.
The most common AirMatic problems are air leaks and, in my view, at 100k+ miles, that is maintenance, not failure. All shocks wear out. Obviously, air suspensions are more expensive to fix. That doesn't mean they fail "all the time" or "extensively."
And the GL and ML are completely different vehicles, made for different purposes. You are presenting a mechanics-eye view of these vehicles that just doesn't match the vast majority of owners' experiences or interests.
I read mechanics' posts all the time about "don't buy Jeeps." "Don't buy BMW." Don't buy MINI." Yes, all those vehicles have known problem areas. Still, the vast majority perform well without any of those problems arising. I've owned a number of new and used Benz's of different models, as well as those "don't buy" ones and, while I did on occasion have to make some non-routine repairs, none presented the horror stories many of these posts suggest, or even insist, will happen.
And, yes, if someone buys any luxury brand, they are going to pay more for repairs and maintenance.
The most common AirMatic problems are air leaks and, in my view, at 100k+ miles, that is maintenance, not failure. All shocks wear out. Obviously, air suspensions are more expensive to fix. That doesn't mean they fail "all the time" or "extensively."
And the GL and ML are completely different vehicles, made for different purposes. You are presenting a mechanics-eye view of these vehicles that just doesn't match the vast majority of owners' experiences or interests.
I read mechanics' posts all the time about "don't buy Jeeps." "Don't buy BMW." Don't buy MINI." Yes, all those vehicles have known problem areas. Still, the vast majority perform well without any of those problems arising. I've owned a number of new and used Benz's of different models, as well as those "don't buy" ones and, while I did on occasion have to make some non-routine repairs, none presented the horror stories many of these posts suggest, or even insist, will happen.
And, yes, if someone buys any luxury brand, they are going to pay more for repairs and maintenance.
I personally have used the both vehicles for identical purposes… towed my dog trailer with both. The spring chassis ML350 has been the lowest cost vehicle to maintain … The ML500 163 chassis was a beast and the 500 is still my favorite motor.
The W210 wagons are still IMO the best 4 wheel drive chassis MB has built.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 314
Likes: 34
Mercedes gl450
I have owned 5 GL and ML. There are way more in common parts than differences not opinion just simply facts. Almost all front end components are the same. Front wheel bearings and rotors are slightly larger while rear bearings are the same.
I personally have used the both vehicles for identical purposes… towed my dog trailer with both. The spring chassis ML350 has been the lowest cost vehicle to maintain … The ML500 163 chassis was a beast and the 500 is still my favorite motor.
The W210 wagons are still IMO the best 4 wheel drive chassis MB has built.
I personally have used the both vehicles for identical purposes… towed my dog trailer with both. The spring chassis ML350 has been the lowest cost vehicle to maintain … The ML500 163 chassis was a beast and the 500 is still my favorite motor.
The W210 wagons are still IMO the best 4 wheel drive chassis MB has built.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
163 best off road
Yes, there are many mechanical/parts that are the same/similar. But, also having owned both ML's & GL's, I know that have different uses and capabilities. The GL has much more space inside for both people and cargo. It has far more advanced AC (at least in the years I had). It tows more and is better off-road (though hardly an "off-roader." I have found the ML far more confining and far less flexible on trips. Again, all this applies to the older models as I haven't had a new one in some time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
My 164 GL was one of the cheapest and one of the most reliable MB's I've ever owned until the water leaking issues totaled it around 300k miles. Went through a water pump, AC compressor, air struts, swaybar end links, fuel pump, radiator, compressor for suspension and then the other general wear items like brake rotors/pads, spark plugs, and fluids. Sounds like a lot but that with close to 300k miles and it never left me stranded.
The 210's were the most reliable MB's I've owned and the S class coupes and convertible were the worst due to ABC suspension issues. So far, the X166's I own have been even more reliable than my old X164 GL450.
The 210's were the most reliable MB's I've owned and the S class coupes and convertible were the worst due to ABC suspension issues. So far, the X166's I own have been even more reliable than my old X164 GL450.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
166’s
My 164 GL was one of the cheapest and one of the most reliable MB's I've ever owned until the water leaking issues totaled it around 300k miles. Went through a water pump, AC compressor, air struts, swaybar end links, fuel pump, radiator, compressor for suspension and then the other general wear items like brake rotors/pads, spark plugs, and fluids. Sounds like a lot but that with close to 300k miles and it never left me stranded.
The 210's were the most reliable MB's I've owned and the S class coupes and convertible were the worst due to ABC suspension issues. So far, the X166's I own have been even more reliable than my old X164 GL450.
The 210's were the most reliable MB's I've owned and the S class coupes and convertible were the worst due to ABC suspension issues. So far, the X166's I own have been even more reliable than my old X164 GL450.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
That's the M278 4.7L bi-turbo engine. I specifically avoided that one as it has serious issues. I have a GL63 with around 125k miles. It eats tires like there is no tomorrow but has been good so far. Just needed an active curve pump and e brake actuator with both covered under warranty. GLE350 which has been fine and has around 55k miles. It does go through some oil though. The GLS450 has around 60k miles and has had no issues and uses almost no oil.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
GLS450
That's the M278 4.7L bi-turbo engine. I specifically avoided that one as it has serious issues. I have a GL63 with around 125k miles. It eats tires like there is no tomorrow but has been good so far. Just needed an active curve pump and e brake actuator with both covered under warranty. GLE350 which has been fine and has around 55k miles. It does go through some oil though. The GLS450 has around 60k miles and has had no issues and uses almost no oil.
