I have 2008 GL550 i got it brand new back in 08. now i have 77000ml on it all highway miles.
it was flawless till end of the warranty and problems started at 65000ml right after I put new breaks and tires on the beast. that cost me $4000.
so at 65000ml i noticed strange sound while turning steering wheel while parked and at the service dealer inspected GL and stated that steering column has a leak and has to be replaced that would cost me $2999. i drove to other dealer for 2nd opinion and same diagnoses and similar price. i had no choice and decided to fix the problem, so steering column was replaced. good think i have good relationship with my dealer and they give me 20% brake on parts but still too $$$. now at 76000ml my steering fail to work completely while parked so turnout power steering pump went out. and price to fix it $1200.
I had no choice and fixed it as well... now i start noticing whining noise coming from transmission while shifting from 2 to 3rd and command system joystick works every 3rd time while inputing address or adjusting any settings. it looks like i have to open my wallet again. too bad i loved this truck it is nice and comfy but looks like it start coming apart ones over 50000ml. im just keeping my finger crossed that airmatic suspension stays in tact or it will be the major $$$ another $6000. too bad i didnt get extended warranty when i was buying it, but i had another MBZ for much longer and had no problems. may be its just me so unlucky, does anyone have similar problems with theirs GL's? according to my service adviser its a common problem with GL being very have truck so it will take it tall on steering, suspension, brakes and tires.
so after 3 years 77000ml of pampering ownership not counting in cost of service at MB dealer i already pumped in this car $4200 not counting $4000 for brakes and tires.
its time to sell or trade my GL550 that i love.

 

Given the frequency of various issues occurring immediately after the warranty expires, it seems to me that dealers are sabotaging cars intentionally to make money.

Does anybody else think so?

 

No.

 

yes my s has approx 50,000 miles and a bunch of new leaks although last time, the dealer said they fixed it

 

I think dealer prefers to fix the car when it has factory warranty, because they may charge MB all kind of services they not going to get from owner. I don't think they wait till warranty expires to point the problem and fix it.

 

Ys and no. Dealers like to do routine work under warranty as the book times are generous and dealer gets paid for 4 hours of labor when it takes the tech one hour. However, complicated work is usually listed at very optimistic rates and the dealer usually is underpaid. For example tranny removal and replacement is listed at 6 hours and this is what they get paid for. However, It takes them 2 days.