GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Gl realiability

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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 09:36 PM
  #1  
MAXHO's Avatar
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2003 E500
Gl realiability

Looking to buy 07' 08' GL. Start looking at some in my area. After checking car fax report walking away from all of them. Nothing but repairs, replacements, adjustments listed on trucks that have 30k to 60 k miles. And most of them same issues over and over. Example: right signal bulb, power staring, pulling to the right. Are those trucks really that bad?

Last edited by MAXHO; Aug 22, 2012 at 09:39 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 09:53 PM
  #2  
aggst1's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
I have owned three other MBs prior to my current 2011 GL450. All of them experienced various small nuisance electrical problems that where covered by warranty. After the warranty expired they became expensive to repair when needed, but they were completely worth it since all where quite reliable. I only experienced a few problems over the years. The jury is still out on the GL since I bought it 6 months ago but having owned a R500 and ML350 before I suspect the GL will be similar if not better in reliability given they share platform etc..

A 07 or 08 will be just out of warranty, so prepare yourself for some hefty repair bills down the road in addition to scheduled maintenance.

Last edited by aggst1; Aug 22, 2012 at 09:56 PM.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:21 PM
  #3  
MAXHO's Avatar
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2003 E500
I have 03 e500, and small stuff not big concern- can fix it myself. But engine, trany etc those are big $$$$ items. I think GL base on ML, so they should have same problems. Different suspention and engine though.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 09:29 AM
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JimBarnhart's Avatar
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
I've been on this forum for quite a few years now. I'm not the most active member, but I don check fairly often. I bought a 2007 GL450 in October of 2007. Over the years on this forum it seems like the issues are usually fairly minor. There have been some issues with transmission not shifting (I've seen this myself 2 times). I can't remember many engine issues. Suspension issues tend to be more common.

I believe there have been two GL's that were 'lemon lawed' on this forum.

My assessment based upon my own experience and what I've seen and remembered on this forum would be in line with aggst1. I think many have some nuisance issues. I don't see any high occurrence transmission or engine issues.

Since you've had an MB you know that repairs are expensive.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 10:26 AM
  #5  
ferrariyellow44's Avatar
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
My ML, which is very similar to the GL, had a couple of gearbox not shifting issues. And it needed a new power steering pump. Aside from that, the drive train and suspension was flawless. Granted the GL has air suspension and my ML didnt so there may be issues there.
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 12:40 AM
  #6  
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From: NOLA/SoCal
1966 230SL, 1969 300SEL 6.3, 1990 350SDL, 1992 500E, 1993 500E, 2008 GL320 CDI, 2013 S63 w/Perf Pkg
I have an 08 and an 09 GL, both diesels. The 08 has about 70K on it and the 09 about 30K. No issues at all with the 08 and I've only had to change a rear air spring on the 09, aside from regular scheduled maintenance. They have both been very reliable vehicles.

Last edited by KipF; Aug 24, 2012 at 12:54 AM.
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 01:54 PM
  #7  
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
My 07 320 has 64,000 mi and has not had any of the issues that some on this forum have mentioned. It has been reliable and a joy to ride on long trips. However, I did not purchase an extended warranty and have my fingers crossed.
Tires have only lasted 30,000 miles and I am still with my original brakes and battery.
My dealer is desparate to purchase my vehicle when I order the 13 model, but I will see what the trade in value is.
Just a positive response among the negative ones...
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