Looking for forum feedback on what issues to expect on a diesel GL.
I'm very familiar with diesels, and have owned the older Diesel Benz, and newer VW TDI's, but I’m starting to shy away from
the newer MBZ diesels … .

My saga started 2 years ago as I wanted a 2008 GL 320 CDI (I have been over infatuated with the spare). So, 2 weeks ago I found one with low miles (47K) on Carmax, paid to have it shipped
From Phoenix to San Diego, and purchased it.

I took the car home (was very impressed with the drive, and the diesel engine), but 2 hours later we notice a puddle oil under it.
So, I took the car back the next morning, and long story short, they had to send it to the Benz dealer, were I guess
there were a slew of issues with all of seals, which carmax did not have the tools to perform the work .

Carmax gave me the option to cancel the contract, and I’m in the process of canceling the contract now…

I’ve been lurking on this forum for a while, and I see that there is definitely a difference of opinion on the reliability, service, and longevity of these cars.

I own a SAAB, and believe me, they have their share of issues, and the only reason I still have it is because I do all of the work myself.

The Mercedes will be replacing a 2005 ford expedition that we bought new in 2005 for my wife, and in 82K miles, we have just changed the oil, one transmission fluid flush, and air filters as they have been needed…nothing else…

So, my question is…..I’m now leaning towards a newer 2010+ GL350 vs the GL320 ….. Are they more reliable ? (I don’t care about the urea .. I can get that straight wholesale) … I just want to know will it be just as much as a headache as the SAAB, and start looking for maybe an Audi Q7 TDI, or are they more reliable?

Any feedback will be much appreciated …

 

Cutting my question down to 1 liner:
.....Is a GL350 more reliable than GL320 CDI ?

 

Our '08 320 CDI has been reliable throughout its 60K mile life, BUT it has started to rack up some major repairs during the last 6 months. It has had the low pressure fuel pump replaced; the power steering rack oil leak issue resolved and also an oil leak at the oil cooler just taken care of. This would have been a very expensive repair based on the length of time necessary for the repair. In total the above three items would have been about $5K to fix; thank God I bought the extended 2 yr/25K warranty which has saved us some big money.
If you can swing the extra cash for the '10 350 I would recommend it; otherwise buy a MB CPO vehicle with the warranty.
Bish

 

no. they are not and the added complexity of the **** injection is not helping the 350-ties either.

 

Just had mine done as well. Sounds like almost every diesel has this leak eventually. My understanding is that they had to tear a lot of stuff apart to get to it which is why it takes so long.

 

I bought a used 2010 GL350 back in XMAS 2012 and have been loving since! No issues so far. I had been wanting one for about a year and actively researched and looked for about 4 months before buying. Had considered the CDI (2009 and prior)…My conclusion is that you might save a bit (a few thousand) if you buy from a private party or a non-MB dealer (NOT certified), but I decided for a vehicle like this, it was worth a few thousand more to have it certified, which would also essentially add another year of warranty on the car. After looking around, I found the Bluetec (2010 to present) was a much better choice. Do I have hard data to back this up? No, not really…I just like the minor refining and a hunch that the more current models had worked out some of the previous kinks/issues…

FYI, I also researched and considered the Audi Q7. Great professional reviews and specs, but absolutely lousy user reviews. Lots of issues and design flaws all over the place. Interior felt much smaller….

From what I saw, there isn’t much inventory on the 350s to choose from at any given time, so you have to be patient and actively look…then strike when you’ve found the one. That being said, the dealers offer a wide range of asking prices (for similar year and mileage on the car). As such, I believe there is plenty of room to negotiate if you believe the price is too high.

For your reference, here are my details:

2010 GL350 w/ 42,000 miles
P2 and Light Package…basically everything except real leather.
Full clean CarFax and full history detailed printout by the dealer
Initial Asking Price by dealer @ $53K. Purchased for @ $44K.
Location: Southern California

 

Thank you for all of the feedback. This is really helpful ..
I guess I have to do more homework ....

 

just buy the darn thing and enjoy...

as luxo barges go the gl class is reliable.

 

I did! ... 08 GL320 ... 2 hours after purchasing it, it filled my driveway with oil, and the repair cost for the seals was in the thousands .... Thank God, I was able to cancel my contract, and walk away from the deal...

 

Where did you get it?

 

His 1st post mentions Carmax.

I doubt we'll keep our '08 when the extended warranty runs out as the car will be 6 years old then and should have about 75K miles. I'm thinking of taking the wife to drive the new Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel when its released. My son's '12 GC has been bullet proof except for having to have the radio head unit replaced. It does have the Hemi engine though and we'll have to wait and see about the relibility of the Italian V6 TD in the Jeep.

Bish

 

CarMax - The whole story is in the 1st post.
Here is the pic of the start of the leak .. it was a lot more oil, as I put a pan under it as soon as I saw the leak .

Per Mercedes to CARMAX: the engine gaskets, and seals needed replacing, which involved taking the motor/tranny out .. about 2+ weeks of work ..

I really need a diesel, and 3rd row seats. The Q7 TDI's 3rd row seat is for kids, and frankly a joke ...

I really want another GL, and looking at the GL350 now, and that's why I was trying to find out if they are any better.

 

This was my #2 pick
http://www.bristolautomall.net/2007_..._174331528.veh#

How much was the one CarMax sold you?

 

January 28, 2013
Dear Ray,
Congratulations! CarMax has located a vehicle that matches the "Diesel SUV" Email Alert you created.
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320
4D Sport Utility, 4WD, 6 cylinders
Automatic, Blue
Stock# 8657148
Transfer Fee: $199.00 48K $34,998 Phoenix , AZ

 

Have them have MB fix it and then give you the same price.
They are going to loose the 5K when they take it to auction anyhow.

 

Excellent suggestion, and get an extended warranty.
I have 2 GLs:
2008 GL320cdi
2009 GL320 bluetec
The 2008 has almost 85K on it now and the only repair has been the air compressor. It has been an extremely reliable car. Took it roundtrip from New Orleans to Gatlinburg this summer and only filled up twice. I guess like all vehicles, some have issues, some don't.
Same for the 2009 but it only has about 30K on it. I have had to change 2 air shocks so far, but that's been it. All cars will need repairs a some point. Neither of my GLs have been problematic.

 

From personal experience, I would not deal with Carmax when buying a GL (or any car for that matter)…

A few years ago, I had a Lexus SC430 that was starting to accumulate some issues. I needed more room, so I was about to get rid of it anyway, but wanted to do it quickly so I wouldn’t have to deal with repairs and renewal of registration. I took it into Carmax to have it appraised and was hoping to sell to them. I could get more selling on my own, but my conscience wouldn’t allow me to sell to someone knowing there were some issues. My point was to sell to Carmax (or another dealer) and have THEM fix the issues before reselling it. They were suppose to do a “thorough” check up of the car and issue a report with all the problems, as well as their own rating system per category.

They only found a few of the minor issues, but missed the BIGGEST ones! What an eye opener! If they couldn’t’ catch the biggest issues in BUYING my car, they sure as he11 wasn’t going to catch them before selling it. From that point forward, I realize they are a volume dealer; they buy quickly and want to sell quickly. Quality be damned….

 

As the OP said. He needs a diesel (presumably for efficiency and operating cost reasons) needs to haul 5-7 people reasonably often, etc.
To meet these needs only the GL fits the bill [well he could buy a Sprinter diesel]. I would buy another '08 GL 320 CDI in a minute if something happened to mine - even though the issues covered under warranty have been pretty significant and not always well done. To me, the Blutec issues and the 'need' for Mercedes to take out the spare and provide POS runflats is a dealbreaker. As alx said, more stuff to to go wrong means more stuff that WILL go wrong.
And no, my 320 is NOT for sale! Not anytime soon.

 

****Update*******
First off, I want to thank everyone for all of the valuable feedback that was provided.
As of this afternoon, we are the proud owners of a 2011 CPO GL350 ..
It has almost 3 years of Warranty left, and I'm hoping it will be trouble free for the next 3 years ...

I checked out the Q7 TDI, and I have to admit, the Benz is in a class by itself for a 7 passenger German SUV.

The Bluetech is definitely more refined than the CDI, but I also had to give up on the spare.....But, I guess a small price to pay ....

Cheers,
-ray

 

Congrats, Ray! If the runflats become an issue, you will see several of us here have switched over to regular tires. I put GL550 wheels on mine and threw a plug kit and air pump in the back. The way I looked at it, once a runflat does fail, they are not supposed to be repaired. (there are people who will patch them though). But if it is ruined, you may have a difficult time finding a replacement tire readily available.

 

I really like my 2011 GL350. Also got rid of runflats. No issues so far at 44K.

 

Will I need new wheels if I decide not use run-flats, or can I just put them on the existing rims ?

 

I used existing rims and went with 285/50/20 instead of 275/50/20. Bought tires from Tire Rack. New tires are much better, quieter and smoother ride. Also less expensive than 275.

 

You can do either. I put GL550 wheels/tires on mine, along with the GL550 fender flares. But you should be able to just put regular tires on your existing rims. Just be sure to get a tire repair kit and a portable air pump. Neither are very expensive, but at least you would not be stranded somewhere with a flat.

 

no power in diesel.....u need Gas if u wanna drive around with 5 plus passengers or tow....less headaches with gas ....but ya miles/km better with diesel...