I have a 2008 GL450 and have had multiple issues with it. The latest is a steering fluid leak. Took it in for routine oil change and dealer called to say it has a leak in the reservoir and the control head is also leaking. They quoted me $1966.00 to replace the reservoir and fix the leaking control head. I had mentioned that I've seen "known issues" regarding steering fluid leaks and they didn't hesitate to offer to split it with me 50/50. So $1000 from me to get the repair done.

I welcome any and all input from experienced GL owners here. I've literally put over $10,000 into this car this year...with other "known issues" and I'm just at the end of my patience. Mercedes did pick up SOME of the tab on other issues, but my goodness. It feels like it will never end.

Any insights are deeply appreciated.

Thanks

 

Yes, it's a known issue. They should have recalled the power steering reservoir, cam plugs, air suspension, and black window trim. They will all fail at one point or another.

I'd imagine that many of the power steering racks fail beacuse the leaking reservoir. I noticed mine was leaking because the steering rack started groaning one morning. I immediately added power steering fluid so it did not run dry. The system is closed so it should never need additional fluid.

 

Did you have to replace anything on yours? I'm hesitant to authorize the fix until I know how hard I should push for them to take care of it. Though I do appreciate the 50/50 split..it is still incredibly aggravating.

 

Yes, everything on the list was replaced while the car was under the extended warranty.

 

I just replaced the leaking seal on the reservoir on my '08. The seal is $4 and the job took about an hour. Most shops will replace the reservoir as well since it's about $40 and you have to remove it for the most part to replace the seal. I would agree with this logic.

What is the "control head"? Are they referring to the top of the steering rack? If they are rebuilding the rack or replacing it and replacing the reservoir for $1000 then that would be a great deal. I paid $700 and over 6 hours of my own labor to replace mine.

What concerns me is why they are quoting you $2k and then saying they will split it with you? Is MBUSA picking up the tab for the other half or are they doing simpler repairs, quoting you for more thorough repairs and then "discounting" it? Seems weird. The dealers around here are just not that nice.

 

Whatever the car, I hate giving them my hard earned money, for a BS repair. I would source the part and get it put in somewhere else. My MDX needs one new rear shock. It is leaking at 92,ooo km. New electronic shock? $12oo from honda. I will find a used one and get it put in by the local gas station. If I can't find the shock, I will spark up my back yard forge, and hammer it out myself. How difficult could it be.
Check the shop time at the dealer. they could be quoting you book time. If these racks are being done a lot, a good tech could be doing these in half the quoted time. OEM manufactures replace to NEW oem specs. Often they replace the whole unit, instead of a component piece. I have lots of time for repairing vs replacing.

Last fall I was told...
You need a new furnace for $8000, or you need three new heat ex-changer. They have a lifetime warranty, but it will take 5 hours labor to get in there. I prefer the second option first. Why do we always seem to have to go to battle, just to get taken care of?

 

Just started experiencing a steering leakage on my GL 450. I have gone to check it out but the guys could not confirm exactly where the leakage is coming from. Suggested a seal between the reservoir and the pump, was changed but the leakage still continues.

Does anyone know what sign to look out for to confirm that if leakage is from the rack? Do I really have to change the entire rack for this issue?

 

This car is the worst car you could ever possibly buy. Like your self I have spent around 10,000 out of pocket in repairs and maintenance and I have a full service warranty which has paid around an additional 7,500 in repair give or take a few hundred dollars. I'v been looking for some class action lawsuit's or recalls but cant seem to find any. Before my 2009 gl450 hit 100,000 here is a list of repair and maintenance iv had done. Pealing side panels 800, 2 front shock's 2,600, Battery 120 , Oil pan 150, Tires 1500, brakes 1500, oil change service a b exc. 4,400, power steering pump 1200, power steering module 2000, intake manifold 2000, Carburetor 1500, 2 tire sensors 200. That is just what I have fixed. There are many problems with this car nobody can fix. When its hot the passenger side windows will roll up and right back down half way. The front parking sensor will flash red lights and turn off. When I take it through the car wash all of the turn signals and brake lights will stop working until the car is completely dry inside and out, there is another post on here of a guy whose power locks went out and he had to pay 5,000 to have that system replaced. When opening the sun roof you will quickly realize the cheep plastics they have put into your 65,000 car break off extremely easily. Your alignment will only be good for a few thousand miles after correcting it. After the car sits a couple days and I turn it on the engine will have trouble rolling over and will make a crunch sound. Im sure there are other things I am missing as well. I am at a loss for words when trying to describe just how badly I was screwed over purchasing this vehicle. I just hope people will see this message before they decide to purchase a Mercedes and avoid the biggest scam artists on the face of this earth!!!!

 

Guys you are wasting too much money paying dealer. Most of the crap you guys listed happened to me, but they were quick and mostly cheap repairs if you have good indie mechanic and online parts store.

Past 1K repair was only Torque converter rebuilt ( $1500 with labor) thats it.

For example how come you Rogerallen3 paid $1500 for the brakes? I just paid $380 for rear pads and rotors replacement. And I never put cheap parts onto my Benz.

Just get a good mechanic and enjoy the car.

 

One peace of advice, if you do purchase a Benz make sure you add the extended warranty or else!

 

My only problem now is that when I step on the gas while the car is running, I get this power steering noise. I had the Rack, the steering pump and reservoir changed but the noise is still there.

 

Rule of thumb - stay away from the dealership service dept. when the warranty expires or isn't covering. Find yourself a local authorized independent mechanic you trust, you'll be saving tons of money on labor costs alone.