Trying to decide whether or not to buy a 2010 GL550 with less than 45000 miles. Was thinking about the Bluetec but I will drive less than 10000 miles a year. This car checks out and looks great. How reliable are these compared to the 450 and 350? Are these engines robust? Any and all info would be appreciated as I am going to have to decide on this tomorrow.
Thanks,
Trailuser

The GL550 engine is great. They have been using a variant of the engine since 1999. It is very reliable. Gas mileage will not be the best but since you don't drive much it won't really matter.

The way the GL450/550 accelerates is completely different than the GL320. I couldn't stand the diesel engine as far as acceleration from a stop. It just didn't fit my driving style or needs to pull out quickly in traffic. If I spent all the time on the interstate, I would buy the 320 in a heartbeat for the efficiency.

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it! Anyone else?

I've got a 450 and a good friend of mine who also lives in my neighborhood has the 550. His gas mileage is noticeably worse. Goes through tires a little more frequently though just changed wheels in order to fit less expensive tires to compensate.

Other than those couple of minor negatives the upside is a brawnier look with the flared fenders and bigger grill emblem and of course a little faster acceleration. If you drive it harder because of the extra power and because of it being slightly heavier you'll probably see a slightly reduced lifespan on brake pads, but really that is probably slight and really depends more on the driver and style of driving.

But beyond that they both have the same basic issues, airmatics (which affects the 320's too) occasional electrical nigglies, etc. They are essentially the same vehicle with all the options, cosmetic upgrades and a slightly bigger motor. As such it you really couldn't say one is more reliable than the other. Both are solid vehicles and as I said most of the common issues affect both equally.

it is more engine than the chassis is comfortable with... and if you drive it within the chassis limits - the 450 would do just fine... and be cheaper to own.

the only advantage of the 550 i see is the looks. it does look better imo.

Funny you should say that. I've said similar things to people about our 550. It isn't overpowered, but that chassis doesn't need more power.

I had a major repair with the engine on mine. I was losing coolant internally via the head somehow, which required the heads coming off and a lengthy repair which would have been very expensive if it wasn't covered under the CPO warranty. I'm not sure how common an issue it is, but the service writer said he has seen it on other 5.5L powered MB products.

I went with the 550 because it had all the options I wanted, and didn't come with the one I didn't want (the coated windows that kill radar detector reception anywhere there isn't an "opening"). I would have been fine with the motor in the 450, but the fender flares do look nice, and the 5.5 is a really nice motor - it makes good power everywhere.

I think the 550 sold more because of the looks than anything as the 450 engine was adequate for the chassis. The 5.5 engine is great and very reliable as previously stated. When I optioned out a 450, it was close in price to the 550 which had most every option standard. The 550 does come with the adjustable suspension and heated/cooled seats as standard. I love everything about it save for the 21" tires. I wish MB would have picked a more standard rim size.

I test drove the bluetec and it had some pretty good torque, but unfortunately it wasn't optioned out all that well and looked pale in comparison to the 550.

We have 85k on our 550 and have had very few issues with it and those issues have been minor. Again, biggest issues are with the tires. We've had 2 rims crack and it goes through tires in 18-25k with my wife's driving habits which I dont' consider that aggressive.

the 550s are boat anchors for all sale intents and purposes... they were hard sell new and used are even worse.

the 450 were the volume leader, the 320/350 were the ones in high demand and still are.

We have a 2010 GL550 that we purchased about a year ago. I disagree with the statements, "550 is just for looks" as the engine is very powerful and accelerates faster than the other two models. PLUS, the 550 comes standard with most of the 350/450 options - which YES make it look better but also adds quite a bit of convenience
(vented/heated front seats, heated rear seats, etc.). Ours has the DVD players, although we don't use them much. The rear AC controls were a big plus, plus the AMG wheels look fantastic (but the tire prices for 21" wheels are a joke).

Reliability - not sure what to say here. We had the car a month and the "check engine" light came on. It was repaired under warranty (oxygen sensor). About six weeks later a front wheel speed senor malfunctioned and would intermittently apply the brake to that individual wheel (front left). Again fixed under warranty.

All good for about nine months, then the 40k mi service was due. Was quoted ~$1,000 but opted to do some of the service myself. Paid $860.05 for remaining service (brake flush, trans service, oil/filter change, etc.). I did wipers, cabin filters, and air filters.

Three weeks ago another "check engine" light message. This time no warranty, so I'm ~$800 poorer as a DIFFERENT oxygen sensor needed to be replaced.

So, would I recommend purchasing a GL550...as long as you know what you may be "in for" sure! It looks great, rides awesome, accelerates like a sports car, has only an inch or so less third-row leg room than a Chevy Suburban, etc., etc.

Thanks for the replies people. I am going to get a private extended warranty so I should be insulated somewhat from the really expensive bills for a while.....I'm really close to making the call, and your replies are making it easier.


Thanks again,


Trailuser

Sorry, bad wording. I meant to say that the main reason the 550 sold at all was because of the looks. Definitely see more 450's and 350's.

I've had an 07 450 and now have an 09 550. The 450 had quite a few problems that were all fixed under warranty and seemed to confirm the reliability reviews. I believe that was the first year of manufacture so that has traditionally been something to avoid with many brands. That said, I still really liked the truck.

I actually prefer the 550 from a styling standpoint and there were noticeable improvements from the older 450 in terms of overall refinement such as ride, interior, DVD players, options, etc. It's possible that much of that would be present on a later model 450 too. Gas mileage for both has been exactly the same and I prefer the larger engine as it is smoother and faster but would also acknowledge the 4.5 liter is perfectly fine.



The thing I would suggest the most is getting the best warranty possible as it is expensive to fix otherwise.


Hope that helps.


Good luck...

Is the vehicle still under factory warranty? If so you should look into extending with MB. No deductible and coverage till 7 yrs 125k miles.

Unfortunately, it is not. So I am looking at a 4 year warranty - bumper to bumper. I will then have to sell the vehicle after 3 years with a years worth of transferrable warranty to make it saleable. I will say this, the car is a peach. It is super clean. I've test driven it twice, on black asphalt as well as on the snow, and all I can say is that I am glad that there are people who buy these things new and take the depreciation hit so that I can buy it low mileage for a substantial discount!


Trailuser