blkgl450x164

I had an interesting conversation with a car sales guy and he made a comment that the GL450 is more reliable then a GL550. Any experiences and truth to this?

I'm thinking about getting a used GL. Thanks.

dimitristx

Unless there's anything particularly problematic with the higher-output engine of the 550, I can't see how that's a fair statement. Sure, the 550 has more 'goodies' as standard, and more goodies means higher chance to break down (all those little motors and electronics supporting them).

While the 550 is a faster vehicle on paper, practically there's no real-life difference with how these large SUVs tend to be used in our daily lives. Personally I didn't feel the need for the extra cost of the 550 over the 450. Most people who get the 550 love all the extra options that come as standard (incl. the Xenon lights). Personally I would save on the $ diff, get a 450 and buy a large-block Brembo brake kit for the 450 ;-)

2010GL550

lol, sound like BS to me. I have a 2010 GL550 and the only problems I've had have nothing to do with the larger motor.


They BOTH will have air spring suspension needs (somewhere between 60-90k miles).


The 550 comes standard with almost all of the options. There are a few threads that go into detail about the differences. Be advised, if you get a 550 with the 21" wheels...tires are very pricey!!

2010GL550

BTW, we have ~69k miles and I can still get 0-60 in 5.8 seconds (2010 GL550).

islandbeef

He said he heard this from a sales guy, so half the time it's lies and BS.

WaveyKat

I recently got 2011 gl550 and I must say me like a lot my brother has an 2008 gl450 and mines just seems to be way more loaded and the 550 that $h!t moves!! I'm glad I went with the 550

blkgl450x164

Yeah, when I heard that I was thinking. Larger engines have always been more reliable but now that these engines are being pushed harder and harder with amazing power output....I was thinking maybe there's some truth to that...?

Just had to ask some of the folks with real world experience. Thanks for the replies.

will_w204

550s probably get more complaints because the owners are quite likely more tuned into the performance of every system and component, are more in tune to potential problems when something doesn't feel right, and they are probably driven harder.

Don't forget also, the 21" wheels are notorious for cracking, and IIRC are around $2,000 a pop from the dealer.

That's an equally-common and much more expensive repair on a 550 than replacing an air strut

boltonblue

Having now owned both albeit for a short time.
First the downside, the 550 mileage isn't as good as the 450.
I see 15-16.5 mpg overall with 550 whereas i could see 17.5-18 with the 450.
but that was also comparing summer with the 450 vs winter the 550.

The feature set on the 550 is hands down a winner.
The adaptive suspension is much nicer than the floaty bouncy ride of the 450.
Even in soft the 550 feels tighter than the 450 ever did and that's on the 19" winter wheels with snows instead of the 21".
In the northeast, the heated steering wheel has been a nice touch, (read as, it's a godsend.)

Overall the 550 just has a nicer set of goodies. Basically almost all of the options on the 450 are standard on the 550.
One of the exceptions is that the rear seat entertainment package is an option but frankly pffft I couldn't care less about it.

tifosiv122

Tell me about it! I have those rims on my ML55 (previous owner put them on) - just priced them out (wholesale) and it's crazy!

Erik

WaveyKat

just go two blow outs from hitting a pot hole each tire is 400+ SMH

islandbeef

My mechanic warned that the 550's OEM 21" rims require the more expensive tires than the standard 20" and 19". 21" tires can go for about $300+ each while the other sizes usually go for about half that.

CBR Dude

I've had both a 2011 450 and 2012 550. Still have the 550.


Pros and cons to both. Depending on what you want out of it.


I agree that the 21" wheels are very expensive any way you look at it. Cracks and a very limited secondary market for the OEM wheels in 21".


I keep my ride on auto. The firm is too firm for me and the comfort is too soft and bouncy.


The infotainment on both suck, period on pre 2013 models! No streaming music to the command console! The aftermarket dungle is a joke. Benz was not thinking period! Cars costing 1/3 less have a better set up than this does. My kids Honda CRV kicks this things butt. My Ram 3500 had a better set up too! If I were in the truck more it would be a serious flaw. My 16 miles of round trip commuting won't kill me.


Will I go back to a Benz after this is done? Most likely not!