GL450 vs GL550
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
GL450 vs GL550
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.
I'm thinking about getting a used GL. Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
2010 GL450, 2013 E350
That's a questionable POV from the sales guy
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 ;-)
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
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!!
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!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 60
From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
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
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
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.
Just had to ask some of the folks with real world experience. Thanks for the replies.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 213
Likes: 2
97 S600 coupe/gf 16 C300 Lux. Former: 08 GL450, 83 300D, 97 C230, 08 c300 luxury, 92 500SL, 93 400E
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
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
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 38
From: middle o' ma
15 AMG S63 4-matic coupe
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
SLS AMG | S65 AMG | GL550
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
2012 GL450, 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport
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.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 4
GL550
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!
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!
