2011 GL450
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
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2008 c300
2011 GL450
The wife is starting to look at these and we found a 2011 W/ 34K miles for $35k. Any advice? looking at the suspension I know is a big concern but what has been the report with you guys regarding this vehicle? I know the 2010-2011 are more reliable than the previous years.
We're coming from a 08 C300 which has been very reliable and gives you the feeling of driving a vault.
Thanks in advance!
We're coming from a 08 C300 which has been very reliable and gives you the feeling of driving a vault.
Thanks in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
2011 GL450
My wife bought a 2011 and loves it. You're right about some of the issues being worked out for the later models. They still have some of the issues though. The rear latch had to be replace before we picked it up, and I had to clean the electrical connector at the switch for the rear hatch because it was acting quirky. Air springs are air springs and will eventually fail. All things considered, it will probably cost more to maintain than a Toyota 4runner or other SUV. But the payoff is it is a much nicer ride for a similarly priced SUV. As long as you go into the transaction knowing you'll pay more to maintain it, you won't be as mad when something does go wrong. Besides, this forum has a wealth of information that will keep you from getting hosed when it comes to repairs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Not sure where you got that the later models are more dependable? The same parts break but it will happen a littler later but directly related to time and or mileage. The actual data I've seen states the 2007 is the most reliable of the 164 GL's that were tracked. Of course, sample sizes are small. For instance, the 2008 had twice as many repair trips per 100 cars as the 2007.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 49
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2011 GL450
Just personal observation. I know it's hard to tell sometimes, but MB does upgrade processes or materials during the production life of parts. Cam adjusters and timing chain idlers/balance shafts come to mind. Sometimes they catch it in-house, sometimes things are brought to their attention via class action lawsuit. Either way, most mechanics you ask will tell you that the first year or two of any platform from any manufacturer are more trouble prone than the final year or two.
Last edited by mike278; Sep 29, 2015 at 06:04 AM. Reason: late night grammar
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
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2008 GL320 CDI
Just personal observation. I know it's hard to tell sometimes, but MB does upgrade processes or materials during the production life of parts. Cam adjusters and timing chain idlers/balance shafts come to mind. Sometimes they catch it in-house, sometimes things are brought to their attention via class action lawsuit. Either way, most mechanics you ask will tell you that the first year or two of any platform from any manufacturer is more trouble prone than the final year or two.
