Help Considering A Gl
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 44
From: New York
2024 GLE 350
Help Considering A Gl
Hi, So I've been wanting to maybe pick up another Mercedes I really like the Gl but I haven't read any know problems that it is prone to. I'm looking at 07 Maybe 08. It'll really just be an extra car. Anyone have any tips? I know that ***** of Airmatic will be a problem but besides that.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
For known issues check here - http://truedelta.com
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Chicagoland
08 GL550, 08 BMW 550i, 07 MDX
I bought a 2008 GL550 few months ago and did some research. GL (gassers) are pretty reliable. Airmatic components do need replacement but once fixed should be good for a while.
Other common issues like lift gate etc. should have been already fixed on early year cars.
Other common issues like lift gate etc. should have been already fixed on early year cars.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 554
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From: New York
2024 GLE 350
Ah ok Thanks man!
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
2011 Mercedes GL450
I bought a 2011 two years ago. Would never think about buying another Mercedes product. It's been the most unreliable car I have owned in my life. 80,000 miles on it and I've spent $7000 in repairs the last three months.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 44
From: New York
2024 GLE 350
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
2011 Mercedes GL450
The first year we only had minor issues. A month after the extended warranty expired, radiator cracked, both front shocks/airbags went, followed by the compressor and lastly the intake manifold being replaced due to some plastic flap inside that had worn out. Don't think it's the way I drive it because my Toyota has 175,000 plus on it and I've only had to change oil, brakes and tires.
The airbags are just a bad design. My Mercedes mechanic says 75% of his business is replacing suspension parts. I have the vehicle serviced on schedule every time. The car is treated like a baby and is garaged kept. Never have I owned a car that was so unreliable. Even had to buy a used Lexus just to keep as a spare when the Benz is in the shop. Hoping that it will go another couple years without much repairs needed. If that is the case, I may change my opinion on it but as of now, I wouldn't recommend the GL to anyone.
The airbags are just a bad design. My Mercedes mechanic says 75% of his business is replacing suspension parts. I have the vehicle serviced on schedule every time. The car is treated like a baby and is garaged kept. Never have I owned a car that was so unreliable. Even had to buy a used Lexus just to keep as a spare when the Benz is in the shop. Hoping that it will go another couple years without much repairs needed. If that is the case, I may change my opinion on it but as of now, I wouldn't recommend the GL to anyone.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 44
From: New York
2024 GLE 350
The first year we only had minor issues. A month after the extended warranty expired, radiator cracked, both front shocks/airbags went, followed by the compressor and lastly the intake manifold being replaced due to some plastic flap inside that had worn out. Don't think it's the way I drive it because my Toyota has 175,000 plus on it and I've only had to change oil, brakes and tires.
The airbags are just a bad design. My Mercedes mechanic says 75% of his business is replacing suspension parts. I have the vehicle serviced on schedule every time. The car is treated like a baby and is garaged kept. Never have I owned a car that was so unreliable. Even had to buy a used Lexus just to keep as a spare when the Benz is in the shop. Hoping that it will go another couple years without much repairs needed. If that is the case, I may change my opinion on it but as of now, I wouldn't recommend the GL to anyone.
The airbags are just a bad design. My Mercedes mechanic says 75% of his business is replacing suspension parts. I have the vehicle serviced on schedule every time. The car is treated like a baby and is garaged kept. Never have I owned a car that was so unreliable. Even had to buy a used Lexus just to keep as a spare when the Benz is in the shop. Hoping that it will go another couple years without much repairs needed. If that is the case, I may change my opinion on it but as of now, I wouldn't recommend the GL to anyone.
The Air suspension is the worst design ever. My ****ing S class. I can't even go into it, it gets me so pissed. Its amazing when new but now its ****.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 32
GL320cdi
I've got over 225,000 on my '08 Gl320. I've had about every common issue once - but only once. It is interesting to me that nothing has ever failed twice.
The common issues of which I am aware (diesel only)-
1. Leaking oil cooler. Most have had the seals replaced by now, but this is easy to hide on a used car - for a while.
2. Turbos fail 80,000 to 160,000 miles. Oil changes and driving patterns seems to be the difference.
3. Rear hatch latches can be a problem, but most have been fixed by now.
4. Airmatic. My original went 120,000 miles, I installed the Arnott units and they will be good for a while yet. And they have a lifetime guarantee.
5. Transfer cases and the differentials fail at variable rates. My transfer case went 180,000 mi. Mercedes does not recommend a service - which is dead wrong. Change the oil in these every 40,000 mi.
6. Pressure differential sensor fails causing the car to go into limp mode in cold weather. Cheap fix.
7. Tires simply do not last long. I did get nearly 40,000 mi on a pair of Firestones, but they are a 60,000 mi. rated tire. The recommended Continentals will not go 30,000.
8. Transmissions demand scheduled fluid and filter changes and will fail if not attended to.
Any individual car can have almost anything go wrong, but from talking to service people and following the forums, these seem to be the main issues.
The common issues of which I am aware (diesel only)-
1. Leaking oil cooler. Most have had the seals replaced by now, but this is easy to hide on a used car - for a while.
2. Turbos fail 80,000 to 160,000 miles. Oil changes and driving patterns seems to be the difference.
3. Rear hatch latches can be a problem, but most have been fixed by now.
4. Airmatic. My original went 120,000 miles, I installed the Arnott units and they will be good for a while yet. And they have a lifetime guarantee.
5. Transfer cases and the differentials fail at variable rates. My transfer case went 180,000 mi. Mercedes does not recommend a service - which is dead wrong. Change the oil in these every 40,000 mi.
6. Pressure differential sensor fails causing the car to go into limp mode in cold weather. Cheap fix.
7. Tires simply do not last long. I did get nearly 40,000 mi on a pair of Firestones, but they are a 60,000 mi. rated tire. The recommended Continentals will not go 30,000.
8. Transmissions demand scheduled fluid and filter changes and will fail if not attended to.
Any individual car can have almost anything go wrong, but from talking to service people and following the forums, these seem to be the main issues.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
Our 2010 GL550 has had the "normal" problems: struts, air springs, rear hatch latch, ABS sensors, battery, multi-contour seat pump, etc.
I did almost all the work myself, so it wasn't outrageously priced.
About three months ago we were due for a new vehicle. My BMW lease was up, so I offered to take the wife's GL and let her get something new (hint: I really wanted her GL). We looked at 2015 Lexus GX460 and the new Volvo XC90...the wife decided she liked her GL better. So I purchased a 2015 Lexus GS350 and she's keeping the GL.
It's a gas hog and loves to eat tires, but it's awesome otherwise.
I did almost all the work myself, so it wasn't outrageously priced.
About three months ago we were due for a new vehicle. My BMW lease was up, so I offered to take the wife's GL and let her get something new (hint: I really wanted her GL). We looked at 2015 Lexus GX460 and the new Volvo XC90...the wife decided she liked her GL better. So I purchased a 2015 Lexus GS350 and she's keeping the GL.
It's a gas hog and loves to eat tires, but it's awesome otherwise.
