GL350 - Blown Turbo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
GL350 - Blown Turbo
Posted earlier to see if folks had any idea of what the thunk and truck throwing me into limp mode in the middle of the freeway could be.
Fortunately, it is under warranty with just 15k to go. Don't know what we would have done without the ELW.
Turbo blew. The car had been shuttering at acceleration for some time. Took it in several times and techs said they couldn't replicate.
Trying to figure out how I get the work guaranteed and establish the service techs got all of the turbine out of the oil galleys and cylinders. I'm told the dealer work is guaranteed for 12 months.
Apparently, they replaced the oil cooler damaged by the turbine (our second) and also replaced rear struts.
Jeesh. Any tips are appreciated.
Fortunately, it is under warranty with just 15k to go. Don't know what we would have done without the ELW.
Turbo blew. The car had been shuttering at acceleration for some time. Took it in several times and techs said they couldn't replicate.
Trying to figure out how I get the work guaranteed and establish the service techs got all of the turbine out of the oil galleys and cylinders. I'm told the dealer work is guaranteed for 12 months.
Apparently, they replaced the oil cooler damaged by the turbine (our second) and also replaced rear struts.
Jeesh. Any tips are appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 86
From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
The turbo is a very close tolerance precision built component. In some configurations spinning upwards to 100,000 rpm.
That said, even though operating in a hostile environment, if properly cared for it will last a very long time.
Generally, turbo failure is the result of bearing failure. The result of which allows the rotating components to come into contact with the scroll. One of two things happen. The interference is so great it stops rotation or the ends of the compressor/turbine blades are ground off causing an massive decrease in boost pressure.
While one may be unable to view the bearing/s, by closely looking directly into the turbine inlet or the compressor outlet it is generally possible to see the shift in the rotating assembly. If the shift is severe, in some instances one will see blades broken off.
That said, even though operating in a hostile environment, if properly cared for it will last a very long time.
Generally, turbo failure is the result of bearing failure. The result of which allows the rotating components to come into contact with the scroll. One of two things happen. The interference is so great it stops rotation or the ends of the compressor/turbine blades are ground off causing an massive decrease in boost pressure.
While one may be unable to view the bearing/s, by closely looking directly into the turbine inlet or the compressor outlet it is generally possible to see the shift in the rotating assembly. If the shift is severe, in some instances one will see blades broken off.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
Quick examination of the first photo indicates some type of compressor wheel failure. The outer case is shattered. This CAN happen (absent bearing failure) when compressor stall occurs. If the air flow into the compressor is insufficient and the air hits the turbine blades at the wrong angle or with too little energy aerodynamic stall can occur just like an airplane wing. The compressor wheel loses it's ability to smoothly push the air and the resulting violent forces tear the metal apart. It is a part of every pilot's training to avoid those flight configurations where this type of engine failure can occur. Usually the warnings are very loud noises. The "shuttering" [shuddering?] on acceleration may have been an indicator.
Cause - could me some sort of a computer programming issue that calls for more boost than the compressor can deliver with the existing air flow. ie not enough engine rpm/air flow.
Cause - could me some sort of a computer programming issue that calls for more boost than the compressor can deliver with the existing air flow. ie not enough engine rpm/air flow.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
UPDATE:
Truck returned to us and the following were also replaced:
1. Air cooler
2. Back struts
3. Replaced the seals on the oil cooler which was leaking (oil cooler was fully replaced in 2014).
Invoice says it threw code 14b100.
Had a go-around with dealer who wanted us to pay for the oil filter which had just been replaced in our 100k service even though the car is still in ELW. The filter was only replaced because of malfunction. Doesn't seem fair. They relented, but it wasn't easy.
Notes from first visit:
- left & right side air cooler hose leaking
- rear suspension collapsed (air susp bellows on 2nd axle, pneumatic spring, seal holder replaced)
- oil replaced
- oil cooler seals leaking from middle of transmission and oil cooler heat exchanger, remove cooler and replace seals
Very next day it goes into limp mode, then stalls on freeway on the way to dealer.
We're being told it's now the fuel pump, which is being replaced (threw error code 11B800) AND they want us to pay for the fuel filter that was replaced 10k miles ago.
Car still in shop for almost a month.
On the one hand, by now, we should practically have a new car. On the other hand, even with a new oil cooler the seals are already leaking 24 months later.
Any advice or insight is welcome. Not sure why they are insisting we pay for the fuel filter.
ELW is up in April. Truck has 110k miles.
Truck returned to us and the following were also replaced:
1. Air cooler
2. Back struts
3. Replaced the seals on the oil cooler which was leaking (oil cooler was fully replaced in 2014).
Invoice says it threw code 14b100.
Had a go-around with dealer who wanted us to pay for the oil filter which had just been replaced in our 100k service even though the car is still in ELW. The filter was only replaced because of malfunction. Doesn't seem fair. They relented, but it wasn't easy.
Notes from first visit:
- left & right side air cooler hose leaking
- rear suspension collapsed (air susp bellows on 2nd axle, pneumatic spring, seal holder replaced)
- oil replaced
- oil cooler seals leaking from middle of transmission and oil cooler heat exchanger, remove cooler and replace seals
Very next day it goes into limp mode, then stalls on freeway on the way to dealer.
We're being told it's now the fuel pump, which is being replaced (threw error code 11B800) AND they want us to pay for the fuel filter that was replaced 10k miles ago.
Car still in shop for almost a month.
On the one hand, by now, we should practically have a new car. On the other hand, even with a new oil cooler the seals are already leaking 24 months later.
Any advice or insight is welcome. Not sure why they are insisting we pay for the fuel filter.
ELW is up in April. Truck has 110k miles.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
Since many are tracking diesel issues thought I would post an update:
From the date of this last post, minor issues not involving the engine were resolved under warranty. Then immediately before the warranty expired we found more oil leaks. They were repaired.
Recently, we've smelled more oil and were running through a quart every two weeks. Nothing on the ground, though. Had it cleaned up and drove it for a few days and took it back in when we smelled oil again. The seals in the vacuum pump have failed again. They will cover under the warranty because they did the work previously. MBUSA has really stood by their warranty which will bring us back to MB, but maybe just not a diesel.
Have been looking at the issues as we ponder a new vehicle (at 123k now). Many have been happy with later versions of the BlueTec, but it looks like this era is one MB will be happy to get behind them. Will likely go to gas and kiss the improved mileage goodbye. Fewer trips to the shop which is over an hour roundtrip will be worth it.
The fact the diesel is not sold in the US anymore is pretty interesting. BMW is coming out with a larger vehicle in 2019 (?). Don't love the look. Have heard Asia has an appetite for these 7-seater luxury vehicles used, but you wouldn't know it from KBB.
From the date of this last post, minor issues not involving the engine were resolved under warranty. Then immediately before the warranty expired we found more oil leaks. They were repaired.
Recently, we've smelled more oil and were running through a quart every two weeks. Nothing on the ground, though. Had it cleaned up and drove it for a few days and took it back in when we smelled oil again. The seals in the vacuum pump have failed again. They will cover under the warranty because they did the work previously. MBUSA has really stood by their warranty which will bring us back to MB, but maybe just not a diesel.
Have been looking at the issues as we ponder a new vehicle (at 123k now). Many have been happy with later versions of the BlueTec, but it looks like this era is one MB will be happy to get behind them. Will likely go to gas and kiss the improved mileage goodbye. Fewer trips to the shop which is over an hour roundtrip will be worth it.
The fact the diesel is not sold in the US anymore is pretty interesting. BMW is coming out with a larger vehicle in 2019 (?). Don't love the look. Have heard Asia has an appetite for these 7-seater luxury vehicles used, but you wouldn't know it from KBB.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 27
From: Buford, Ga
2023 EQE AMG
So on the question of Diesel vs Gas I think that MB GL350 isn't a problem that its Diesel as trucks that are Diesel are what are used to carry everything across the roads of the US. The problems you are seeing and having come from being a turbo platform. Guess what all new cars are coming out as turbo. Why turbo's? Because of the increased Volumetric efficiency simply put a turbo car is more efficient than a NA aspirated car, add in other technology like direct fuel injection, variable displacement (IE shut down cylinders), electric motors and etc you get more efficient vehicles.
For heavy vehicles Torque is very important and due to the higher compression rations 17:1 (plus turbo of 7psi you get a static compression of 24:1) vs say 9:1 you get motors that produce more torque lower in the power band without having to rev up the motor. In addition Diesel has more kinetic energy that fuel (interesting enuff Natural gas/Propane has even more than Diesel.
Personally I like to see more Diesel vehicles on the road look at every other country other than the US and you will see Gas engines are not the number choice or at least not always.
For heavy vehicles Torque is very important and due to the higher compression rations 17:1 (plus turbo of 7psi you get a static compression of 24:1) vs say 9:1 you get motors that produce more torque lower in the power band without having to rev up the motor. In addition Diesel has more kinetic energy that fuel (interesting enuff Natural gas/Propane has even more than Diesel.
Personally I like to see more Diesel vehicles on the road look at every other country other than the US and you will see Gas engines are not the number choice or at least not always.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2007 GL 450 (lease returned, like new, cried when we left it at the dealer), 2011 GL350 BlueTec
Thanks for your perspective. I don't doubt some of the issues surround the turbo, however, many of the MB and independent mechanics have shrugged their shoulders and said, "Well, diesels are just dirtier and require more maintenance." So there's that.
MB ran dye through the system and say they see no leak even though there was plenty of oil in the pan. They've asked me to drive it for a couple of weeks and return.
MB ran dye through the system and say they see no leak even though there was plenty of oil in the pan. They've asked me to drive it for a couple of weeks and return.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
I've had multiple turbo gas engines and have never had an issue with any of the turbos. Most other countries value diesel so highly because their fuel costs are so incredibly expensive that you need to be wealthy to have a gasoline based engine. When efficiency and or towing/hauling is not a factor, people buy gas engines. Another reason why you don't see that many diesel engines in the US is due to increasingly stringent emission laws. Diesel does not have much of a future in passenger vehicles in the US due to these laws unless manufacturers can find new ways to lower emissions.
As much as it pains me to say, electric vehicles will be our future. MB is investing $1 billion on electric SUV production at their Tuscaloosa AL plant. http://www.benzinsider.com/2017/09/m...les-in-the-us/
As much as it pains me to say, electric vehicles will be our future. MB is investing $1 billion on electric SUV production at their Tuscaloosa AL plant. http://www.benzinsider.com/2017/09/m...les-in-the-us/
