Spartydano

Looking at a 2009 GL320 BlueTec w/116000 miles. Polar White. This car had had 4 owners. Corporate first couple years private for 4 years 2 private 1 year or so a piece. CarFax very extensive with scheduled maintenance shown. No negatives. Vehicle is really clean. Thinking of trading my 2006 ML500 in on it. I've had it for a year revuilt frt transfer case w/new left axle. New com and module & rear driver window motor. I'm gaining 60,000 miles & 3 model years. How does anyone like their BlueTec. My ML500 has a lot of go with its V8 but gas is killing me. Bottom line is I've read this is a desirable auto. The trade in would keep my payment pretty close. What should I be afraid of? Never owned a diesel. Any do's or don't out there. Thanks.

alx

Too many owners- i wonder what is they run away from (hint the gl320/350 has one of the highest single owner retentions of any mb vehicle).

Also as a corporate vehicle they drove it as if they stole it.

I would pass on that particular truck.

Spartydano

i too was skeptical of the number of owners. As a corporate vehicle it was not owned very long, a year or less if I remember correctly. Very few miles registered also maybe 10k. I was thinking it might have been a loaner or MB corporate car. The second owner had it for 4 years. He put the majority of miles on it, but not more than average per year. He may be one of those that just trade up often. Now the last 2 owners who only owned it for a year or so each kinda pushes the red flag. Maybe they didn't like the Diesel engine not as responsive as gas. All speculation of course. The recorded maintenance schedule was all within schedule. I was impressed with the CarFax for what they're worth. 4 pages mostly registration transfers & scheduled maintenance. I could keep my 06 ML500. It had 163k when I bought it a year ago & currently has 174k. As I said the front transfer case has been rebuilt which most of that years model had to be due to the manufacture defect. The left front axle had a tear in the boot & it only cost me $50 so I went with it as long as the transfer case was being rebuilt. The command module I needed was due to a spill in the back seat that fried it out. Learned lesson there. I'm probably good for a easy 100k on My ML500 with the new plugs, wires, total fluid changes, & the front end repair. Thanks for the input. The draw is the 60k miles & 3 model years I gain. Also a few options such as the Bluetooth, auto open & lift rear hatch, some extra seat comfort options, has weathertec floor mats, a plus. Interior is cleaner. My wood on the doors is cracked & the driver seat has 2 small wear tears on the left part of the main cushion where it meets the seem of the side cushion. I'm really interested in hearing from some BlueTec owners on their experience with performance, maintenance, mpg, handling, etc... Again appreciate your advise & comments. Very helpful. Dan

chsu74

Check to see if the big ticket maintenance and shortcomings of these cars have been taken care of.

Oil cooler seals
Air suspension
Def tank heater plug

Air suspension and def plug are manageable as DIY but you should know going in that this car is going to require more attention compared to your current car.

Fourdiesel

Carfax might not be nearly as good as a printout, from a dealer, of ALL the work done on the car by a Mercedes shop. Any dealer should be able to access those records. Of particular interest are the 3 items chsu74 called out. If they do not appear in the printout then pay to have a MB tech check to see if it looks like any of those were touched.

Spartydano

Will defiantly check on those repairs. Thanks, Dan

Spartydano

i will be sure to look at that more closely & have the MB dealer look up invoices. Thanks a lot, Dan

Carpedmman

Hello,
I've recently purchased a 2009 GL320 and have very limited knowledge to offer-FWIW.
I think the power is wonderful considering it's a diesel. I'm comparing the speed to a LX470. It has plenty of get up and go considering its' size.
The mileage on the highway is 26-27mpg and can't be beat!
I've taken a few 2-3hr road trips and find the ride very comfortable and the vehicle tracks and drives well.
Negatives: Suspension. Air ride does add more components and $$$. I've been quoted $800 for rear air bags and $1400 for the fronts (Dealer!)

I wouldn't be concerned about the amount of owners as long as documentation is there and no major accidents/maintenance that throws red flags.

Good luck with the purchase!

Spartydano

i decided against the truck. It was 12/08 model so it was no different than the body style/chassis of my 06 ML500. No standard air ride, rear temp controls, rear heated seats, or other Premium 1 package options it should have. I was disappointed after researching the vehicle & finding this out. It was funny because they had an 07 GL450 on the lot that was the longer wheelbase, 3rd row seating, air ride, but the old command center, so no back-up camera or Bluetooth. Also not a BlueTec so gaining nothing there. I appreciate your input on this. I'm quite intrigued with this BlueTec model GL & will be watching for any that might fit my budget. Cheers, Dan

smiledr996s

Bluetecs don't have a spare tire.

Which is the main reason I bought an 08.

DennisG01

Are you sure you were looking at a GL320? A GL (even a 2008) is a larger vehicle than an ML. Also, to the best of my knowledge, there is no "optional" wheelbase. They're all the same - the GL's being longer than an ML.

Spartydano

Funny you would say that. Because not only was the car not the longer wheel base but W164 style, it had a full size spare. Which I don't understand why more newer models wouldn't unless it's because the 3rd row seat

DennisG01

When Merc transitioned to the BlueTec/350 designation... did they also move to run flats? Is the urea/AdBlue tank where the spare used to be?

KrustyKustom

That is correct. When the ad blue came on in 09 the def tank took the place of where the spare went. I have a 2011 model, and added a compressor and plug kit which should cover me aside from a total tire separation.

Also I ditched the run flats, it rides a lot better now.

Spartydano

I don't understand the ad blu tank. The 09 I looked at had a spare & the tank. It must be because of the 3rd row seats that take the space.

DennisG01

Dano, something is still not adding up with your comparison. As I asked above, are you sure you were looking at an X164 GL? Again, unless I'm totally mistaken, ALL GL's have a third row seat STANDARD. It's not an option. I'm not sure about the smaller ML's - maybe it's an option there.

Krusty - thanks for the clarification.

Spartydano

Dennis. Great qquestion. It was the same body style, chassis, interior as my 06 ML500. It had the updated Command center, 5 seats. It was marked with chrome GL320 BlueTec on rear hatch with chrome BlueTec insignia on both front fenders. It had a full spare with the AdBlue tank under the rear floor hatch. I was quite confused. Here is a link to the vehicle. Its like it was a one of a kind.
http://www.foxcharlevoix.com/used/Mercedes-Benz/2009-Mercedes-Benz-M-Class-46b00b690a0e0ae8490a3e2230e3c35e.htm

Tell me what you think. Dano

DennisG01

Dano, I can tell right away by looking at the profile that it's NOT a GL. It's an ML. And then, if you read through their description, it says it's an "M-Class". The rear hatch also clearly says "ML 320", not "GL". Is it time for a new eyeglass prescription?

Spartydano

I guess your right. So they put the BlueTec in the ML's also. Thanks. Totally imbarr (assed)

DennisG01

That's alright - we all drink a bad batch of Kool-Aid once in a while.