Thinking of buying an 09 GL550 w/64k on the clock...

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Jul 29, 2017 | 01:53 AM

HomieJMack

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GL550

Thinking of buying an 09 GL550 w/64k on the clock...

Anything I should be wary of? Planning to mostly daily drive it and occasionally pull my boat (approx 7000 lbs) out of the harbor for service and whatnot...

It's a one-owner car and seems to have a healthy service history & no accidents reported...

I'm pretty mechanically inclined and don't mind wrenching my own replacement parts onto my vehicles so I won't be visiting my local MB dealer any more than I must...

Anyway, the 550 seems like a lot of value for the money, especially when compared to domestic brands, guess I'm just looking for advice on any potential red-flags.

Thanks in advance for your replies,

Vance

Jul 29, 2017 | 05:52 PM

SndsoftheSbrbs

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From: Illinois

2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4

You should be particularly concerned about the air suspension. Has it been replaced or not?

Jul 29, 2017 | 06:33 PM

HomieJMack

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GL550

Not sure, the Carfax doesn't specify it having been done. I'm aware of the air-ride benefits & shortcomings... I once owned an XJL with air springs. No fun when they leaked or worse, popped. It developed an overnight slow leak that even the dealer couldn't find the source of... They finally shrugged their figurative shoulders and gave the car back to me saying they couldn't fix it. I then traded said Jag rather than try to find the offending o-ring lurking somewhere in the system.

It is a concern with the GL too, but it also seems that the system is pretty straightforward and Arnott components seem reasonably priced. I know it will fail at some point but, what about the rest of the car? Are the 550's generally pretty dependable?

Cheers,

Vance

Jul 29, 2017 | 06:59 PM

SndsoftheSbrbs

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From: Illinois

2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4

My experience with Mercedes-Benz V8s has been very positive. The M273 engine and its predecessors have enjoyed a solid reputation for longevity.

Jul 29, 2017 | 07:11 PM

BlownV8

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From: In my garage

E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350

The Airmatic suspension is not a big deal and cheap compared to ABC in the higher end vehicles. There will be airbags and struts that will fail but it's really not that problematic. The engine is good for a very long time with proper maintenance.

Jul 30, 2017 | 12:22 AM

HomieJMack

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GL550

Thanks for the replies. Think I might just run to town Monday and pick her up. Hoping I only need the board here to help determine what kind of blinker fluid to use

Cheers,

Vance

Jul 30, 2017 | 03:25 PM

StradaRedlands

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'07 GL450

Low miles with maintenance records, sounds great! Treat air bags as wear items that will need to be replaced at some point. Rears are easy, fronts a bit more work. A DIY job from what you said about your abilities. Make sure the transmission has documented service in the 40-50k range. If not done, could be a flag, but if you're getting a good deal on the truck, take it in ASAP to get a full flush and use that as a bargaining tool. Front suspension bits go bad relatively quickly, that may be on your radar. Tires are the 550 are expensive to replace.