kensiko

Thinking about getting a 2011 GL350 with relatively low miles, about 25k.

Another thread was discussing maintenance which included regular fuel filter changes and something to do with "DEF"?


The mileage thread referenced these problems:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7255680

Glow plug?

Dpf sensor?

Suspension airbags?

Subframe "creak"?

Camshaft position sensor?

Intake manifold?

"Magnetic pickup"?


What say you guys, which one is the more trouble free?

BlownV8

Take a minute and look down the forum. Your question will be answered.

They all suffer from some of the same issues: strut failure and hatch release failure. Beyond that, I had to replace a bad water pump failure early on but the warranty covered it on my 2007 450. I also had to replace some magnetic pickups for a cam. The intake flappy was changed but I could have driven the car forever without replacing. In mine, the flappy only improved low end power/response. I proactively changed the plug wires, CPS, plugs, and coil packs around 200k miles.

drakecoldwinter

Do some research about the oil cooler ring replacement for GL350. You only have 25K so you should not experience this trouble yet, but if you get the GL350 you should expect down the line to encouter it.

Allybear21

They both have problems. Gas or Diesel, they are a piece of junk. Worst car I have ever owned by a mile.

BlownV8

I read your post about the problems with your GL. The only issue you had with the gas engine was a check engine light. Sounds like your mechanic may not be a good one if they can't cure a problem when there is a CEL.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...010-gl450.html

SndsoftheSbrbs

If the GLs were "a piece of junk," it wouldn't be the market leader in its segment.

Allybear21

I'd love to see where it is a market leader. Maybe in repair bills and days in the shop. And it certainly is not a market leader in terms of resale value. I bought my 2011 when it was 2 years old. It was CPO from the dealer with 40,000 miles on it. In three yeats of ownership I had the radiator replaced, intake manifold, all four shocks along with the compressor, steering wheel paddles, two sensors, AC vents just melted in the summer sun, sunroof close button just broke with normal use. All this while maintaining it to the T as far as the maintenance schedule goes at one of the highest rated dealerships in the US. When I got the vehicle, I traded a 2011 Toyota Sequoia that I paid $62,000 for brand new straight up for a $78,000 new Mercedes. Three years later, I am only able to get $15,000 for it while the value on the original Sequoia is still around $26,000.

I wouldn't call that a market leader. I went back to Toyota and bought me a Lexus LX570 and expect it to be worry free for 200,000 miles.

SndsoftheSbrbs

In 2016, only the Cadillac Escalade outsold the GLS in the United States, and globally, the GL/GLS is clearly the market leader in the luxury full-size segment. Source: http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2017/01...2016-year-end/

I just replaced the air suspension on my 2010 GL450 at 81,388 miles. The total for that was $3,536 plus tax (I'm in a high cost area). Average annual maintenance and repair expenses for me are about $1500-2000 annually. That is pretty typical for European luxury cars. The GL is driven about 11,000 miles per year, much of that "severe." You come across as someone who was unprepared for the expenses of maintaining a luxury vehicle.

I have owned two Mercedes-Benzes previously, and I currently own three. I owned two BMW 5-Series previously. I also owned a Volvo 850. I also currently own a Volkswagen Phaeton. These cars are more expensive to maintain and require more care than a Toyota. A Toyota driver and a Mercedes driver are totally different animals. Traditionally, a Mercedes driver is an enthusiast who values luxury, performance, and heritage. A Toyota driver is just looking for a cheap way to get from point A to point B. Based on your comments, I think Toyota is the right home for you.

Allybear21

Well, the only thing I will say about the Mercedes is it did Drive nice when it wasn't in the shop. As far as luxury goes, my Lexus LX 570 has the Mercedes beat by a lot.

I was total prepared for the expense of maintaining the Mercedes when I bought the car, just not to the tune of $8000-$10,000 a year. Maybe that 70,000 to 100,000 mile range is just the time when it needs a lot of attention and I would have gone 2-3 years without having to do much to it. Who knows? The two things that really got me were the re sale value was not what I was expecting and the "cheapness" of the plastic parts in the interior. Buttons breaking, plastic melting etc.

it was great looking vehicle and it drove really nice. Reliability and craftsmanship were very lacking. At the end of the day, if you can't reliably get from point A to point B, what good is a car that you can look at in your garage, while draining your check book at the same time?

StradaRedlands

The LX trucks are rated very well, but the GL trucks are still above average for the class: http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/..._GL_Class.html

kombifan

To be fair, the GL is no Toyota Landcruiser....those animals can survive on meagre attention and will keep on chugging decades later. Hence you will find them so often in donning particular "white" uniform

and probably for ally bear the Landcruiser or the Landcruiser in Lexus costume will probably be the best truck for him...

For most other GL owners, who love the luxury, handling, speed, capability and overall utility the car brings; the maintaince headaches and attention seeking sprints to the dealers are worth it.
To some it becomes a constant worry; to others its just an italian lover who needs constant coddling and attention.

What I will say is, if you do buy one of these very capable trucks; be sure to add either a very reliable and dependable aftermarket warranty company ie. continental, TWG or carmax or add the mercedes extended warranty aand be sure to negotiate.

We love our GL, but it is not as simple to fix as my w163 amg...... I'm not very mechnically inclined but I have replaced most wearables on the w163 (rotors, pads, struts, springs, xenon bulbs, headunit, fm unit, headlight, side markers, etc) but the GL comes with its own unique delicate issues.

At some point I know the rear differential may very well have to be replaced if the fluid runs low.
The rear ball joints are squeaking.

But taking everything into consideration; there is no other car that can take 6+ members of a family, their luggage, bikes and toys to our holiday destination at 90+mph whisking away with a ride that is as smooth as butter, acceleration that purrs and is honestly a joy and pleasure to pilot.
Its a great car, and most owners will tell you they love theirs!