SeattleIS300

Hey everyone! We had a ML350 W164 for over 10 years and my wife is wanting to go to a GL450/GL550.

Our ML suffered the dreaded balance shaft issue, I was hoping if anyone could tell me if the 450/550 had any major issues like balance shafts etc? I know it effected some Mercedes V8's and my searches have come up blank

Anyone have any personal experience with the 450 vs 550? Power vs. Weight?

I know what to expect overall from the car valve body, cam plugs and airmatic struts as maintenance items.

Just want to ensure the engine selections are both south and reliable.

BlownV8

I have around 250k miles on my GL450. It has been really great. The engine issues I've had were the water pump sprung a leak and went out early on - covered under warranty. The intake flap failed but I could have gone on forever without replacing. It only improved low end acceleration and nothing more in my case but seems to be an issue on all the 450 engines. The plugs, wires, coil packs, and CPS were proactively replaced around 200k miles. A magnet failed on the cam so it was throwing the timing off a bit and that was replaced. Overall, it's been very cheap to operate and has run off regular unleaded for around 200k miles. I don't have to add oil between 10k mile oil change intervals but I have used Mobile 1 and a good fleece filter since new.

The idler gear is an issue in some but it seems to be very rare with only one issue posted, that I can recall, on this forum since I've been a member. However, there was a lawsuit and MB extended the warranty to cover the issue for 10 years or 125k miles so it must be an issue in some engines. It is a very labor intensive and expensive repair but, again, seems very rare.

Sean Daveiga

I have a 2013 GL550 and a couple months ago a check engine light came on. I took it in the next day to be told that cam magnets failed and it caused oil to get all over fuel rails, wiring harness ($1300 itself)

and ECU (thank God all still under warranty). I was then told that the wiring harness has to be remade in Germany and would take 3 MONTHS to come in. After 3 months I got the truck back but am concerned that this is a problem (around 5k to fix) that could reoccur (and reportedly has for many) again once out of warranty. There was no mention of "new" parts to alleviate this problem in the future l. AND I have the dealer installed Renntech upgrade! Any others had this or know of this? Any recalls on this??

JesusV

Safe bet would be a 2011/2012 GL, end of the x164 model, so most of the bugs were worked out. A good service history with regular maintenance though MB is always a good sign that the vehicle was taken care of. I have a 2012 GL550 and it has been kept up with regular dealer service and I have zero problems at 90k.

Sean Daveiga

It's a 2013 with only 30,000 miles on it. Meticulously cared for and still looks like it rolled off the assembly line. MB has several reports of magnet cams going out across the lineup. Found several on these forums alone. Even the dealer told me they fixed this problem before on a ANOTHER GL. But glad to hear yours has lasted the test of time. Many not fairing so well.

BlownV8

A little over a year later mine developed the cam sprocket issue. Cheaper and easier to just drop in a used 550 engine in my 450. That's the direction I will probably take.

Sean, you have a completely different engine and chassis. This is the X164 GL section and you have a X166. I also have an GL63 and I love, love, love it. Just too fun!

Sean Daveiga

Must agree. Its gratifying when all is well! As mentioned I've upgraded the hp and a few other things to make it even better. Still looking for the perfect wheels over the heavy 21" amgs.
I posted on a few areas here as several have experienced this in several different models concerning cam magnets. Considering the cost of repair (5-8k), you'd think this would be addressed and fixed by now. I'll seriously reconsider keeping outside a warranty.