2008 GL 320cdi common issues and pre purchase concerns
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Joined: Jan 2018
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E300 Turbodiesel w210
2008 GL 320cdi common issues and pre purchase concerns
low miles 93k seemingly well maintained. What are the standard issues, items to look out for or be concerned. Maint issues that should be done or will inevitably be a problem? Looking for any applicable information / advice. Is it a relliable vehicle by any means? Thank you
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Bring to a Mercedes dealer and get a PPI! Worth it. Too old and too many miles not to know.
https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&ei=T91oWvORN6PI_Qai9ZPQDw&q=ppi+pr e+purchase+inspection&oq=ppi+pre+
https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&ei=T91oWvORN6PI_Qai9ZPQDw&q=ppi+pr e+purchase+inspection&oq=ppi+pre+
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
Best advice, look for a gasoline engine GL450 or 550 if you really want a GL... with the timing chain issues, EGR clogging issues, adblue exhaust additive system, oil cooler leaks... I'd stay away from them unless you are picking it up for VERY cheap.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 809
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From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
I agree.. any vehicle outside of warranty, always have someone look it over with a prepurchase inspection. It won't tell you everything, but if there is something obviously sketchy or doesn't look quite right, you can always find another vehicle later, or use it as a bargaining chip.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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13 GL350, 14 SL550
I agree.. any vehicle outside of warranty, always have someone look it over with a prepurchase inspection. It won't tell you everything, but if there is something obviously sketchy or doesn't look quite right, you can always find another vehicle later, or use it as a bargaining chip.
There are little things too, but definitely ask them to make sure the following check out. If they do, you have eliminated 80% of the big stuff that could cause you expensive problems:
1. Ensure transmission shifts OK and no limp-home mode
2. Oil cooler - ensure not leaking
3. Airmatic struts - check after car has been parked overnight for sagging, or raise car on hoist and inspect for leaks/problems
4. Transfer case & differential noise - Hit the gas hard from a traffic light and listen for a clacking noise from the front (it's a chain jumping teeth on a gear). If you hear it, the transfer case needs replacement. Also listen for howling noises while driving on the highway, this means differential is a problem. If the howling changes on curves, it is a wheel bearing instead which is cheaper to fix than the differential.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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13 GL350, 14 SL550
Yes, basically the same problems. They did update a number of parts for the 2012 model, but they generally still had the same problems -- just less frequently than the earlier models.
Other than the above, make sure you try EVERY electronic button and feature and ensure it works. Sunroof, power rear hatch, heated seats both sides, all power windows, etc. These things are expensive to fix if broken and easily overlooked.
Other than the above, make sure you try EVERY electronic button and feature and ensure it works. Sunroof, power rear hatch, heated seats both sides, all power windows, etc. These things are expensive to fix if broken and easily overlooked.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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2008 GL320CDI (310k) & 2017 GLS450 (160k)
low miles 93k seemingly well maintained. What are the standard issues, items to look out for or be concerned. Maint issues that should be done or will inevitably be a problem? Looking for any applicable information / advice. Is it a relliable vehicle by any means? Thank you
Is it reliable? Just like most vehicles, in my personal experience.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 245
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2008 gl320cdi
I have a 08 that I purchased with 72k. I currently have 160k. The major problem I had was a mechanic not changing the injector seals when there was Black Death forming but rather said would try tightening the injector. This cost me an injector and a expensive repair bill out of town. However I did go ahead and have the other injectors checked and cleaned as well as upgraded replacement Honda seals. Other then this I can not complain. I replaced the airmatic like everyone else but worth it. At 150k I went ahead and changed the alt/starter and AC compressor. I probably am going to go ahead and soon change the oil cooler seals. At this time I will change out anything else while in there that looks suspect. I am kind of looking forward since I plan to send my intake out to have portmatched and all carbon build up cleaned up as well as the swirl and egr removed. I had disabled with GDE tune which also allowed me to remove def so I can run a better protecting oil. I switched to liqui moly lightlauf 5w40 high tech. I am sending off oil sample tomorrow to how it compared to the 5w40 castrol turbo diesel that I had a hard time finding. I like the 08 because at the time GDE was only offering tunes for the 07/08 models. Also no adblue as well as spare tire. Although at the time 2012 I had less options. I wish I could work on this vehicle because it needs plenty preventative maintenance however not sure what vehicle I’d rather.
Btw I will update later with findings on tranfer case. I have a slight noise upon heavy acceleration in a turn not straight line. Hoping cv joint maybe. Have about 5k before due for fluid change will check then and report back.
Steve
Btw I will update later with findings on tranfer case. I have a slight noise upon heavy acceleration in a turn not straight line. Hoping cv joint maybe. Have about 5k before due for fluid change will check then and report back.
Steve
Last edited by smiledr996s; Jan 28, 2018 at 05:34 PM.
