SndsoftheSbrbs

Has anyone owned a GL350 BlueTEC and a GL550? If so, please tell me how you feel about your experiences (compare and contrast). Thanks!

overtoi

I have a 2012 GL350 77k miles. This is my first diesel and MB, I'm 50 and have had many cars. So the facts are, 1. Both Air suspension in front needs to be replace (2800.00@dealer in silver springs MD). I ordered new Arnott(850.00) and will try to replace myself. 2. While getting ready to replace front air shocks, I noticed oil at the front lower right side of the engine(drops size of small pea). Not sure what this is but will take it to the dealer after I replace suspension. There are many post on oil leaks here for just about every MB diesel. That being said I get great MPG, my main reason for getting a diesel was I didn't want to feed a full-size SUV everyday.(Armada, toyota sequoia, Tahoe) I also like the size and feel of the my GL350. But I will be very honest if you can't afford the repairs, don't get it. My advice is this, the GL-class is 50-70k dollars new, their are no cheap repairs. If you are not used to paying 500-2000+ (more in the 1000+ range most of the time) every time you take your car to the shop, then think twice. If I keep my GL350, i'm going to get me 7k low APR CC and just write off what I can every year. If not I will sale and take the lose. This is just my 2 cents and I have only had my GL350 for 16 months.

SndsoftheSbrbs

Thank you for your input. I am a longtime Mercedes-Benz owner and I currently own a 2010 GL450 in addition to my two other current Mercedes-Benz vehicles. While I am interested in learning about owners' maintenance and repair experiences, I am primarily interested in hearing from someone who has owned and/or experienced both the GL350 and GL550.

chsu74

I own a GL320 and a '14 450 which is a detuned 550 motor. Been a GL 320 owner for 5+ years and GL450 for a few months. Gasoline vs diesel are different cars despite similar spec but it can feel very different with options missing.

The 550 is a better car if you get active curve to help handling with the extra power. I wanted off road package which is not available with US spec diesels and really didn't like the 550 bodywork. Wanted a more subtle and low key look.

Look for a 550 with designo interior and off road. Will not disappoint..

SndsoftheSbrbs

I got to test drive some GL350s and a GL550. I like the diesel experience, but I was wowed by the M273 E55. It made the X164 feel like W211 E500 (which I also own). I am leaning toward the GL550, but there aren't many good options in my area right now.

BlownV8

I don't believe the E55 ever had the M273. It used the M113 and M113 Kompressor. The M273 is 2006 and later.

SndsoftheSbrbs

E55 is a variant of the M273 engine. E55 does not refer to the W211 or W210 E55 AMG.

chsu74

Believe W211 had two different motors
E55s with M113 motors up until 2006 with a 5 speed.
E63s with M156NA then as it moved to W212 body with M157 turbo charged with 7speed and AWD or something like that. Don't remember details.

Jason B

SndsoftheSbrbs

Leaking oil cooler seals. Major problem! Cha-ching!

SndsoftheSbrbs

Again, these engines are called the M273 E55 and the M273 E47. The M273 E55 is the 5.5 litre found in the GL550. The M273 E47 is the 4.7 litre found in the GL450. Point being that these are the same basic engine with slight differences.

AMGs have nothing to do with this discussion.

SndsoftheSbrbs

With negotiations, would you start by discussing the items you need resolved in order to proceed with the purchase, or would you start with negotiating the price?

To me, right off the bat, the cracked fender, deep scratches, door sill, and cigarette lighter need to be repaired/addressed. I don't really care what price it is, getting those things have the potential to cost me a lot more than it will cost the dealer, and a ridiculous inconvenience for an newly acquired and not inexpensive pre-owned car.

My thoughts are: 1. Start with cosmetic concerns on exterior and interior, 2. Negotiate tentative price, and 3. Re-negotiate if necessary based upon inspection findings. Is that a good plan, or should 2. come before 1.?

DennisG01

Have a fair-sized deposit in hand along with the list of items that need to be addressed. Say something like "I'm at buyer at X price as long as these things are fixed. Here is my deposit". Then shut up.

BlownV8

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SndsoftheSbrbs

I'm getting ready to give them my deposit later today. I guess I'll discuss price right then. I wish I could say that I had thought of this. I was going to wait until they told me what financing options they had secured, then negotiate. Although, that did not work out for me the last time I did that, even though I'd obtained my own financing beforehand (it was a significantly higher interest rate for whatever reason).