Thoughts on reliability...2012 GL450
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 389
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Formerly: 2007 e63; 2012 GL450
Thoughts on reliability...2012 GL450
I have a 2012 GL450. 135,000 miles. Been a good vehicle. Always well maintained. I’ve dealt with 2 airmatic failures. A few other issues, but nothing crazy.
However, I’m at a point now where the vehicle needs tires, brakes and I think a new front strut (it’s kind of bouncy). Guessing I’m looking at $3000, and wondering if I’m at a point where I need to think about doing something differently, car wise before dropping this money into the car (and perhaps more down the road).
Mainly curious about the collective group think on the reliability of these vehicles up into the mid 100,000 miles or more.
Quite frankly, I am not a “do it yourself” guy and don’t have the time to spend a lot of time at the dealer.
Is it it time to ponder something else?
However, I’m at a point now where the vehicle needs tires, brakes and I think a new front strut (it’s kind of bouncy). Guessing I’m looking at $3000, and wondering if I’m at a point where I need to think about doing something differently, car wise before dropping this money into the car (and perhaps more down the road).
Mainly curious about the collective group think on the reliability of these vehicles up into the mid 100,000 miles or more.
Quite frankly, I am not a “do it yourself” guy and don’t have the time to spend a lot of time at the dealer.
Is it it time to ponder something else?
Last edited by lawguy; May 12, 2018 at 01:49 PM.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You are just now getting into the cheap to operate mileage band. I've got around 250k miles on my 450 and it continues to run like a champ. The second 100k miles was less maintenance and repairs than the first 100k miles.
Change the trans, differential fluids, flush/bleed the brakes, maybe even flush the engine coolant, and you will be good to go for another 100k miles with 10k mile oil change intervals. I use 0w-40 Mobile One and the GL just purrs along. I'm running regular unleaded and have been doing so for a very long time.
Change the trans, differential fluids, flush/bleed the brakes, maybe even flush the engine coolant, and you will be good to go for another 100k miles with 10k mile oil change intervals. I use 0w-40 Mobile One and the GL just purrs along. I'm running regular unleaded and have been doing so for a very long time.
Last edited by BlownV8; May 12, 2018 at 05:34 PM.
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From: SoCal
2012 GL450, 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport
Only 2 airmatic failures at 135k? That's pretty good. I'm around 70k miles and I've replaced all four.
I'd have to agree with BlownV8, the car will be less problematic the older it gets. Just keep up with maintenance and inspection repairs, things should keep running well.
I'd have to agree with BlownV8, the car will be less problematic the older it gets. Just keep up with maintenance and inspection repairs, things should keep running well.
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2008 GL320CDI (310k) & 2017 GLS450 (160k)
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
My 450 has been very reliable after the warranty was up. I would agree with you on the 320/350. The diesel can be very expensive to own long term but you do get the great mileage and good low down torque for towing.
