CarlitoE430

I'm in the market for a large SUV and it looks like it's going to be the X164 or the X166. Please help me identify which is the best year for either of these. My budget is 25K.

Before this, I owned a 2002 E430 that I really liked and a 2012 Toyota Highlander. I got rid of the Highlander at the beginning of the year and I'm still considering going back to a Highlander, but since I loved the feeling and comfort of the E430, I want to give Mercedes a shot.

Thanks

BlownV8

For the diesel, pre-bluetech is best. For the 450/550, the final year of production.

eric_in_sd

As far as I've been able to tell, they all have some issues. It's not like any one year is golden. You're better off seeking out a low mileage, garaged, dealer serviced vehicle regardless of the year.

Lee Reed

This is true. There are lots of potential issues, so have an annual maintenance budget: shocks, sensors, intake manifold, relays, cam position sensors, tires.
These things are not as maintenance free as a Lexus GX, let's say.

quron_southwest

Based on experience:

X164
2007: early build GL450s have the dreaded balance shaft issue. GL320CDI very reliable.
2008: GL450s aren't bad, GL550 5.5L became a thing and are just AWESOME. GL320CDI still great.
2009: All GLs got a facelifted interior (mostly the front of the cabin.. BlueTEC became a thing unfortunately. I'd stay away from any BlueTEC diesels because they are nightmares. Do your research.
2010: Exterior facelift for GL350 and 450. Ugly mirrors though. 550 wasn't facelifted in the front for whatever reason... Would still stay away from BlueTEC. Interior ambient lighting became a thing on vehicles with premium leather package.
2011/12: Mirrors were facelifted on all mainly to acquire blind spot assist. GL550 front bumper was updated. GL450 & GL550 outstanding, very reliable. GL350 may had oil cooler seals updated. Still would stay away.

X166
2013/14: Entire new vehicle. M278s are just amazing and as reliable as they come. I don't have much knowledge on the BlueTEC but I've heard that the oil cooler still leaks... New AMG model was introduced.
2015/16: 3rd row fixed sunroof removed from then on, nothing too interesting here.
2017+: Facelift.

Hope this helps.

BlownV8

The newest model with the best service history that you can afford. Try to buy a vehicle from a warm weather state that does not salt their roads or have potholes the size of VW Bugs. Rough roads will cause increased suspension wear. In other words, buy one from the Southeast or Southwest US and exclude those states with horrible roads.

Stay away from any Bluetec diesels as the poster above said and be wary of the pre-Bluetec for leaky turbo seal, oil cooler seals, and timing chain stretch/early wear of timing components. Same engine, OM642, so will suffer from most of the same maladies. These issues were apparent early on. MB is not bringing the diesel back to the us in the near future if ever.

Recently purchased a GL 63. It is light years ahead of the X164. Handles amazing, accelerates nicely, and stops on a dime. If you can make the leap, the bi-turbo V8 in the X166 is amazing. With that said, I like many of the exterior styling elements of the X164 over the X166.

kombifan