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GL Class (X164)
2012 Gl 550 vs 2013 Gl 450 reliability?

GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

View Poll Results: Which would be most reliable?

2012 GL 550

1

50.00%

2013 GL 450

0

0%

2013 GL 550

1

50.00%

GL 350

0

0%

Voters: 2. You may not vote on this poll

2012 Gl 550 vs 2013 Gl 450 reliability?

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Old

Jul 19, 2020 | 09:24 PM

#1

MatW

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Joined: Jul 2020

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GL 550

2012 Gl 550 vs 2013 Gl 450 reliability?

Hi, shopping for an SUV to tow my 7000lb 26ft travel trailer.
I already researched on how to reinforce the tow hitch so that I'll stay within spec for the tongue weight.
Big question is what type of engine would be more reliable long term - 2012 GL 550 or 2013 GL- 450 (if I find a deal I would consider 2013 550)
opinions welcome.
Thanks!

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Old

Jul 19, 2020 | 10:26 PM

#2

Max Blast

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 3,116

Likes: 782

NGL450 w/EORP, S550

They’re damn near the same, there’s really no difference in the alternatives you’ve provided; except for the 350.

It sucks.

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Old

Jul 20, 2020 | 12:17 AM

#3

BlownV8

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 8,882

Likes: 1,212

From: In my garage

E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350

2012 GL550 is naturally aspirated and is very reliable.

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Old

Jul 20, 2020 | 12:47 AM

#4

MatW

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 3

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GL 550

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlownV8

2012 GL550 is naturally aspirated and is very reliable.

is it enough power for 7000lb trailer? I live in WA state so we have some mountain passes here...

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Old

Jul 20, 2020 | 09:10 PM

#5

BlownV8

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 8,882

Likes: 1,212

From: In my garage

E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatW

is it enough power for 7000lb trailer? I live in WA state so we have some mountain passes here...

Yes, it's a strong V8 and will have no issues towing but you will need to run premium unleaded. The later bi-turbo V8's will work even better but with turbo vs NA you give up some reliability for the extra hp.

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Old

Jul 20, 2020 | 09:20 PM

#6

EWT

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 622

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From: CA

11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatW

is it enough power for 7000lb trailer? I live in WA state so we have some mountain passes here...

I tow a boat/trailer that weighs somewhere between 7000-7500 lbs with my 08 550, and power is not a problem. I haven't towed in the mountains, but it doesn't have any problems getting up to speed on an uphill onramp, so I'm sure it would do fine. The transmission seems to go into a trailering mode once the trailer is connected and holds gears quite a bit longer than normal before upshifting which helps. I definitely feel it behind me though. It doesn't feel overloaded, but you know you have something substantial behind you. Putting the suspension in sport mode firms things up and helps.

I'd go for the 2012 over the 13 because the 12 is the last year of the X164 series with many years of production to fix problems vs. the first year of X166, which from what I've read here has more issues in general than the X164s.

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Old

Feb 3, 2021 | 05:48 PM

#7

MB33

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Joined: Feb 2021

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GL450

for this poll, perhaps it would have been helpful to list out the various engine type of the 450. in the 2013 version one could have the turbo (4.7) which is essentially the same as gl 500 without the tune

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