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Sounds like you needed shocks/struts if the ride was rough. They tend to need replacement around that time frame. The noise may have been from a failed door seal or maybe someone removed some insulation/padding at some point. My 2007 GL450 with over 250k miles still rides smooth and is relatively isolated from road/wind noise.
From my experience, the air struts seem to be a little more firm than the standard shock and spring but the handling is usually superior. Also, the air spring setup allows you to load the car up or tow and it still sits level. Our GLE 350 has standard shocks/springs and it definitely rides more smoothly but does not handle as well as ones with the airmatic.
Sounds like you needed shocks/struts if the ride was rough. They tend to need replacement around that time frame. The noise may have been from a failed door seal or maybe someone removed some insulation/padding at some point. My 2007 GL450 with over 250k miles still rides smooth and is relatively isolated from road/wind noise.
From my experience, the air struts seem to be a little more firm than the standard shock and spring but the handling is usually superior. Also, the air spring setup allows you to load the car up or tow and it still sits level. Our GLE 350 has standard shocks/springs and it definitely rides more smoothly but does not handle as well as ones with the airmatic.
air struts were new and installed less than 10k miles ago. The ride quality and noise is a relative issue. You are used to it so it feels normal. In my case am probably comparing it to newer cars or better trucks.
Interesting. What did you drive before the GL?
I am new to the GL and Mercedes having owned 12 BMW's and 3 Minis prior to getting this thing. I find the ride quite cushy and forgiving overall, although the handling causes me to slow down in the mountains.
Wondering what wheel and tire setup you have. Larger diameter wheels come with tires that have less sidewall which make the ride harsher. Tires get noisier as they age and if they've been damaged even more so. If your car has 21 or more inch wheels, tires that are past 50% worn the poor ride and noise may result.
Another thought is do you have roof cross bars and accessories? That makes a huge difference. If you have bearing wearing out or the car had collision damage resulting in poorly aligned parts / missing belly pans etc, that could generate wind noise as well. FWIW I don't find the GL noisy other than some engine noise, but mine is a diesel and there is no mistaking that unless just cruising around on the highway. I don't get any noise from tires or exterior trim.
The dog has not complained about the back seat, but then again he's also quite happy riding in the Mini.
Mine is going to be used mostly as a winter beater, has highish 175k miles, and the worst engine option available. I am acutely aware it is a mechanical ticking time bomb but so far it has exceeded expectations and if it were not for the miles displayed on the odometer I'd say it feels like a car with half the miles.
air struts were new and installed less than 10k miles ago. The ride quality and noise is a relative issue. You are used to it so it feels normal. In my case am probably comparing it to newer cars or better trucks.
GL63, GLE350, GL450, multiple S classes, multiple E classes. Newest model is a 2018. I'd say my MB experience is pretty well rounded. Not sure what "better" trucks are out there.
GL63, GLE350, GL450, multiple S classes, multiple E classes. Newest model is a 2018. I'd say my MB experience is pretty well rounded. Not sure what "better" trucks are out there.
Sounds like something was majorly wrong with your GL. That's not typical at all so you may want to drive a newer model or different vehicle. In the end, if you don't like the GL, get something else.
Sounds like something was majorly wrong with your GL. That's not typical at all so you may want to drive a newer model or different vehicle. In the end, if you don't like the GL, get something else.
No such beast in the US as a 2015 GLE. The 2015 is an ML. The 164 & 166 GL/ML/GLE/GLS's handle more like a car than a truck. If you like the feel of a soft truck, probably not the car for you. If you like a vehicle that handles better and drives more like a car than body on frame SUV, the 164/166 is for you. The 166's will tyupically drive better because they are newer and whatever 2015 you drove that you liked better may have been a shock/spring setup and not airmatic.
My suggestion is that you have an extended test drive before your next purchase. We have a 2012 GL 350 that we bought new and have a completely different opinion on all 3 points you listed.
I think all three points can be rather subjective. I can't say that I could compare any SUV ride to a car (sedan). SUVs handle differently just for the sheer size, weight, and center of gravity. These will dictate steering feel, brake feel, acceleration, etc.
Engine noise in the cabin is fine for me. I hear it just enough to know what the motor is doing. I also have the aeroblade style roof rack without any accessories, which contributes to road/wind noise. Add winter tires to he mix and I still find the road noise acceptable. My hearing is pretty sharp, by the way.🙂
Second row seat and legroom are comfortable enough for a buddy who is 6'4". I haven't taken a long road trip with him in the second row, but he's pointed out that the room in the second row is impressive. Maybe he's comparing to other cars where he had to fold himself in 5 or more, not so in the GL. I've sat in the second row myself for various lengths and reasons. I find it very roomy for 5'8". And our 95 lb dog has a field day on the seats too. Always excited to help navigate when he's not poking his head through the window.
I’m 6’3 and can’t sit behind myself, so I will agree that the second row isn’t as spacious as say a newer GM box. But I do crank the drivers seat all the way back so my kids can’t even fit behind me....however, this is one on very few cars I can fit into the third row!
tires make all the difference in the world with regards to ride quality. I have Goodyear wranglers on mine, great tire with great Traction and just a little noise and roughness. They are even better than the cheap Chinese crap that was on it before. I read that OP had new pirellis on his, so maybe there were things afoot with bushings and shocks etc.. I’m still surprised how smooth my gl is with 201k on the clock.
I’m 6’3 and can’t sit behind myself, so I will agree that the second row isn’t as spacious as say a newer GM box. But I do crank the drivers seat all the way back so my kids can’t even fit behind me....however, this is one on very few cars I can fit into the third row!
tires make all the difference in the world with regards to ride quality. I have Goodyear wranglers on mine, great tire with great Traction and just a little noise and roughness. They are even better than the cheap Chinese crap that was on it before. I read that OP had new pirellis on his, so maybe there were things afoot with bushings and shocks etc.. I’m still surprised how smooth my gl is with 201k on the clock.
lol bunch of tall guys on this forum
I quite happily sit in the second row on road trips.
I'm 6'4. For what it's worth, I set the driver's seat almost exactly at midpoint. I used to slam the driver's seat all the way to the rear until I thought about how you sit when racing. Stick out one of your arms; your hand should dangle comfortably over the top of the steering wheel, with end of your forearm resting on the top. This lets you press your elbows against your rib cage and encourages you to hold the wheel at 9 and 3, steering by pushing up with the hand on the outside of the turn. It seems like it ought to be cramped but it's surprisingly comfortable.
Regarding the OP's troubles: Don't try too hard to get to the bottom of it. People make a decision and then fit the facts to their decision. Confirmation bias. I did it with Arnott, chalking up the early failures I had encountered to bad luck - but it's kinda hard to justify the pump going out at such a tender age, and the max pressure of the material and assembly, that's hard to swallow. I emailed Arnott about troubleshooting the system and got no reply; got them on chat and got no follow-up; finally just got a replacement. Excellent warranty support is great if you don't need it. I find the GL a remarkable highway cruiser, so it's difficult to imagine what weirdness was going on with our discouraged friend.
Oh yeah, also: I'll risk Chinesium in lots of places on a vehicle but NEVER the tires.
Last edited by eric_in_sd; Dec 10, 2020 at 07:53 AM.
Having never driven a GL450, I'm in the opposite situation of the OP. While very large in comparison to my daily drivers, I find my '10 GL550 quite comfortable to drive. Of course the weight is noticed but it's not loud or harsh in ride quality. Further, it accelerates, turns and brakes pretty well. It's over 10 years old now and after 2 years of ownership, I can't complain especially after the original owner ate about 80% of the sticker price before selling it on to me.
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