What to check when buying a 2007 GL450
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F150
What to check when buying a 2007 GL450
Hi everybody - first time posting here, and I’m looking for some quick advice.
A friend of the family has offered me a 2007 GL450 with 71k miles for around 3k under market price. He’s bringing it for me to look at tomorrow night, and I’m planning on buying it, assuming there are no major issues.
It’s got a clean title, he’s owned it for several years, and it seems to have had all the regular maintenance performed. 2 air shocks have recently been replaced, so I’m assuming another 2 will be due sometime soon.
I’m no stranger to owning older luxury cars - I’ve had a Range Rover, an Audi and 3 Jaguars, so I’m aware that this won’t be like owning a Civic or something. However, I don’t want to buy something that’s a complete money pit. I have the advantage that I live in México, so labour is very cheap here, and I’m relatively capable at fixing basics on cars - I’ve changed air shocks, throttle bodies etc on my previous cars.
My main question is this: is there anything in particular that I should check before buying? Any specific issues that are really common on these? I’ve already read some of the topics on here, but if anyone has anything to add, I’d be very grateful.
Thanks
A friend of the family has offered me a 2007 GL450 with 71k miles for around 3k under market price. He’s bringing it for me to look at tomorrow night, and I’m planning on buying it, assuming there are no major issues.
It’s got a clean title, he’s owned it for several years, and it seems to have had all the regular maintenance performed. 2 air shocks have recently been replaced, so I’m assuming another 2 will be due sometime soon.
I’m no stranger to owning older luxury cars - I’ve had a Range Rover, an Audi and 3 Jaguars, so I’m aware that this won’t be like owning a Civic or something. However, I don’t want to buy something that’s a complete money pit. I have the advantage that I live in México, so labour is very cheap here, and I’m relatively capable at fixing basics on cars - I’ve changed air shocks, throttle bodies etc on my previous cars.
My main question is this: is there anything in particular that I should check before buying? Any specific issues that are really common on these? I’ve already read some of the topics on here, but if anyone has anything to add, I’d be very grateful.
Thanks
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
M273 idler gear issue. That’s about the only think that’ll economically kill a gas x164 and it’s isolated to early 2007 production.
the rest is to check that it has had preventive maintenance.
the rest is to check that it has had preventive maintenance.
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11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
Probably the most common issue is the air suspension. Try to see it after it has sat overnight to see if any of the corners have sagged. The fronts usually fail first and are probably what was replaced. The rear air springs (not part of the shock in the rear) and compressor will probably need replacement at some point, but last longer than the front shocks. Also, early M273 engines had an issue with a timing chain pulley. You can find and check to see if the engine in the the affected range via the VIN here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-m...y-vin-m272273/
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F150
Probably the most common issue is the air suspension. Try to see it after it has sat overnight to see if any of the corners have sagged. The fronts usually fail first and are probably what was replaced. The rear air springs (not part of the shock in the rear) and compressor will probably need replacement at some point, but last longer than the front shocks. Also, early M273 engines had an issue with a timing chain pulley. You can find and check to see if the engine in the the affected range via the VIN here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-m...y-vin-m272273/
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From: San Juan PR
SL55 CL600 and 335D (rip flood) 325ci
Would you buy this?
This is a hijack, a little bit anyway. I'm looking at a rather mechanically neglected 2007 GL450 in Puerto Rico. Car needs a power steering pump and front airbags, probably air pump (noisy while operating) in addition to a few other minor things. The import tax and transport from the mainland would be about 4K excluding travel. I have an agreed on price of 5K so I'd be getting this unit at 1K in the states. My question is how likely (odds) is the idler gear going to be an issue on this car. 119K miles. Cosmetically the car is 8 with the 550 wheels ordered from factory. Upholstery 9. Paint 8. No noise from the engine. Sounds smooth. Would you do it? Sort of looking for a beater to haul stuff in but I'll have 8K in this thing to make it drivable with new pump kit and bags plus PS pump etc. Even an old F150 costs more.I just sold a 2003 CL600 so I know how crazy things can get. edit. the VIN falls in the susceptible range. very early in production. A 2010 550 pays 7K import tax fyi. Tax based on KBB
Last edited by HopefullyE63; Feb 21, 2021 at 11:12 AM. Reason: VIN
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If it has the issue and the odds are high it does, you can still drop in a used engine. Might as well upgrade to the 550 engine, Yeah, ABC equipped cars are nightmares to own long term or, at least, that's my experience.
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From: San Juan PR
SL55 CL600 and 335D (rip flood) 325ci
Thank you for that reply. I hope the OP doesn't mind the intrusion. I'm super close to passing on this vehicle. Today I go back to seller and plug in my star to see if I get a timing code. Is the 550 engine a drop in deal? Seems like there would be all sorts of compatibility issues. Worst case I'd try to source an engine here shipping is an issue. Anyone else want to chime in?
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
The m273 e55 from the 550 is externally identical to the m273 e47 of the 450 so that should drop right in and bolt right up.
I suppose if you want to use the ecu that controls the 5.5 liter motor you’d have to marry that to your car via das/star and that’s where you may run into compatibility issues.
I suppose if you want to use the ecu that controls the 5.5 liter motor you’d have to marry that to your car via das/star and that’s where you may run into compatibility issues.
Last edited by Max Blast; Feb 22, 2021 at 09:57 AM.
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From what I've heard from those that have done the swap, the stock ECU will adapt to the new engine. Worse case, you send your ECU to a tuner and they can adjust the parameters and give you a little more power.
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The easiest and cheapest way is, surprisingly enough, to have the ECU flashed with a "tuner" program for the 5.5 engine. Not only will you get a correct map for the engine but also optimized fuel and ignition maps for a few more hp and lbs-ft. Not a major difference but "tunes" often sell for less than it would cost to have just a stock 5.5 map flashed into it, providing that authorized service centers would do it in the first place after realizing that the car has a 4.5l VIN.
That's how a number of different engine swaps are done. A reflash is usually easier than trying to adapt a complete ECU from another car.
That's how a number of different engine swaps are done. A reflash is usually easier than trying to adapt a complete ECU from another car.
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From: San Juan PR
SL55 CL600 and 335D (rip flood) 325ci
Thank you everyone. I passed on that unit. I put my star on and it had the continuous camshaft adjustment code on both banks.0064 and 0060 and 0276 and ..................... Also on closer inspection the interior was well dried up. Went thorough that with the CL Not into more plastic welding. Turning a wrench is one thing fixing weathered broken plastic is another. The search continues. Great to know the engines can swap in the GL. Interestingly the price difference between the 450 and 550 aren't that much on similar mileage units. Seems there are more 450s for sale.
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Thank you for that reply. I hope the OP doesn't mind the intrusion. I'm super close to passing on this vehicle. Today I go back to seller and plug in my star to see if I get a timing code. Is the 550 engine a drop in deal? Seems like there would be all sorts of compatibility issues. Worst case I'd try to source an engine here shipping is an issue. Anyone else want to chime in?
Member
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From: San Juan PR
SL55 CL600 and 335D (rip flood) 325ci
Good idea to pass. I told myself repeatedly that I was being an idiot for repeating my CL experience. That car was absolutely beautiful. But not loved before I got it. Paid nothing for the car but put three times that in repairs. Had a great time and still love the care yet sold it for a quarter of what I had in parts
I wanted a beater but not something with potentially major engine problems.Thank the universe I found this here on MBworld. On a bright note two days ago I saw a BEAUTIFUL 550 super loaded and told the owner I would be interested if they had the intention to sell. I still think that is the way to go 2010+ so the trans is less likely to have the conductor plate or engine issues but have taken the major amount of depreciation. I really like how MB has made this vehicle tough mechanically and rather easy to work on. Coming from a TT V12 coupe car that is
Let us all know if you get one. How is Mexico? Have you heard of Peter Zeihan? I think the US and Mexico will have superb trading relations moving throng the next few decades.
I wanted a beater but not something with potentially major engine problems.Thank the universe I found this here on MBworld. On a bright note two days ago I saw a BEAUTIFUL 550 super loaded and told the owner I would be interested if they had the intention to sell. I still think that is the way to go 2010+ so the trans is less likely to have the conductor plate or engine issues but have taken the major amount of depreciation. I really like how MB has made this vehicle tough mechanically and rather easy to work on. Coming from a TT V12 coupe car that is
Let us all know if you get one. How is Mexico? Have you heard of Peter Zeihan? I think the US and Mexico will have superb trading relations moving throng the next few decades.
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Good idea to pass. I told myself repeatedly that I was being an idiot for repeating my CL experience. That car was absolutely beautiful. But not loved before I got it. Paid nothing for the car but put three times that in repairs. Had a great time and still love the care yet sold it for a quarter of what I had in parts
I wanted a beater but not something with potentially major engine problems.Thank the universe I found this here on MBworld. On a bright note two days ago I saw a BEAUTIFUL 550 super loaded and told the owner I would be interested if they had the intention to sell. I still think that is the way to go 2010+ so the trans is less likely to have the conductor plate or engine issues but have taken the major amount of depreciation. I really like how MB has made this vehicle tough mechanically and rather easy to work on. Coming from a TT V12 coupe car that is
Let us all know if you get one. How is Mexico? Have you heard of Peter Zeihan? I think the US and Mexico will have superb trading relations moving throng the next few decades.
I wanted a beater but not something with potentially major engine problems.Thank the universe I found this here on MBworld. On a bright note two days ago I saw a BEAUTIFUL 550 super loaded and told the owner I would be interested if they had the intention to sell. I still think that is the way to go 2010+ so the trans is less likely to have the conductor plate or engine issues but have taken the major amount of depreciation. I really like how MB has made this vehicle tough mechanically and rather easy to work on. Coming from a TT V12 coupe car that is
Let us all know if you get one. How is Mexico? Have you heard of Peter Zeihan? I think the US and Mexico will have superb trading relations moving throng the next few decades.
Never heard of Peter Zeihan, but I just googled him and read a few articles, and I agree with most of what he says. I love living here, and most of my work here comes from US companies, so improving relations are always an advantage for me. I accept that my quality of life here is probably not representative of the general population though.
I've always wanted to visit Puerto Rico - my wife is less keen as she thinks it would feel fairly similar to Mexico, but I'm not so sure. I was watching an old Anthony Bourdain episode when he visited, and it looks like a fantastic place, albeit with some of the problems we have here. Nowhere is perfect I guess!
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My CL600 was wonderfully maintained but it was insanely expensive to keep on the road. No issues with the engine and transmission except the usual coil packs after an ECU tune. The bi-turbo V12/transmission were the only reliable thing on the vehicle. It was everything else that broke. It ate ABC pumps and hydraulic lines like they were going out of style. Was the most expensive MB I've ever maintained x100. If there was anything on the ABC system that could break it did.
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Hoovie sold a CL to the guy who does the legitstreetcars YouTube channel. He's a former MB tech and has a lift in his garage so he's the perfect person to own one. Shockingly, the ABC system failed on the drive home to Chicago.
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Shocked, I know right. I swear it seems like the ones that defend ABC also own GL's with the OM642.
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Ran into this thread searching for something else. LSC didn't pick up the GL, but did finally got the ABC system on the CL mostly sorted after what looks like many, many hours of troubleshooting and parts swapping.
What's the over/under until the next failure?
What's the over/under until the next failure?
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On ABC, could be weeks or could be a year but ABC issues are as sure as death and taxes. Oh, forgot to mention, it will always fail at the most inopportune time.
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My GL has a particular talent for that. Problems occur on Friday afternoons more often than any other time, especially if weekend plans necessitate its use.
