Looking at a 2012 GL450
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Looking at a 2012 GL450
Hello All,
Looking at a 2012 GL450. What should I look out for? I see that Airmatic is problematic, anything else?
Looking at a 2012 GL450. What should I look out for? I see that Airmatic is problematic, anything else?
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Airmatic is not problematic unless the components haven’t been preemptively replaced.
you’re looking for a car with a decent documented maintenance history - one that is documented by Mercedes Benz in a vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI), - —not just a carfax record of oil changes.
also look for water in the spare wheel trunk and under the front passenger seat in the battery compartment. Leave a car like that alone.
you’re looking for a car with a decent documented maintenance history - one that is documented by Mercedes Benz in a vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI), - —not just a carfax record of oil changes.
also look for water in the spare wheel trunk and under the front passenger seat in the battery compartment. Leave a car like that alone.
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Xavier Smith II (03-22-2021)
#4
Super Member
Get a pre-purchase inspection done at an MB dealer or a reputable independent MB shop. It will give you an idea about what may need to be looked at sooner or later, but not necessarily replaced immediately. If you have a code reader for MB, plug it in and scan for codes, obviously with the permission of the owner. Don't use a generic code reader, it will not give you the full picture. If they refuse, that might be a sign to walk away.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Get a pre-purchase inspection done at an MB dealer or a reputable independent MB shop. It will give you an idea about what may need to be looked at sooner or later, but not necessarily replaced immediately. If you have a code reader for MB, plug it in and scan for codes, obviously with the permission of the owner. Don't use a generic code reader, it will not give you the full picture. If they refuse, that might be a sign to walk away.
Do you think that is deep enough or should I find someone with Xentry?
#6
Super Member
I don't think you need Xentry. If your scanner can pull up stored codes on your C63, it should be capable of pulling codes for the GL as well. You should be looking for anything stored or current in the GL. Ideally you could interrogate the GL with Xentry, but I don't think that's necessary.
#7
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#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
if you can get das/sentry and a lift and you know how to use them you’re pretty much doing your own PPI.
just keep in mind that a low or dying battery will throw a bunch of random stored codes that are related by under voltage or signal implausible labels.
it doesn’t mean the car is trash, unless the electrical faults / power interruptions were caused by water intrusions.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
that should be enough for you to decide whether or not the car warrants further attention in the form of a PPI.
if you can get das/sentry and a lift and you know how to use them you’re pretty much doing your own PPI.
just keep in mind that a low or dying battery will throw a bunch of random stored codes that are related by under voltage or signal implausible labels.
it doesn’t mean the car is trash, unless the electrical faults / power interruptions were caused by water intrusions.
if you can get das/sentry and a lift and you know how to use them you’re pretty much doing your own PPI.
just keep in mind that a low or dying battery will throw a bunch of random stored codes that are related by under voltage or signal implausible labels.
it doesn’t mean the car is trash, unless the electrical faults / power interruptions were caused by water intrusions.
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Audi Junkie (05-05-2021)
#11
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I bawlked on a new Tiguan deal in 2010, at Al Holbert's dealership in Philly.
My phone rang about 10 minutes after leaving. I seriously don't know how they got my number, because I didn't give it to anyone at the dealership.
I suppose they have a database or something. I did buy the car, afterall.
My phone rang about 10 minutes after leaving. I seriously don't know how they got my number, because I didn't give it to anyone at the dealership.
I suppose they have a database or something. I did buy the car, afterall.
#15
I just purchased a 2012 with 77K....
and now has 85K. Great vehicle, previously owned by a Doctor who had all services performed at MB. Last year for this model, all the bugs worked out by then. In my opinion, the engine is better. No forced air induction (no turbo's) to deal with and good power. These vehicles get a bad rap, that I never understood. The power train is basically a G Wagon, can't do much better than that! Get one that has been serviced at the dealer. I will be doing some preventative maintenance, transmission fluid and filter, plugs and 4 wheel drive differential service. Good luck on your search!
#16
That’s funny I just hit 85000 miles to. I agree I think these trucks are amazing especially the power those engines give off. Preventative maintenance is a key factor and keeping the vehicle in good working condition good luck with yours