I joined the wrong group. It looks like I belong here.
Just got a 2012 GL450. Looking forward to learning about the car so that I can maintain it. Hopefully be able to contribute something someday. My first MB. I don't quite understand how the forums work. My apologies if I should not have started a new thread for this.


Teachaman

 

Welcome! You’ve done nothing wrong by introducing yourself so don’t apologize. If you read up on airMatic failures and valve body issues by searching this forum, you’ll be well ahead of the game and prepared for DIY.

Also be on the lookout for any signs of water intrusion into the cabin, either through the taillights into the third row, spare tire, well, or in the battery compartment underneath the passenger seat. If you have leakage that needs to be corrected ASAFP or you will be driving a parts car. Other than that this is a pretty reliable car that needs not much in the way of exorbitant repairs and it gives a ride quality next to none for not much money.

 

Thanks Max. Already replaced the airbags in the rear. Right side was leaking. Bought Arnots. I read a bit on the valve body. Seems like pretty simple stuff. Should not be too hard to troubleshoot. Thanks for the advice on the water intrusion. I've been pleasantly surprised with the cost of parts. I'd assumed that since it is a Mercedes, I would get killed for parts, but they are not too bad. It is nice to work on so far. The oil filter on the top of the engine won me over.

 

...combined with dipstick tube designed for use of vacuum extracting the engine oil, eliminating need to be underneath for oil changes.

 

Wish that I had known that. Funny thing is, I used my extractor to drain my filled-to-the-brim catch pan which was not designed to hold 9.4 quarts. I didn't dare try to pick it up for fear of spilling it.

 

10 liter cola extractor needed