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

Cracked rear pano roof.

Old Feb 7, 2023 | 06:12 AM
  #1  
Andy5001's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GL350
Cracked rear pano roof.

Hi all
Great forum and god to be here with my first MB. I have a 2011 GL350 (in the UK) the car is low owner and low mileage, everything works great, but I have found the rear Pano roof is cracked quite badly all the way around the outside. It’s a fixed panel but I guess it’s degraded in the sun?

one of the cracks is big enough to reach the interior opening and I have noticed a couple of drops after I washed the car yesterday. Everything else in the car is dry so I do t think it’s leaking bad at all. I’ve checked the battery well, rear arches and spare wheel well and all is totally dry with no signs of water before.

so back to the roof… can these panels be replaced? I can guess it won’t be a quick or cheap fix to replace so alternatively I’m thinking about getting a PPF film installed to create a new water proof layer on top.

any thoughts or experience very much welcomed.

Thanks very much.

Outside image of the worst crack which forks toward the end

Interior image looking up through the rear roof
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2023 | 07:10 AM
  #2  
Max Blast's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
You need to check the trunk area for water immediately, and stop that leak.

if you have glass insurance in would approach it that way as this may be dealer only and heinously expensive.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2023 | 01:20 PM
  #3  
Andy5001's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GL350
Originally Posted by Max Blast
You need to check the trunk area for water immediately, and stop that leak.

if you have glass insurance in would approach it that way as this may be dealer only and heinously expensive.
just checked my insurance and it will only cover Glass sunroofs and not polycarbonate! Seems that’s the norm for UK insurance😭
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2023 | 01:45 PM
  #4  
eric_in_sd's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
You might want to call around to auto glass places. Given that every conceivable size and shape of auto glass is manufactured, someone might very well make this one. You might even be able to replace the stupid lexan with regular glass.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2023 | 08:44 PM
  #5  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
When mine cracked, I taped off the roof and poured a clear marine grade epoxy over the top. I drilled the end of the cracks so it would not spread further. Tape those areas from the underside, pour the epoxy over the top, and smooth it out quickly. You can sand and polish afterwards for best results. The other method is buy a new or used replacement top and have it replaced. My method saved thousands and held up for as long as I owned the car.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:46 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE