2013 GL450

Started feeling the vibrations on braking and sure enough it needed rotors and pads replaced. At least it only took one day. Issue at 10k miles. Hope this solves it.

jedebenz

2013 GL-450 Brake issue update: 6,800 miles now, NO mountain driving, no distronic usage, and the vibration is coming back again. Feels like the fronts still, no problems with the rear so far.
The blaming of driver behavior is disturbing. Is this a common theme for MB ?

Benzbias

Benz rotors are now manufactured "paper thin"-
used to be 3 pad replacements per rotor now 1 for 1
given that you are in-warranty stay with stealership-
afterward many better choices

Why at your dealer is there even a conversation on rotor replacement beyond "sorry sir" we have been experiencing this condition on some vehicles.
Insulting for them to even suggest your driving habits were/are the cause of their defect(s).
It is the car not the driver - suggest "repair the darn thing" and oh ya "where is my courtesy car?".

If the condition persists and you continue to be inconvenienced perhaps the entire brake assembly should be replaced.

One thing you know for certain - if not corrected prior - as soon as you are out of warranty the real cause will be revealed and for a not insubstantial sum the problem will be fixed once and for all.

Be firm but polite and do not be reluctant to escalate - otherwise you remain at their whim and mercy.

Good luck

UAG1

I totally think Mercedes should do a recall and fix all of them with a new design of the brakes
Why would all of us need to hustle, argue, frustrated with the dealers and going back again and again?
Feeling Mercedes is being very irresponsible
Can we report this to the NHTSA?

JoeMa

My rotors starting to show signs of warping at about 7K but I waited until my first 10K service. I just had it in for the service and the dealer replaced the front rotors and pads under warrantee. What a difference, they are silky smooth. It was worse than I realized but clearly a noticeable improvement.

sraza

so- the 13' GL 450 just had its 2nd pads/rotors changed about 3k miles since the first set.
now the 13 GL 550 is slightly vibrating again- about 7k miles after 1st set..

only diff was the 450 only had fronts changed initially whereas the 550 had fronts and rears changed the first time..

this is now getting a little annoying..

FEGELEIN

The '10 E-550 4matic, actually had this issue as many other E's did at the time. MB replaced them all under warranty. I haven't had an issue w/ my '12 CLS as of yet after 7k or so on the clock and too early w/ my GL to say.

SnowCub

Thanks for the tip, guys. Had my GL 450, purchased in Feb '13, picked up today and they replaced the front rotors and pads due to the vibration (12k miles). Will be getting it dropped off tomorrow. Hope these last a little longer.

fabbrisd1

I feel obligated to make a note here - MB guidelines for GL brakes have a 16K mile "cap" in them - meaning problems under 16K miles dealer can secure MB approval/payment for pad+disc replacement - over 16K miles then the dealer and MB have to work out on a case by case basis

blittle

Thanks Joe…. I am keeping watch on mine! Any further problems re your previous issue?

bADNEWZ

These new GL's are junk .. My Wife has had here GL 450 into Fletcher Jones (the worst service dealer in the world) 2 times for front brakes/rotors and rear brake pads .,The vehicle has 7000 miles on it..When will Mercedes stop outsourcing their brake components to Chinese manufacturers. It is all about profits for them. The dealer told us "they recommended that you put the vehicle in neutral at stop lights to keep the brake pads from touching the rotors when they are HOT" .. Give me a blanking Break. Are they for real.

Signed
Never again : crazy:

bADNEWZ

All Mercedes cares about are PROFITS.. they can give a Rats A$$ about customer service and quality . That went out the door many years ago...

bADNEWZ

These new GL's are junk .. My Wife has had here GL 450 into Fletcher Jones (the worst service dealer in the world) 2 times for front brakes/rotors and rear brake pads .,The vehicle has 7000 miles on it..When will Mercedes stop outsourcing their brake components to Chinese manufacturers. It is all about profits for them. The dealer told us "they recommended that you put the vehicle in neutral at stop lights to keep the brake pads from touching the rotors when they are HOT" .. Give me a blanking Break. Are they for real.

Also check out the pic of my wifes Leaking Fuel sensor located under the rear seat of her 2007 CLK550 This is a huge problem for Mercedes with thousands of complaints online about smelling gas in the garage. Shall on Mercedes Benz of America for not issuing an immediate national recall on this safety Hazard.

Signed
Never again : crazy:

LeicaMan

Exactly why I upgraded to a Big Brake package.

bADNEWZ

According to the Dealer the wifes 450 GL has the big brake option...

cookstar

by big brake do you mean the drilled mb disks or do you mean something third party like Brembo or Willwood etc?

bADNEWZ

The biggest vented rotors that Mercedes Makes..IMO They all suk..I am sure we will have the vehicle in for another set of rotors and pads within 6 months from now.
That will be three sets in 11,000 miles..

LeicaMan

Brembo

jedebenz

At 7,000 miles brought GL to MB Dealer for 3rd warping/vibration issue, new front brake rotors and pads installed N/C.
Explanation was:
"original 2 sets of rotors were too thick and therefore never separated from pads causing undue friction, heat, and warping."
"This is a new re-engineered solution that should fix problem completely.
keep you posted.

dejongj

I've done about 5.5K miles in my september 13 build GL, not brake issues what so ever...But I do have the AMG Sport package, which comes with the 19" brakes, don't know whether that makes a difference...

LEOSOPHIE

There are no 19 inch brakes as the GL63 has 15.5 inch brakes in the front.

terp97

I'm back. A little over 13000 miles and vibration is back just like it was at 2500 and at 4500 miles. Below 50 mph vibration when braking. What is the deal? This is my 3rd GL and brakes have never really been a problem before. Making another appointment to take in for I'm sure will be another set of rotors and pads. Really? It can't be my driving?

jedebenz

I'm back as well. On our third set. A little over 10000 miles and vibration is back just like it was at 3000 and at 7200 miles. Here is the latest BS from MB in Denver. (Do people swear on this forum or is that bad taste ? )

Anyway, here's the quote: "The rotors and pads were so thick they weren't getting enough separation after brakes released and therefore overheated and warped. So, THEY MADE THEM (pads and rotors)THINNER !" LOL.
I have owned several German cars before and never had the brakes done anything like this. Its kind of frightening as we have small children and go in the mountains frequently. (The second set was replaced after no mountain driving whatsoever.) My expert opinion now is that the entire braking system on the 2013-2014 GL-450 can function on a vehicle that weighs no more than 4,000 pounds. This problem needs to go back to Germany for a completely fresh solution from somebody with engineering brains. I am close to a Lemon Law filing just to cover myself in the future.
Making another appointment to take in at 12,000 for the 4th set of rotors and pads. Very disappointing for MB maybe its time for an Audi or a Porsche.

bADNEWZ

Wait ...I thought we bought these 450 GL's for long term storage in a Garage.
Are you trying to tell me that people actually drive these things?

Mercedes actually tries and make you feel guilty for driving your vehicle..They have every excuse in the book on why is keeps happening.


We Hate this Car and will be glad to return is to them in 16 Months (after the lease is over).
We will NEVER again buy/Lease another MERCEDES.

jedebenz

Thank you for your candor. I need to hear that because I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. I think its a good plan to give this one back.