a330captain

I have a 2014 GL350 on order and arrival is last decade of Jan 14.

So Im considering options such as a certified pre owned vehicle. Other than the obvious what are some of the major differences.
Im needing a vehicle that can tow 6K + people on occasion.

Defected from Audi Q7 purchase and glad I did.

Experts and amateur opinions appreciated.

JMCarter

We've put 14,000 miles on our 2013 GL350, quite a bit of it pulling a 28 foot Airstream and it has performed flawlessly. The new Bluetec is a great motor for power and economy, and the overall vehicle is much more refined than the X164. If you have a lot of tongue weight then I'd recommend a few things and you can PM me if needed. For 600-750 TW the air suspension will handle it quite well. Think you'll be hard pressed to find a certified used GL350 X166 so if diesel is your preference then I'd think you would be better off waiting for your ordered car. Others with 450's can weigh in on your question as well.

octurbo

If you are driving a lot on the highway or take long trips, I would go with the bluetec, since it gets very good mpg, especially on the highway
I would go for a new model, since its a big upgrade from previous generation. I would go for a 2014 since the resale is strong on preowned Gl's , so u won't save much money getting a 2013 and u won't get the full warranty

cookstar

I have a 2013 GL350 and previously an 08 Gl320, I am glad you did not go the Q7 route as that vehicle is very very long in the tooth, its coming up for a major redesign and possible 600-800 pound weight reduction which should improve fuel economy and handling.

The Diesel is really good for long trips, might sound funny but I think my health improves when I go on long journeys in this car.

JimBarnhart

I highly doubt you will find a CPO 2013 GL350, and if you did it wouldn't be much difference in price.

Having owned both an X164 and an X166 GL, the X166 is much superior. If you can afford it, I'd get one. I like the diesel for towing, long distances between fills, and torque. You will be pleased with it's towability.

The GL450's are easier to come by, will pull just fine as well, but I'm biased to the diesel.

a330captain

Thanks
Im reading on the GLK 250 about all the Adblue warning issues with 1 week ownership and no know fix.
Some have had the car in the shop longer than they have owned it.

Is this an issue with the 350 as well

JimBarnhart

no issues for me in 16,000 miles, my brother has a GLK250 and hasn't had any problems, but it's only about 2 months old.

fabbrisd1

There is a lot to love with the GL350 - frankly referring to "decade" is the MB manufacturing term (each month = 3 10-day'ish decades) - then transportation time to dealer.

Fuel economy, awesome torque not only for towing but also "vigorous" torquey performance around town - like I say, a lot-to-love - and frankly scarce/rare...

blittle

Agree with Jim.....The GL ( particularly the the X166 ) is a wonderful machine. I have nothing to tow......so the 450 is my baby....getting 20 and sometime 21 on my long trips and no "diesely issues" to even think about .....that being said, IF i were going to be towing I would have gone the 350 route in a heart beat!

CA_Tallguy

I hope previous owner worked out all the bugs in mine! Pretty happy with it so far. The biggest issues have been a bad wiring connector going to the blower motor (known TSB issue but they still charged me for the repair, kinda ticked me off because it's obviously manufacturing quality issue) and I had a CV axle go out at a very very inopportune time. I've put 20K miles on it during my ownership, much of it towing. Still had some of the 100K warranty left but I'm beyond that now and these repairs were too.