evan8

Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows the new air suspension/strut used from 2013 through 2019 GL/GLS (part 166-320-50-66) is better and not as trouble some as the problematic air suspension used in 2012 and earlier(part 164-320-59-13-80). Any other common issues with the 2013 model that is used through 2019 GL/GLS? I own a 2012 GL450 and had SO much trouble with the air suspension, I am hesitant because of it to buy a 2019 GLS. Thank you for your help!

SaniDel

May we assume you are already convinced of the advantage of air suspension compared to conventional suspension? If not, you need to choose a different vehicle.

I certainly am and it seems so are most GL/GLS owners so the issue is reliability. There have been reports on this forum of air suspension failures ... the vehicle will suddenly 'sag' at one corner, which is all the more reason to purchase an extended warranty if you keep your vehicle beyond the factory warranty.

In our four years we have had no problems and we use the height adjustment daily to facilitate backing into our garage as it increases visibility. We switch to normal height after the vehicle is parked and it 'settles' within a minute ... accompanied by many clicks, hisses and other noises. Also, we notice the vehicle settling when we park, lock and walk away. So, we have confidence the air suspension is working.

The "real deal" with air suspension is ride quality. The GL/GLS ride is superb yet controlled. Tire pressure is an important consideration as is brand ... we recently switched to Michelin after they released a 21" tire and are experimenting with tire pressure. The minimum recommended by M-B is too low, the maximum recommended by Michelin is too high, but the mid-30's seems right.

evan8

Thank you SaniDel for the detailed response. I appreciate your time and information! I enjoy the ride of the air suspension as it is next to none. But on my 2012 it recently give me Airsuspension Melfunction warning and dealer told me since it is not sagging there is a slow leak somewhere or the compressor is going bad. It seems starting 2013 the air suspension has changed part. May I ask what other repeating or concerning issues you've had with the your GL please? Appreciate to hear from a owner's feedback.

fabbrisd1

The X164 Airmatic "seems" to have like a 75K plateau for issues - the X166 doesn't seem to have the same plateau/problem that earlier generation had.

EricC21

If you do have a problem got Arnott. Way cheaper and a better product than MBZ. Any shop can put them on.

vhorister

CPO 2016 GL 450 with 60K miles
My left rear shock absorber was making clunking noise and was replaced. Both rear shock absorbers were replaced as well.
Bummer is CPO warranty did not cover the Rear shock as it is a regular shock absorber and not an air suspension strut.
i was told that the front air struts are covered by CPO.

Chedman13

This is correct, I have a 2014 GL63 with 62k miles and my rear shocks went out and replaced out of pocket. I am under CPO as well.

Another member was able to somehow get their dealer to cover the rear shocks under warranty.

I am hoping my front struts go out soon under CPO! =)