91senna

Hello All, looking to get into a GL for towing capabilities. Ive read a few posts on the forum that suggest the bluetech is not reliable when the miles are up there. I'm shopping around for a car with about 80k miles, so this makes me lean towards the GL450. Anyone have input on high mileage reliability on the 450's? Im in Southern California.

Thanks in Advance,

DaveW68

The biggest concern at that mileage seems to be Airmatic failures....although that is no guarantee to happen. Overall, the x166 gas GL is fairly reliable. The diesel is a good option if you live in a warm climate and do all highway miles. Cold weather and short trips seem to be the death to those motors.

If you are going for a 450 and want to tow, go with a 2013 or 2014 since they have the same V8 as the 550....albeit detuned. Just a $1000 tune can push the HP up to 550 and 650 torque....and get you better gas mileage if you don't have the hammer to the floor all the time.

91senna

Oh wow! I wasn't aware of the tuning capabilities of the 450. Seems like that would be a wiser move over the Bluetec since I wouldn't have to worry about the Diesel issues and get the benefit of added torque/hp and fuel efficiency. What companies do that tune?
I'm not really worried about the airmatic. Seems like they run $500 a piece when they wear out which I'm assuming will last close to 50k miles. They seem fairly easy to intstall.

Thanks for the quick reply.t

DaveW68

OE Tuning and Eurocharged seem to be the favorites around here. Although you can usually get a lower price with OE. They both now offer a handheld tuner that you can do through your OBD2 port. That option wasn't available when I had mine done as I had to mail my ECU to them for tuning.

Don't expect gas mileage to rival the diesel, even with the tune. The tune will likely yield you and extra 1-2 mpg over non-tuned. I average around 14.5 in almost all local driving. On the highway, I average a little over 20 mpg at 75 mph. But the power is by far the best part of the tune. I've beaten newer Mustang GT's and C7 Corvettes with my big, heavy ute. It will easily spin all 4 wheels, even on dry roads. The tune makes it a low 12's beast.

baldmike73

i have a 15 GL350 and have a RaceChip PiggyBack tune adding +60hp & +100 ft/lbs - accelerating uphill at 80+ fully loaded at 2500rpm is pretty amazing all while yielding 26mpg - chipping the SUV definitely make highway passing and overall drivability feel more like a gas SUV vs a diesel.

https://www.racechip.us/shop/mercede...-457lb-ft.html

that being said the 450 tuned is a beast just sucks gas like its water when you mash the pedal

91senna

How has the diesel treated you in california?

chassis

Strictly speaking on the original question, there is no concern with towing capability with either vehicle. Diesel powertrains are excellent at towing. Reliability of bluetec and any modern diesel is a separate question.

Towing = no difference, both are capable.
Reliability = gasoline powertrain wins. Avoid modern passenger car diesels in the North American market. Google is your friend on this.

chsu74

Cayenne Diesel appear to be reliable.

chassis

chsu74, which year and model Cayenne are you referring to?

chsu74

'13-16 Cayenne Diesels. Audi and VW Touaregs have the same motor.

chassis

chsu74, yes that is the engine covered by the “3.0 liter settlement” aka dieselgate buyback. Have a look at the clubtouareg.com posts. Do you have experience with that powertrain?

chsu74

I owned a GL320 from 2010 to this spring. A Cayenne diesel since 2016. I am keeping the cayenne for awhile..

Kudzubob

I would not worry about the airmatic failures. We have a 2014 GL450 with 103,000 miles and have never had any problems. We also have a 2008 R350 with 213,000:miles. We did have to have one of the rear air shocks replaced at about 120,000 miles but the other 3 are still fine.....

baldmike73

our GL is a champ - never had any issues - consistently buy fuel from Chevron - my commute is short so i typically go a month in between fill ups - overall we haven't had any issues with ours and dealer will fill up adblue additive which makes it even easier when needed - its a workhorse and very comfortable on long trips from N Ca to S Ca. Would recommend it anyone - and if the block is like the old diesels of the 70's should just start to get broken in at 100K miles

DaveW68

Being in a warm climate is a huge plus for that motor. And those long interstate drives are also helping.

black06c230

Tony at RaceIQ can tune you up as well. Great rep and have him tuning my various cars last 5-6 years.