GL450 vs. GL350
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e55 amg
GL450 vs. GL350
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,
Thanks in Advance,
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
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,
Thanks in Advance,
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.
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e55 amg
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.
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.
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
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
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
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
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.
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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
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
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e55 amg
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
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
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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.
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.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Originally Posted by chassis
chsu74, which year and model Cayenne are you referring to?
Last edited by chsu74; Jun 1, 2019 at 08:02 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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?
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Originally Posted by 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?
Junior Member
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From: Close to Atlanta
2014 GL450, 2014 E350 Sedan, 2019 E450 Cabriolet, 2008 R350, 2023 E450:AWD
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.....
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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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
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
