Feedback on GL Blutec
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
Feedback on GL Blutec
My cousin is considering 2013 GL Blutec and wanted me to find out more. I drive an E Class so have no info about reliability or issues the GL has. Does it use same engine used as on prior iterations. He has an E class Blutec and he likes it, but wants to get an SUV. If someone would take the time to kindly shed some light on it's problem areas and high cost maintenance and repair items, that would be terrific. Thanks!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,711
Likes: 4,603
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Some on this site will report satisfaction with BlueTEC engines. Others do not. Search this site thoroughly.
BlueTEC is generally similar to the Volkswagen/Audi system subject to the Dieselgate settlement. Things that can, and often do go wrong with passenger car diesels in North America, post mid-2000s:
- fuel injectors
- DEF tanks, valves, pumps and heaters
- turbos
- EGR componentry
- NOx sensors
- diesel particulate filters
- and more
None of the above items are inexpensive to replace.
Caveat emptor, I would not buy a BlueTEC vehicle. I have personal experience with a VW diesel. Great car, but the diesel emissions system was costly to operate.
BlueTEC is generally similar to the Volkswagen/Audi system subject to the Dieselgate settlement. Things that can, and often do go wrong with passenger car diesels in North America, post mid-2000s:
- fuel injectors
- DEF tanks, valves, pumps and heaters
- turbos
- EGR componentry
- NOx sensors
- diesel particulate filters
- and more
None of the above items are inexpensive to replace.
Caveat emptor, I would not buy a BlueTEC vehicle. I have personal experience with a VW diesel. Great car, but the diesel emissions system was costly to operate.
Last edited by chassis; Jul 22, 2019 at 08:18 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 159
Likes: 29
From: Eastern PA
2020 S 560 4 Matic
71,000 miles on my 2014 GL 350 Bluetec, the most reliable automobile I've ever owned.
Two warranty claims, air-conditioning high pressure hose needed replacement and the air-conditioning had a musty smell.
The hose was replaced, they disinfected the system. These repairs were about two years apart.
28 mpg hwy at 70 mph.
Tows a medium trailer like it wasn't there.
With Active curve option, corners as flat as a 911, straight-line ride is like an S Class.
Two warranty claims, air-conditioning high pressure hose needed replacement and the air-conditioning had a musty smell.
The hose was replaced, they disinfected the system. These repairs were about two years apart.
28 mpg hwy at 70 mph.
Tows a medium trailer like it wasn't there.
With Active curve option, corners as flat as a 911, straight-line ride is like an S Class.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 17
From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
Mine's at 64,000 miles and solid, reliable, and a joy to take long trips.
Urea tank/heater/assembly replaced under ELW. Most recently, Air Sensor Module replaced under ELW.
Mandatory for peace of mind, purchase the ELW...
Urea tank/heater/assembly replaced under ELW. Most recently, Air Sensor Module replaced under ELW.
Mandatory for peace of mind, purchase the ELW...
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 4
From: bay area, CA
2013 GL350
so far so good
just passed 100k on my 2013 GL350. runs great, with little quirks here and there....
i did have to replace the oil cooler that set me back a couple grand... no regrets at all.
i did have to replace the oil cooler that set me back a couple grand... no regrets at all.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 88
have a '15 with 41K miles on it and love it like others said - little things here and there. For ours personally gets 26mpg around town and 28mpg on longer trips at 80+ mph. I added the RaceChip piggyback to increase boost - up a hill going 70mph at 2K rpm accelerating is a great feeling - i hope they eventually bring the BlueTec back to the States.
