Have my 2014 GL350, which I bought new and still love. However, it was on a ticking clock because my 70/7 extended warranty runs out this November, less than 30 days and 800 miles on the odometer from now. I've been especially worried given the known issue with the timing chain in the OM642.

Had a steady check engine light in August. Made an appointment at the dealer, it cleared before then, and they could not pull the code when I got it in. Repeat that process in mid-September: check engine light, clear, no code to find.

Well it happened again yesterday. The car made a noticeable gurgle sound on a local road just before getting on the highway and the light came on about a mile later. Went straight to the dealer, who managed to pull the code and track down the issue. Sure enough, it's the timing chain and it's going to be a major repair. Thank the Maker, it will be covered by the MBUSA extended warranty. I don't even want to think what is the cost of that fix.

Now here's my question. I had planned to trade in towards a new vehicle because I felt the timing chain issue hanging over my head, but now it is being repaired and replaced. Given the car as far as I know is otherwise in excellent cosmetic and mechanical shape, is it a good risk to keep? Will there be long term negatives from the timing chain failure? Are there other major repairs lurking on this model? (I do have the air suspension, a source of lesser worry.)

Having looked at many models of new vehicles, including the updated GLS450, I can't find with the combination of comfort and space that I get in my X166. But I am afraid given the age of the vehicle to run naked without a warranty.

Any opinions?

 

What do you want to do? If maintenance/repairs will cause you to be unhappy with the car, it is time to get rid of it. The issues will only get worse from here. Not to mention, just because you replaced the timing chain it doesn't mean that you are good for a long time. It may go out again in 20k miles. The DEF tank will probably fail, your oil cooler will leak, and your emissions system will get clogged. All are big dollar repairs. Additionally, there is a good possibility that one or more of your crank bearings will go bad. When your oil cooler seal fails it will drain your engine of oil and the engine will seize without warning since the oil level sensor will be caked with oil and will probably not read correctly.

To me? I would get rid of it now and get a newer X166 GL/S450/550/63 and never look back. Go with MB CPO and purchase an additional 2 year unlimited mileage warranty from Cassandra Castro. The X167 seems to be having some issues so I couldn't recommend going with the newest model.

 

Now that you have the timing chain replaced, most of the other big ticket items on the truck are nearly all emissions related.

If you are in the USA you may have also seen that MB recently settled the "Dieselgate" case in the USA and the settlements include both CASH and a further extended warranty on the emissions (4 years from settlement or 10 years total). The full details should be released any day. If you are happy with the truck, you just received some more time to make your decision and may want to wait long enough to at least get the cash.

 

This.

 

What other issues have you had?

Has the oil cooler seals been replaced?

i bought a used X166 knowing that the timing chain needed replaced. 1yr and 30k miles later no regrets and would keep it.

Fortunately I haven’t had any other major issues with it.

 

No real work on the vehicle other than the current timing chain repair. Had to replace the rear shocks early; had a bad pump on the air suspension; the windshield washer fluid sensor went bad. Otherwise A-OK after 7 years, I keep it maintained and generally take care of it.

Should add I only have 69K miles on the vehicle as it's a weekend only driver


ETA: Also apparently if I hold on to the vehicle a short while it looks like I can get $3,290 from the diesel class action settlement as well as a warranty on emissions coverage if I let them mess with the system to "upgrade" with the emissions modification.

I am going to call the dealer tomorrow and check if they can replace the oil cooler seal and crankshaft bearings now, while they have the engine disassembled. Hopefully it's not too late. Seems like money well spent if I can keep the vehicle another two years.

 

So I did speak with the service rep, they are estimating the cost to do the oil cooler seal and crank bearings. I suspect the latter is too expensive but the oil cooler seal is probably an easy add on.

Also apparently the dealer needed to order a tool for the timing chain job, which is slowing things down. Anyone have a guess what tool that might be?

 

Probably a cam holder/fixture tool.

 

My extended warranty also ends soon. My initial thought was sell and purchase an SUV, all electric. All of the vehicles so far have major limitations on range or other reasons why they would not replace my GL 350.
This auto has been great, so I most likely will keep it until some future vehicle comes along.

 

The GLS 450 gets good mileage and the engine is very reliable. It would be a suitable replacement for your 350. No way that I would own an OM642 outside of warranty and above 70k miles. That seems to be the mark that major issues start occurring.

 

In my experience with my R350, they don't ding you very much on trade-in if the timing chain issue presents itself (if it's stretched; if the engine is a total loss that's a different story). My 2011 R350 was traded-in in 2019 at 98k miles with a stretched timing chain, bad particulate filter, faulty air suspension, and some visible dents and still fetched $7k. Mercedes-Benz of Music City bought it at auction and sold it for over $20k restored. Now, the R350 is a bit more special than a GL350 (has a cult following), but diesel will continue to have a lot of followers. I say keep it.

 

Is it possible to add a MB Extended Warranty(2 yrs, 25K) to a soon to be expired MB ELW (7 yrs/75,000 mi) ?

 

yes. Email Cassandra Castro

ccastro@mbofelmbrook.com

 

That is the same group I purchased the first ELW. I emailed them today and await follow up. I am extremely satisfied with this automobile and another 1-2 years should be fine
Thank you

 

I bought mine here: tamimccalmon@mblynnwood.com

 

Emailed both MB dealerships, long delays. Finally, one responded, non MB ELW 24 K/2 years-$5000.
No Thank you, for that money I'm on my own.
Volvo XC 40 Recharge looked great for replacement, until range figures were 208 miles, not enough.
Await more details on the ID.4.

 

I recommend contacting Motor Werks Mercedes in Barrington, Illinois. They sell Zurich VSCs. There is a good chance that Zurich won't have a policy, they're very picky on what vehicles they cover since their coverage is so extravagant. Even so, Motor Werks sold me a three-year contract at-cost on a GL63.

 

If you don't mind sharing, how much was it?

 

$6,494.00

 

Do you have a contact name of someone to speak to there?

 

I cannot recommend someone specifically because the finance manager who sold me the policy is no longer with the group. However, I can recommend a salesperson who might be able to point you in the right direction via PM.