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What’s the worst GL repair you’ve had (2013-2016 models)

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Old Nov 14, 2020 | 12:00 PM
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What’s the worst GL repair you’ve had (2013-2016 models)
We are a family with three growing boys and I are considering a GL for a tow vehicle but the airmatic suspension, the mystery “clunking” and a few other things are making me realize I should budget quite a bit for repairs on a used one. What’s been your worst horror story and how much did it cost you? Please include model year and mileage. Thanks!
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Old Nov 14, 2020 | 01:53 PM
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2014 GL350
Originally Posted by John Bollow
We are a family with three growing boys and I are considering a GL for a tow vehicle but the airmatic suspension, the mystery “clunking” and a few other things are making me realize I should budget quite a bit for repairs on a used one. What’s been your worst horror story and how much did it cost you? Please include model year and mileage. Thanks!
In all seriousness, Airmatic is probably one of your least worries while also being one of the greatest advantages compared to the ML/GLE or other makes. It makes the GL a great highway machine. Yes, it's a 'wear' item so you can expect to replace the bags at some point but compared to the real nightmare of Airmatic on some other MBs the parts are not that expensive or that difficult to DIY.

Oh, and since you want to tow, ONLY buy a truck with the factory tow package. (Yes, they are out there and not only is the OEM hardware better but it also includes the wiring and stability control software you'll want.)

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Old Nov 14, 2020 | 07:03 PM
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2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
radiator 800$,rear air springs 400$,own the car since july this year
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Old Nov 16, 2020 | 08:14 AM
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Timing chain on my 2013 diesel 350, just happened at 69K miles.
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Old Nov 16, 2020 | 12:29 PM
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2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
Originally Posted by 350gunner
Timing chain on my 2013 diesel 350, just happened at 69K miles.
is that engine out service?
I know on audi 4.2 it costs 6k to replace it
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Old Nov 16, 2020 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by serb
is that engine out service?
I know on audi 4.2 it costs 6k to replace it

Covered in the last month of my extended warranty, 30 days in the shop and it's back driving.
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Old Nov 17, 2020 | 07:45 AM
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GL 450
New engine.
New engine, 42k miles.
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Old Nov 17, 2020 | 05:45 PM
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2014 GL350 Bluetec X166
Originally Posted by 350gunner
Covered in the last month of my extended warranty, 30 days in the shop and it's back driving.

30 days for a timing chain?!

my biggest repair on my 14GL350BT was a timing chain, but they fixed it in 4 days. $4.5k
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Old Nov 18, 2020 | 07:30 PM
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GL350
Originally Posted by Bern6389
30 days for a timing chain?!

my biggest repair on my 14GL350BT was a timing chain, but they fixed it in 4 days. $4.5k

Irritating. The dealer claimed they "needed a tool". But I had a 2020 loaner the whole time so it didn't bother me much.
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