ph2426

Hi all,
I have almost agreed to purchase a 2013 GL450 with 80k miles on it. It looks to be in very good shape and we have just sold a 2011 GL550 which was an excellent car and we did 170k miles with it and only issues were air suspension. I am seeing multiple threads here regarding issues with the 2013 year 450. Is it just the 2013-15 450's? Should I stay away or is it not that common? thank you in advance.

Ricardoa1

If you are afraid buy a boroscope camera and take the spark plugs out. They get changed around your mileage anyways. Then assess your risk while the CE is off, take advantage of an innocent bystanders (dealer will just pass the problem down) if your conscience can take it.

I am not about fearmonger, I can tell you my truck has 120k on it and shows no issues as of yet and I don’t have any warranty to save me. I also see several high mileage GL550 and GL450s online for sale in the 125k-175k range. Units sold….the M278 is used on just about any 550 in the line up with the gl450 name as an exception. Do some statistical analysis and you might have a calculation of risk percentage. How many people post the problem? Unknown… Your questions is hard to answer. Better questions is how many us reached above 150 without engine replacement?

reg8667

what is a telltale symptom of cylinder scoring? I have a 13 450 with 119 on the clock.

Ricardoa1

Loss of compression usually, and the dealer scanner can do an electronic dynamic compression and balance test. Or you can do one mechanically with a gauge and tools, but the easier way and accurate to rule it out is to pull the spark plugs and go in with a camera and check for scores and pretty lines. You might have no mechanical issues or check engine and still have scores but if it’s not broke, why worry.

oldmangrimes

I also bought my 2013 GL450 with 80k miles, two years ago, and I didn't know about the cylinder scoring risk before I bought mine. I have not had that issue. I knew it would have other issues, and mine has had some in the 25k miles since then. But they were all common issues that were well covered here, and I was able to fix all of them myself. I don't have a warranty. I wouldn't recommend buying a M278 engine unless you can do some repairs yourself, or have a good aftermarket warranty. But I love my GL450, and if I had to go back in time to buy it again I would.

c230Pilot

Is there a best way to prevent this scoring? Frequent oil changes? Will an oil analysis show if there is scoring occurring?

Thanks

mcoady1

I use Ceratec with my oil changes which, arguably, may help prevent scoring/wear. There's a thorough paper on this forum, but it contributes to a tribofilm between piston ring and cylinder lining that can reduce wear.

I'm at 132k with no issues. I have a piston slap at cold start that goes away within 1 min. Oil analyses have come back normal each time, and I am therefore going 10k between changes after previously going 7k.