GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

GL 350 into limp home mode on freeway

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 8, 2023 | 12:45 AM
  #1  
Chris HA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
GL 350 W166
GL 350 into limp home mode on freeway

My GL350 travels on freeway on cruise control at 80km/hr or faster . Say at 110 - tacho on 1900, tacho will jump up to 2200 and GL goes into limp home mode. If you stop turn everything off open the door it usually goes back to normal. Last night it went into this as soon as left 60k limit to 100k on freeway. Tried the above including locking the car and would only last in normal for about 2kms then it happened again. Left in this for around 80km. Left freeway stopped at traffic light and it returned to normal when i took off. Service can't find anything as no fault codes are recorded. Any ideas as is to what may be the cause.
background : was great til went to MB dealer auto service where they updated the software even though i told them only change oil and filters and adjust if needed @150000km . It then would not go into 7th til got to 125- 130km/h - after 4 return trips gave up and it eventually started going into 7th at 100 as before. At 185000 new turbo , pcv egr and after that this started but had ahppened once or twice before turbo.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2023 | 07:33 PM
  #2  
blackedoutGL550's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GL550
My GL550 did this today on my way home. The check engine light came on and the vehicle started to shake like it was miss firing. I’ve only had the vehicle for 2 months so this is the first time this has happened. I got it home pulled in the garage, turned the vehicle off and started it back up and it ran normal. I pulled out of the garage and drove for about 5 mins around the neighborhood to see if it would happen again. Nothing. Now I’m nervous.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 03:44 PM
  #3  
AutomationJunki's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 30
Likes: 12
GL550
Maybe try a transmission reset..
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2023 | 02:57 PM
  #4  
olesouthernboy's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 39
From: SC
2015 GL350, 2013 GL350, 2002 ML320, 1983 E300TD-D
Let us know what you find.

Last edited by olesouthernboy; Aug 13, 2023 at 02:59 PM. Reason: Wrong engine
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2023 | 03:02 PM
  #5  
olesouthernboy's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 39
From: SC
2015 GL350, 2013 GL350, 2002 ML320, 1983 E300TD-D
Originally Posted by blackedoutGL550
My GL550 did this today on my way home. The check engine light came on and the vehicle started to shake like it was miss firing. I’ve only had the vehicle for 2 months so this is the first time this has happened. I got it home pulled in the garage, turned the vehicle off and started it back up and it ran normal. I pulled out of the garage and drove for about 5 mins around the neighborhood to see if it would happen again. Nothing. Now I’m nervous.
Dealing with the GL550 (not the 350).

Use a borescope and look through the spark plug holes for signs of cylinder scoring. Cylinder number 5 seems to be the main culprit but they will all do it. Search this forum for ‘M278 rebuild’.

I hope you find another problem other than this but it scares me when you say the ‘M’ word (misfire) when talking about a M278.





Reply
Old Apr 14, 2024 | 10:45 PM
  #6  
Bryan58's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Gl350
My 2015 350GL does the same thing. When I am on a longer trip (over 200 miles) it will lose power, usually when I am climbing a hill on cruise control. The check engine light does not turn on. I have to pull over turn off the car and restart it and it acts normally. It usually happens once on the trip. I had the dealer look into it, but like yours since there are no error codes stored they cannot identify the problem. It seems that it started occurring after the egr system was worked in under warranty.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2024 | 11:55 PM
  #7  
CaliBenzDriver's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,951
Likes: 6,796
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
M for fake Misfires....

The Bosch ECU watches the crankshaft rotate with high granularity. It can tell how each cylinder is contributing to taylor fuel qty. based on velocity.

It used to be low contribution was caused by poor spark or fuel atomization hence the name "misfires".


dry-lubed.... scored cylinder

Now there's a modern addition to poor contribution. It's the high blow-by scored cylinder shown above slash fragmented or cracked pistons.

This is happening to "save gas" - Modern engines combine most advanced oils to dry lube oils at normal driving RPM. This works amazingly well until the last day.

There is an experimental 5mn trick to provide conventional cylinder oiling with approved MB oils.
Have a look here.....


Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Apr 15, 2024 at 12:05 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 09:22 AM
  #8  
Mikey178's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
From: Toronto
2013 Mercedes GL350 Bluetec (X166) & 2019 Mercedes A220 (W177) & Retired 2008 Mercedes C300 (W204)
Check for codes, I recently had a similar issue, on the highway and then loose acceleration/power. Flooring the pedal does nothing much but very slow increase in speed. Stopping the vehicle, turning off and then back on would resolve until it did it again not too long after. I was also hearing a loud suction sound during acceleration which was hinted me to a leak somewhere.

In my case I was getting a "123900 - Boost Pressure is too low" code in Xentry and was a result of a damaged intercooler hose on the turbo side. Initially, I was not able to see any problems but noticed signs of diesel oil near and around the connection from the intercooler to intercooler hose that leads to the turbo muffler on the drivers side. Once I took the hose out (2 clips) I found the rubber hose had a tear at the connector. Seems to be a common issue based on research online.

Ordered the replacement hose, changed out in 10-15 mins. Everything is back to normal, no longer goes into limp mode.




Last edited by Mikey178; Apr 15, 2024 at 09:41 AM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 10:33 AM
  #9  
L&N Caravan's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
2003 E320 4matic wagon
Originally Posted by Mikey178
Check for codes, I recently had a similar issue, on the highway and then loose acceleration/power. Flooring the pedal does nothing much but very slow increase in speed. Stopping the vehicle, turning off and then back on would resolve until it did it again not too long after. I was also hearing a loud suction sound during acceleration which was hinted me to a leak somewhere.

In my case I was getting a "123900 - Boost Pressure is too low" code in Xentry and was a result of a damaged intercooler hose on the turbo side. Initially, I was not able to see any problems but noticed signs of diesel oil near and around the connection from the intercooler to intercooler hose that leads to the turbo muffler on the drivers side. Once I took the hose out (2 clips) I found the rubber hose had a tear at the connector. Seems to be a common issue based on research online.

Ordered the replacement hose, changed out in 10-15 mins. Everything is back to normal, no longer goes into limp mode.

what was this part number Mikey178?

replaced clips as well or ok to reuse?

can use show where on the engine this was located as I haven’t touched intercooler yet. Thanks!
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 12:30 PM
  #10  
Mikey178's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
From: Toronto
2013 Mercedes GL350 Bluetec (X166) & 2019 Mercedes A220 (W177) & Retired 2008 Mercedes C300 (W204)
The part number is 1665280028. I bought my replacement from Rockauto (Gates 26454), its for the hot side. The clips come with the hose.

Word of caution, I initially bought from FCP but the part they sent was shorter, they sent a replacement thinking it may have been a 1 off issue but it was still short. I don't think it is FCP's fault but they should remove it for the GL350 as its not accurate which is why I went with Rockauto.

You can remove yours to see if it's damaged or cracked anywhere and check for signs of oil splatter. In my case there was oil all on the water fluid reservoir neck. If your is in good shape without any signs of damage, your issue might be different.

Here is a picture of the hose in the engine bay (Drivers side, front). I moved the intake hose out of the way to see it better.






Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 01:09 PM
  #11  
L&N Caravan's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
2003 E320 4matic wagon
Greatly appreciate the comprehensive response - I’ll be inspecting mine this weekend. Thank you!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:24 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE