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

Info on GL Bluetec

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Old Aug 23, 2024 | 09:06 AM
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Info on GL Bluetec

I am looking into a GL/GLS Bluetec. I have many Ford diesels and we are a diesel family. I just found out that these came in diesel. I wondered what years I should be looking for if I were to get the most reliable engine. Is the engine worth it? I also do some mechanical work on my cars.
what is the difference between the 164 and 166? Is it just the year or model difference? What years should I avoid? I live on a farm and have a dirt road to get to my house. Is the sport package something I should look at? When did they stop putting the diesels in the GLs? Thanks for your time.
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Old Aug 23, 2024 | 10:59 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You are talking about X166, what is bigger body.
The OM642 engine was in production for over 20 years, having more than dozen different tunes and proved itself to be real workhorse.
Not the cheapest to maintain in MB diesel family as common oil cooler seals require about 20 hr to replace, but they keep on running.....
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 12:49 PM
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So is there a year I should be looking at, say 2014 and newer?
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 12:54 PM
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2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Read up on the MB Diesel emissions settlement . You want a vehicle that has already had the work done as you will get $10k worth of emissions and exhaust gear replaced for free, and a warranty to boot.

Newer will be better in any case as the motor got more power as the years went on.
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 01:37 PM
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Thank you, that is useful information
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 06:14 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Originally Posted by Bullring4978
So is there a year I should be looking at, say 2014 and newer?
I was researching GL for the buy, but ended up buying Land Rover. Not too many GL come with rear AC and I need that in white car.
Anyway, from what I check, in 2015 the Bluetec got new tune with few more ponies, what is not big deal, but worth to consider.
New tune usually also come with better mpg.
Than check for AEM extended warranty. It applies till 2015 models.
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 08:41 AM
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I have owned 2 GL350s, a 2010 that my insurance totaled due to an accident at 190K miles and currently a 2015 with 137K miles now.

Other than looks (to me anyway), X166 is better than X164 as follows:
  1. Power fold-n-tumble 2nd row seats for easier 3rd row entry/exit
  2. More MPG: 26 vs 23
  3. Easier to refill DEF: Behind fuel fill door vs under trunk floor
  4. More HP: 255 vs 201
  5. More LB-FT: 457 vs 400
  6. Marginally bigger overall
  7. Smoother ride & better handling
  8. Having a spare tire
  9. Easier (but more expensive) Front Air Strut Replacement
  10. No more Oil Cooler Leaks
I'm sure there are more reasons but these are top for me.

Last edited by MGL350; Aug 29, 2024 at 09:41 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 09:04 AM
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Excellent. Sounds like you are happy with owning the 2015 and would recommend.
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 09:39 AM
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Yes.


I was very pleased with the 2010 as well.




Last edited by MGL350; Aug 29, 2024 at 09:51 AM.
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Old Aug 30, 2024 | 05:59 AM
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From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
I am the original owner of a 14 GL 350, with now 102,000 mi. It has been a wonderful car, smooth riding, reliable, and solid. Has had AEM done and air shock system replaced. South east location, no salt/snow.
As soon as my Volvo EX 90 EV arrives (1-2 months), it will be available for purchase (for hopefully a diesel loving individual)
The forum has always leaned toward negative experiences, hopefully a positive one will be refreshing.
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Old Sep 4, 2024 | 07:16 PM
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I don’t know if I’m quite ready to buy. I’ve been researching. Let me know when you sell.
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Old Sep 23, 2024 | 11:15 AM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Originally Posted by kajtek1
I was researching GL for the buy, but ended up buying Land Rover. Not too many GL come with rear AC and I need that in white car.
Anyway, from what I check, in 2015 the Bluetec got new tune with few more ponies, what is not big deal, but worth to consider.
New tune usually also come with better mpg.
Than check for AEM extended warranty. It applies till 2015 models.
? to the GL owners.
Moving from GLE on steel suspension to Land Rover on air, there is pretty big difference in handling. LR is giving me the "boat feeling" so less precise control, while softer ride means better comfort.
I wonder if GL on air suspension is having the same difference?
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