Should I keep the GLS?
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Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
GLS550
Should I keep the GLS?
I have a 2017 GLS 550 with about 127K miles on it. I've keep the maintenance up to date with oil changes every 7-9k miles, replaced spark plugs and radiator at 110k. I was recommended the following items which will approximately cost around 8k.
1. Upper Timing Cover Reseal
2. Remove & Replace Drive Belt and Idler Pulley
3. Remove & Replace Water Pump and Turbo Coolant
4. Remove & Replace Suspension Control Arm Bushings
5. Probably would need to replace brakes soon
My thoughts:
1. I would love to keep it. It's an amazing car.
2. Is it worth putting money in to get everything fixed? My concern are other issues that might come up after this.
3. Does anyone have a high mileage GLS 550 and what are your recommendations.
1. Upper Timing Cover Reseal
2. Remove & Replace Drive Belt and Idler Pulley
3. Remove & Replace Water Pump and Turbo Coolant
4. Remove & Replace Suspension Control Arm Bushings
5. Probably would need to replace brakes soon
My thoughts:
1. I would love to keep it. It's an amazing car.
2. Is it worth putting money in to get everything fixed? My concern are other issues that might come up after this.
3. Does anyone have a high mileage GLS 550 and what are your recommendations.
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 191
Likes: 58
E320
Hey gls_lover, I understand the dilemma you're facing with your GLS 550. At 127K miles, it's normal for some major components to start needing attention, especially if you've been diligent with maintenance. Investing in those repairs could extend the life of your vehicle, but there's always the risk that other issues might emerge down the road. I've seen high-mileage GLS models hold up well with timely maintenance, but it's a bit of a gamble whether it's worth the current investment versus putting that money towards a newer vehicle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
I have a 2017 GLS 550 with about 127K miles on it. I've keep the maintenance up to date with oil changes every 7-9k miles, replaced spark plugs and radiator at 110k. I was recommended the following items which will approximately cost around 8k.
1. Upper Timing Cover Reseal
2. Remove & Replace Drive Belt and Idler Pulley
3. Remove & Replace Water Pump and Turbo Coolant
4. Remove & Replace Suspension Control Arm Bushings
5. Probably would need to replace brakes soon
My thoughts:
1. I would love to keep it. It's an amazing car.
2. Is it worth putting money in to get everything fixed? My concern are other issues that might come up after this.
3. Does anyone have a high mileage GLS 550 and what are your recommendations.
1. Upper Timing Cover Reseal
2. Remove & Replace Drive Belt and Idler Pulley
3. Remove & Replace Water Pump and Turbo Coolant
4. Remove & Replace Suspension Control Arm Bushings
5. Probably would need to replace brakes soon
My thoughts:
1. I would love to keep it. It's an amazing car.
2. Is it worth putting money in to get everything fixed? My concern are other issues that might come up after this.
3. Does anyone have a high mileage GLS 550 and what are your recommendations.
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
Likes: 20
From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Ask your mechanic which items are the highest priority and go from there. Often you can defer some of the less critical items. Keep in mind Benz service advisor have no conception of price or budgeting and will just send you a laundry list as they are compensated on what they sell. A good indy mechanic can advise on what items are urgent.
$8k at once is a lot, but $4k a year not so much for German cars at this mileage. Keep in mind a new vehicle will cost you $100k. I have yet to see any critical new safety or luxury features that would require me to upgrade. Would love to have appleplay but the bluetooth works just fine.
Yes we got a fault code for turbos (110k mi) but they seem to be doing ok.
$8k at once is a lot, but $4k a year not so much for German cars at this mileage. Keep in mind a new vehicle will cost you $100k. I have yet to see any critical new safety or luxury features that would require me to upgrade. Would love to have appleplay but the bluetooth works just fine.
Yes we got a fault code for turbos (110k mi) but they seem to be doing ok.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 27
2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
The GLS550 still holds up relative to a lot of newer models, and the value you'll get on trade/selling it won't be much. IMO the new GLS is not really worth the significant price premium as it is a very similar car with new sheet metal, unless money is not really a factor.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
GLC 300
Love this reasoning. Did you know you can purchase an Apple play kit and install it? Have to take dash apart but looks super cool.
Ask your mechanic which items are the highest priority and go from there. Often you can defer some of the less critical items. Keep in mind Benz service advisor have no conception of price or budgeting and will just send you a laundry list as they are compensated on what they sell. A good indy mechanic can advise on what items are urgent.
$8k at once is a lot, but $4k a year not so much for German cars at this mileage. Keep in mind a new vehicle will cost you $100k. I have yet to see any critical new safety or luxury features that would require me to upgrade. Would love to have appleplay but the bluetooth works just fine.
Yes we got a fault code for turbos (110k mi) but they seem to be doing ok.
$8k at once is a lot, but $4k a year not so much for German cars at this mileage. Keep in mind a new vehicle will cost you $100k. I have yet to see any critical new safety or luxury features that would require me to upgrade. Would love to have appleplay but the bluetooth works just fine.
Yes we got a fault code for turbos (110k mi) but they seem to be doing ok.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 378
Likes: 114
2015 S550, 2017 GLS450
I am in a similar situation. 2017 GLS450 with 110K miles, meticulous maintenance. No leaks after I fixed the usual left front timing cover leak. I’ve already done the belt/idler pulley. I’ve already changed the coolant twice during ownership. This is an often forgotten maintenance issue as the coolant loses its anticorrosive activities with time and can lead to earlier water pump failure and other leaks.
Thinking about pending airmatic issues, suspension refresh, turbo issues and two routine maintenance issues upcoming (spark plugs/ignition coils and tranny filter change/service/rear differential oil change). I switched to oil changes at 5K intervals at home knowing that this will delay turbo failure. I’m inclined to perform a full suspension refresh and at least make this car drive like new and hope I get a few more years out of it as it will be more economical than buying a new car unless the new car is a Toyota.
Thinking about pending airmatic issues, suspension refresh, turbo issues and two routine maintenance issues upcoming (spark plugs/ignition coils and tranny filter change/service/rear differential oil change). I switched to oil changes at 5K intervals at home knowing that this will delay turbo failure. I’m inclined to perform a full suspension refresh and at least make this car drive like new and hope I get a few more years out of it as it will be more economical than buying a new car unless the new car is a Toyota.
Last edited by bkdc; Dec 12, 2024 at 03:27 PM.
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
2) basic maintenance and easy (enough) to do in the driveway. Is the belt cracked or sloughing bits? Yes: do it. No, and the bearings aren't loud when the engine is cold, don't bother.
3) drain and fill coolant? Easy and worth doing before 150K miles.
4) Is the steering still tight or do you feel slop? If the former, skip it. If the latter, do it.
5) Brakes are easy; what do the pads and rotors look like? If there's only a few mm left on the pads, it's time.
I'm struggling to see how this list could be over 4k to say nothing of $8K.
