There is absolutely no quality control in these cars

parts on backorder for months

Reliability is shocking

you’re paying for a Mercedes and getting the quality of a Chrysler.

steer well clear!

 

GLS is really a mid level benz with a high line sticker. No different in quality than a GLE, which we all know is one of the poorest quality benz vehicles.

 

I'm pretty much having the opposite experience I guess. I love mine minus a few ergonomic issues. I've had exactly one issue worth even mentioning and I'd only report a slightly bad experience because it took 2 visits to correct the problem. This was more of a service department issue, but I also tend to notice signs of an issue very early, so in this case the tech mistook the real problem for something else that I guess is common. Either way when I spoke up loudly enough the service department manager got me squared away in a jiffy so overall my experience is very positive. First Merc for me, but my wife got her second not long after we met and we bought that lease out earlier this year.

 

The X166 GLE/GLS is reliable while the new X167 GLE/GLS seems to be having issues.

 

100% correct, 166's far more reliable. Looks like Mercedes sold out quality and reliability for flashy tech.

 

Compared to the number of these sold versus the reports on this forum, combined with the fact that negativity is far more pervasive, I just don't see support indicating that these cars are "far" more unreliable than the previous generation. Seems past experience is overruling data (or lack thereof). Were the X166 rock solid from the factory in the 1st year and had less than 10 problem reports on this forum?

 

Different type of complaints and seemingly not as damming with the 164 or 166 vs the 167. I have a 164 with over 250k miles and it has been the most reliable MB I've ever owned in the last few decades. The 210 E was also very good. The 166 GL63 I have needs a new head due to a faulty valve guide so probably somewhat less reliable than the 164 but the power level of the 166 is almost double and more than double if I had an ECU tune. With that said, it is the only problem I've experienced on my X166 other than standard maintenance and bulbs/LED's needing to be replaced and it has around 100k miles.

 

Do some scrolling through the W166 section of this site, during introduction time frame in late 2011 / early 2012. I don't see many (any?) launch issues. Greg W / Oregon seems to have been actively posting during that time period, he would probably be able to comment on W166 launch quality.

 

There is absolutely and positively not enough "data" on this (or any) forum for "quality" comparison - what the forum has well documented is the "production roll out" for the new Gen GLE and new Gen GLS were the Rockiest Roll Out's ....Ever...

 

Ours has been fine so far (7k miles since mid-august purchase w/ 6 on the clock). Lots of driving. Only one strange hiccup two weeks ago with a weird 48v error on a startup coming out of the grocery store, but it went away in its own in about 20 minutes and it never drove or behaved as though anything was wrong.

Only issue we have that needs to be fixed is the drivers window makes a thumping noise when going up/down. Something binding, but not a major issue and will certainly give MB a pass for it considering a first year model and having to put it out during this crazy COVID mess that shut down the alabama plant for a while.

And sometimes the key fob won’t wake up without pressing a button on it first to get the car to start. Again, a software glitch and fix probably.

there is a lot going on behind the scenes with this car. An ICE with a turbo and an electric motor like influence all working seamlessly together, two iPad style tables, and I suspect sensors out the wazoo.

The first year or two of production will certainly have some growing pain issues. My 2015 VW GTI was one of the first to roll off the new plant in Mexico. Inside of the rims had a flawed paint job, the fuel pump was recalled for damage during assembly, and a loose/improper install on the drivers window switch panel. All corrected and the car has been fine ever since. Sure, frustration, but ultimately gets fixed and, who knows, maybe use it as an argument for a deal on an extended warranty?

 

We picked up our 580 about 3 weeks before the Covid lock-downs started, so have less than 2000 miles on it. Have only had two minor issues. The passenger side seat warmer controls disappeared into the door upon first use (actually done by my salesperson during the delivery test drive). The service department didn't want to attempt a fix until they had a whole module in stock, which took a few weeks but once corrected (assembly error, I suspect) it's been fine. The only other thing is the door lock via touch is sporadic. Sometimes when I get out I can lock by touching the driver door handle and sometimes I can't. It's a driver side problem because if I walk to the passenger side, it will lock upon touch. Of course, it's usually easier to just lock with the key. Since it is sporadic, I haven't even bothered to take it in. I figure I'll ask them to look at it at the next service. Other than that, it's been great.

 

I am heading back to the dealership for problem #2. 450 not 580, but not # relevant. It rained, and the rain sensing wipers don't work. No movement after the first swipe. So they have to rip apart more of my interior, I'm sure. I've had many cars with rain sensing wipers... never even thought there was a failure mode there. I vote for "this car has quality issues." Also, when I lift off the throttle and the battery charges, I am hearing a whining noise. I think it's getting louder. Oh well... four years of warranty, and in California, if it's in the shop for > 30 days in the first 18 months, it's a lemon. 8 days down in 36 days of ownership and heading back, so we'll see.

 

My first GLS broke down on the 3rd day at just 68 miles and MBUSA agreed to repurchase it from me (full story here: https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...options.html). The replacement GLS has been trouble-free so far (less than 2000 miles). The tech is nice and I enjoy the ride, but the build quality is questionable. The doors and body panels do not align and it's most noticeable (off almost by 1/8 inch) at the lower corners of the doors. No big deal but keeps me wondering if the more critical internal/mechanical parts have been build with similar workmanship...

 

Sorry to hear you are having all the problems with the GLS.

Software my ****!!! So MB HQ does not test these so called software before releasing IT to the market? Are you supposed to be "BETA TESTERS!'???

I've owned several MB's over the years: SLK55 AMG HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE, SLK280, GLA250 4Matic, and the newest GLB250 4Matic. No MAJOR problems with ANY of the above. Sold both SLK's BEFORE any problems surfaced. The GLA 250 4Matic and the GLB 250 4Matic are still under warranty.....so will keep for a little while (our kids drive these locally).

What I experienced with the MB's are:

1. DO NOT own these OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY!

2. Must have other MORE RELIABLE VEHICLES as PRIMARY vehicles in the household to drive around.. We have other Lexus vehicles serving as "primary duty vehicles". The LX570, RX450h, and RCF. We used to have a CT200h.....but sold it (too small and felt not as safe) and got the new GLB 250 4Matic. We had some minor hiccups during the first few hundred miles with the GLB 250 Matic, but nothing we couldn't work out with the local MB selling dealership.

I suspect we will get rid of our MB vehicles just before the warranty expires. There is no way we are keeping any of the MB vehicles to 280K+ trouble free miles like we did with our old Lexus LX470 before we sold it and got another new LX570.

IF you want ALL THE LATEST TECHS and the MB BADGE......then you will have to endure the headaches. But if you go with the LOW TECH and tried and proven Lexus.....then you will have less headaches.

But for most people spending $110K+ on a vehicle......BADGE is more important vs reliability/built quality, I guess. For me....I WANT BOTH!!! But unfortunately this fantasy vehicle does not exist. So we went with Lexus instead on their "high end reliable luxury vehicles".

Just my two cents....

 

Plenty of common issues with the cars built in Vance.
as though the entire quality team upped and left one day.

two key learnings.

never buy a first year vehicle
never own one out of warranty.

the dealers spend time fixing them, they’re happy because they’re charging Mercedes.
meanwhile loyal owners just get pissed and leave the brand.

problem is though most all manufacturers have similar issues. They just communicate better and don’t leave the customer bummed at spending 100k on some badly performing metal.

 

I am picking up a new GLS580 in about a month - I ordered it in June.

I am coming off a a 2011 GL350. While the X164 chassis was mostly reasonable in terms of reliability, the OM642 Diesel engine and associated emissions systems in the GL350 were a complete disaster. All in all I've had on the order of $40,000 of repairs over 100,000 miles and 10 years, almost all covered by original factory warranty, MBUSA extended Warranty, and USAA extended Warranty. I like the GL, and we have had so many amazing family adventures using it to tow our Airstream - probably 30,000 miles of towing in all - but the reliability is poor, the design for repair is poor, and the cost to repair is horrifying. Examples - the oil cooler seal, which is an $8 part, is so deeply hidden in the engine that it costs more than $3,000 in labor to replace it at the dealer - and in my GL it has failed twice. The timing chain has also gone bad twice - close to $5,000 each time. And on and on and on... Now that the GL is completely out of warranty I'm doing all of the wrenching myself - I had always done all of the service myself, but now I'm also doing the major repairs too.

I concur with the prior posters - it's too expensive to own one of these vehicles without being covered by some sort of warranty, especially if you live in a high labor cost metro area like I do (the SF Bay Area).

My plan is to purchase an extended warranty on the new GLS from one of the many dealers publicized on these forums who sell them at close to cost.
I'm also planning to sell the GL350 and pick up a half ton or 3/4 ton pickup for towing the Airstream and to haul around construction materials. The 580 is too nice for me to haul bricks and other construction supplies inside it (yes I did that with the 350...)

 

That's a lot of money to spend on the GLS for 100K miles ($40K). That's 40 cents per mile PLUS whatever else "routine maintenance"!!!

Unless I'm married to the MB brand, I would have asked for a divorce and cut my losses and moved on.

So far we've been happy with the Lexus vehicles, including the "LX 470/LX 570/RX 450h" SUV's. We also have the MB GLA 250 4Matic and the GLB 250 4Matic. But it's unlikely we will keep the MB's past the factory warranty.

 

Wow. I wished I had seen this thread earlier. Sounds very similar.
Kind of like my thread with my 2021 GLE580.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...t-nothing.html

Videos of mine doing it are at the end of the thread.
I’m hearing word the MB knows they have a serious problem here.

 

I understand that you are having problems with your car, and am sympathetic.

Is "the word" you are receiving from a tech that is unable to diagnose? Many such "opinions" are based on poor understanding or training.
Wish you the best.

 

Early build GLS have had their share of issues. Last time I read there were around 6 recalls. Our car is a 21 model delivered in late Jan. It has been perfect for 2k. That first batch of cars was a big gamble given that this vehicle is different from the previous GLS down to the screws, plus an entirely new drive train (4.0L hybrid). I'm surprised it hasn't been much worse. Im crossing my fingers that I got one of the first ones past the "beta" stage.

 

How might I determine when my 2021 580 was manufactured?

 

Do a google search there is a way to determine exactly using your VIN

 

Please post a photo of the door jamb decal.

 

My current 2020 GLS 580 is the 7th MB I owned. Based on my limited experience MB is still one of the best car available. I have had 300,000 miles on 300 TD where every thing worked flawlessly. People have high expectations from MB rightfully so, please keep in mind that the current cars are very complicated and is full of electronics.
I just drove through major snow storm pulling a trailer with out any issues except the sensors were going hay wire due to snow and ice covered them thnak God no impact on the car performance.
Cheers

 

Interesting thread.... This past Christmas I bought the new GLS63 for my wife. The car has less than 800 miles on it and it has been in the dealers shop for 4 weeks due to the "check engine light" being on. The first diagnostic was that "we" ran it low on gas and sucked air into the fuel line. Interesting since we had only put two tanks of fuel in it and the fuel level has never been below 1/4 tank. Further diagnostic by the dealer now indicates miss fires on cylinder #1. They replaced the injector and still no remedy for the "check engine light". Currently they are smoke testing the turbos (not sure what that means). I am remaining patient for a another week if it is not resolved, intend to ask for my money back and they can sell the GLS63 to the next sucker.

As far as Mercedes and quality, my opinion is that they are HORRIBLE! My wife has driven Mercedes for the past 23 years. We alway buy new and everyone of them has had more than normal repair issues ranging from failing fuel pumps to replacing an E63 engine at 15,000 miles due to "porosity" in the block casting. Hoping this instance is good enough to get my wife to consider another brand vehicle.