MBOwner3

Hello everyone,

A number of years ago, I bought my wife a CPO 2014 GL550 (X166). It now has over 80,000 miles, and it has had several major repairs in a very short time frame. With that said, I am possibly looking into purchasing a CPO X167 either a 2022 or a 2021 GL 450. For GL450 owners since 2020, have you had any significant mechanical issues that I need to concerned about on a long term basis? As an example, my wife's current GL550 has had recent issues with the thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, heater core, valve seals, camshaft sensors, heater core, new rear air suspension. Now, it's the radiator, AC compressor and condensor that need to be replaced. It's been a complete nightmare. I want to get a different brand of vehicle altogether, but my wife loves her Mercedes and I do too, as I have a 2010 S550 which has had no issues other than wear and tear.

Thank you in advance!

nc211

I'm a 2020 that is nearing 50k on the clock. Nothing major for me so far, just some annoyances associated with first model year car that have been fixed by the dealership (defective window track, piece of plastic debris on the HVAC blower motor, that sort of stuff). Otherwise it's been pretty darn good to us thus far, knock on wood! Others have faced the dreaded 48v battery fault issue, which is a major pain in the **** to deal with, but we have not.

At 47k miles and counting, I can tell the transmission fluid is getting ready to need to be changed. Just shifting a little harder than before but not major. Can just tell it's getting close to time to service the driveline elements (differential fluids, trans fluid, etc). I don't know what the manual calls for, probably something like 60-70k for that stuff, but I never go that long on my cars in general. Once I feel it starting to shift harder than before, I replace the fluids almost immediately.

Only real disappointment for us has been the front seats and MBTex issues along the bottom exit bolster. It likes to split apparently for some. Old school I guess (as anyone with a 212 with MBTex over the last 10 years can likely attest too as well). That....is a disappointment big time for me and Mercedes Benz.

mikapen

@MBOwner3 I thought our W164 (2010 ML) was a better car than our W166 (2014 ML). Durability and handling.
Our V167 is better than the W166 too, IMO.

We had some teething problems with a ground issue and a clouded lens on our 2020, but trouble free on the 2021.

nc211

I will add, that this version of the GL(S) isn't just a refreshed version, it is truly is an entirely different type of vehicle in comparison to the previous versions. If you like that heavy feeling of a Benz rolling down the road, this isn't it. It's much lighter on it's feet. It feels different than any other MB I've driven in the past. Some of that is good, but some of that isn't. Not saying they've lost that Mercedes heritage feeling, but there has definitely been a change of the old guard when it comes to designing the cars now. When I get into my 2014 E350 sedan, it's like a time warp back in time in the way it drives. Glides along, whereas the new GLS hums along. Part of that is the difference in the amount of gears in general, but other aspect are the way the doors shut, the weight of materials, the finger-light steering, and the "vibe" of the car.

If you like the old school feeling, then I think you might enjoy a CPO'd 2019 on the previous platform with all of the kinks worked out. I SERIOUSLY considered that route myself, but my wife (it's her car) really liked this new version, said it felt much easier for her to control and be comfortable driving.

chassis

Caveat emptor on the 48V system. Read the many posts on this, mostly in the V167 GLE section. The 48V system is the same on the GLS.

The best preowned MB on the market today in my view is the 2019 GLS 450 4MATIC with the most option content you can find - preferably Designo interior, AMG exterior and Off Road Engineering package. Solid and well-sorted chassis and powertrain, with the comfort of a GLS.

MBOwner3

Appreciate all the replies - I was considering another 2019 GLS 550 as well. However, my issue there is that the used car pricing market is still insane and the price savings on a 2019 GLS 550 vs. a 2021 or 2022 GLS 450 aren't that much different in relative terms. In my personal opinion, the prices are outrageous regardless for all of them. Lastly, my fear is that I'd be buying the exact same vehicle and end up with the exact same issues down the line as noted in my original post. To ask differently, have all the matters I came across on my wife's 2014 GL550 been addressed in the 2019 GLS 550?

chassis

The 2019 X166 GLS450 with M276 V6 has better reliability than the M278 V8 engine in your current/previous vehicle. The 2019 has had no reports of the problems you listed in the original post.

2020 and beyond X167 does not have the problems you listed, but rather has new problems, many of them related to the 48V system. Read the V167 GLE section for testimonials.

Take a closer look at the reliable 2019 GLS450.

BenjaminKohl

The US X166 450 has never offered the AMG line exterior, and i don't think it has offered the Off Road Engineering Package either.

chassis

Also available on 2019 X166 GLS450 were ADS and Active Curve. If found on the preowned market this would be an incredible vehicle, combined with the reliable M276, Designo paint, Designo leather and Off Road Engineering. Not sure the AMG front fascia was available, I didn’t read through the whole brochure.


From MBUSA, 2019 X166 owners’ manual:



From an MB dealer website, 2019 brochure:

chassis

Looks like the AMG appearance package (a few plastic cosmetic pieces) was not offered on 2019 X166.

The "Appearance Package" in 2019 is an option that includes illuminated running boards and special wheels.