S_W222

Is there any reliability or known issues that I should be aware of? How reliable is the GLS 580?

Currently trading a couple of my cares and upgrading them, next on the list is the GLS.

I found a well equipped 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 AWD 4MATIC with E-Body Control and other good stuff. Any thoughts?

chassis

4.0TT in E63, C63 and AMG GT applications are showing rear main seal failures at far below 100k miles. RMS failure caused by oil vapor separator failure (plugging). Usual MB response posted by owners: in warranty the repair is covered. Out of warranty you’re on your own. Out of warranty repair cost in the range of $2k+.

S_W222

Thanks, I still recall your response under the W222. I have the same engine in my current W222; so with that said, I guess am not taking any more or less risk with that particular point. If that is the only known issue, that'd be great. I have been on the W222 forum for years and years but have never closely tracked the G167 forum so I have no baseline knowledge of how reliable the vehicle is in general not just engine wise.

chassis

Caveat emptor any 48V system from MB. Read all of the posts on this site. It will take you a while so put a pot of coffee on.

EWL5

I've heard bad things about the E-ABC suspension and how costly they are to repair.
I think there's a very good reason why they're no longer an option on the GLS450!

S_W222

I test drove a GLS 580 today with E-ABC. Found this in the glove box. Please read.

chassis

Run as fast and as far as you can away from this car.

S_W222

Can you help explain what could be wrong with this vehicle at that time and why it matters long term?

chassis

1. MB reliability on current models is utter rubbish.
2. MB reliability on 48V systems was worse than utter rubbish when first introduced.
3. MB 48V systems remain in perpetual beta-testing mode. The unwitting consumer is the beta tester.
4. MB has not established a multiple-year-long run of solid reliability with 48V systems. I hold the view MB will not achieve this in my lifetime.
5. Expect more of the same with this vehicle.

Run far, run fast. Strong avoid on any MB 48V system. Don't be enchanted by the siren if you don't want to be dashed on the rocks of MB's rubbish reliability.

For avoidance of doubt, poor MB reliability doesn't matter (financially) if a vehicle has a warranty. The pain in the scenario with a warranty relates to time and inconvenience to deal with the hassle of MB rubbish reliability, when the vehicle needs repair service or leaves you stranded somewhere. The choice is yours.

S_W222

Sounds like keeping my facelift W222 is a better idea. I got excited about that GLS as it had nearly all the options checked when it was ordered by the first owner. There is another one that also has EABC and it’s a 2021 and still under warranty. However your point regarding the 48V system seems to be valid for all GLS vehicles regardless..

z28lt1

There certainly were problems with the 48 Volt system as we've had multiple threads here. That said, 1)There are tons of people who haven't had a problem and 2) we haven't seen many recently at all. Seems to have settled in. There was a updated part (perhaps actually an old part since the 2019 48V systems didn't seem to have problems) and several software updates. Can't guarantee you won't have the problem again with that car (since it seems the battery was not replaced, only the software updates -- which might be enough), but I wouldn't let one poster dissuade you from getting the car if you really like it.

No denying this generation GLE/GLS is below average in reliability and a few, people have had some lemons (as with just about every make/model out there), so something to consider. However, there are a couple of posters here who tend to overstate the problems. There are plenty of people who have had trouble free experiences and I wouldn't try to talk someone out of it if it is the car they want. I love mine.

ILoveNY

Yep, my GLS had 48v issue on the first year and never again

maybe MB fixed it?

wildta

Also there are plenty of owners with no 48v issues. I have a MY2020 GLE 580 with EABC with no issues on either.

Worth reading this v167 thread for some perspective:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...v-battery.html

It's usually the same people making the same noise on these forums and sometimes you have to take what they say with a grain of salt. On the flip side there are also some major fanboys here who discount real issue because they love the brand so much. Every car brand forum has both.

I'd say my biggest issue is shifting btwn gears 1 and 2 in eco and comfort could be smoother (need to try a transmission adaptation reset) and the auto start stop seems like it could be smoother. Plenty of discussions about poor shifting.

Love the car otherwise with no additional complaints.

Dreamzz2004

My 2021 GLS 580 with E-ABC had to be towed in for 48v battery issue (purchased Aug 2021, towed Oct 2021) . After the fix, the car has had no issues.

S_W222

Thanks everyone. I passed on that GLS and decided to keep my W222 S560

W205C43PFL

How convenient this was left in the glovebox, made your decision way easier.

W205C43PFL

Good decision, surprised you were considering going from your favourite W222 to a GLS, unless it is for a change to try different things?

S_W222

Hi @W205C43PFL I trade in for a new toy literally every year. Most if not all of the vehicles I had were all unique and as unique as the W222 I have. Usually am NOT shopping around, but if I see a fully loaded vehicle with all boxes checked on the build sheet, i get excited lol… Since most of the cars I have are rare find, I usually sell them also pretty quick to friends or forum friends and so on (pass it to another person to enjoy) and I get the next toy then.

I think my current W222 is the most unique or rare find vehicle I ever purchased. The reason I considered this GLS is because it was also unique with all options including rear seat executive plus, E-ABC, and a number of other goodies along with fully PPF wrap. But you are right, the GLS is not a W222… but at the same time, I wonder, if I really can’t keep the W222 for longer just because I like toys, what else can I try? This is the only vehicle that I never had, though I had a GL550 in the past (2009 model year).

W205C43PFL

Ya good decision to stick with the W222 for now, good luck on your search.

S_W222

Dealer called me again today pushing and asking if I really want the GLS... They are again now increasing their offer on my W222 as a trade and opened to negotiate.

I have two main issues with that:

1. Still hesitant about the GLS given all the feedback above.
2. They pushed their trade offer way higher, but I still think my W222 is a better sale for private sales. Link about mine is below if anyone is interested anyway: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...quipped-1.html

I am more inclined towards not getting the GLS, but I also feel it's time for a new toy but the feedback above about GLS has discouraged me.

wildta

Your S looks great. I'd keep it over a GLS 580 unless I really needed that extra space from an SUV but it looks like you already have an X5 for that. If any of your kids have driver's license, I'd make them drive and enjoy the back seat.

EWL5

Your dealer's desparation should tell you all you need to know and that your instincts are right!

As much as Mercedes wants to market the GLS as an "S-Class SUV", there is only one S Class!

W205C43PFL

no do not get the GLS, keep your W222, the fact that a facelift is out and how desperate they are trying to move this vehicle must mean this vehicle has been sitting and ... probably not for good reasons. Remember, "floor planning" costs them money, and interest while the vehicle just sits there, not sure about your country but here MB rents the car to the dealerships calculated with interest and only when the vehicle is sold is when the dealership gets the money or in cases where they get the title first then transfer to you, officially sold to you. Reason being it is probably cheaper for dealerships to not own the stock they have.

W205C43PFL

Ah a chauffeur!

W205C43PFL

Couldn't agree more, the GLS is a great SUV no doubt but it isn't built to the same standards as the W222 and neither is it from the same country that built the vehicle, heck not even the W223 was built to the same standards (but at least same country) as the W222, but that is a topic for another time.