What years to look at / avoid
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What years to look at / avoid
Have family looking to replace their ml with a x167
any particular year they should stay away / look at?
With the 2024 refresh - is it worth the difference in price to get over 2019-2023
thanks!
any particular year they should stay away / look at?
With the 2024 refresh - is it worth the difference in price to get over 2019-2023
thanks!
MBWorld God!
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Yes get the facelift although you get less customization options with the newer MBUX version the facelift gets. Looks is personal preference but the pre-facelift does look better though?
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'23 GLS450
If you're an audiophile, the base Burmester audio lost the ability to play MCH FLAC files after the refresh (they want you to upgrade to the 3D Burmester for that)!
One more thing: the current X167 generation started w/MY20 and not MY19!
One more thing: the current X167 generation started w/MY20 and not MY19!
Last edited by EWL5; Apr 24, 2025 at 08:45 AM.
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From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
I would normally agree with you, but it has now been five years, and I believe bugs have been resolved. I've had my 2020 since 2022 (it was placed in service Feb 2020) and other than a couple of software glitches resolved with updates, have had no issues.
An additional consideration among years is that for years like 2021 and 2022, with supply chain issues during Covid, there may be some options unavailable on those models.
An additional consideration among years is that for years like 2021 and 2022, with supply chain issues during Covid, there may be some options unavailable on those models.
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From: USA
2025 GLS 580 / 24 GMC Duramax Denali / 23 Bronco Wildtrak
We have had a 21 GLS 580 and now a 2025 GLS 580. My 21' was one of the last built before they paused the V8 briefly and it was flawless. They decontented the 25' like MBUX display options, really miss the metal weave trim, but thus far no issues with the 25'.
Great Vehicles.
Great Vehicles.
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Not much to win or lose between the pre-post facelift. I wouldn't even call it a true facelift. it's one of the softest facelifts Mbenz had ever done on a car. As others stated above, there are still good reasons to get either of them, unlike other models when facelift is usually always the winner all around. In this case, I wouldn't say there is a clear winner. It's whatever fits your budget more and you won't miss anything either way.
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MBWorld God!
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I would normally agree with you, but it has now been five years, and I believe bugs have been resolved. I've had my 2020 since 2022 (it was placed in service Feb 2020) and other than a couple of software glitches resolved with updates, have had no issues.
An additional consideration among years is that for years like 2021 and 2022, with supply chain issues during Covid, there may be some options unavailable on those models.
An additional consideration among years is that for years like 2021 and 2022, with supply chain issues during Covid, there may be some options unavailable on those models.
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E320
Honestly the biggest things with the early X167s like the 2020 models were teething issues in software, like MBUX glitches and occasional module communication faults, sometimes showing up as random warning lights or system resets.
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
isn't that a shame? It took Mbenz until 2024 to offer wireless carplay on a car like the GLS (and until 2021 on a car like the S-class). Man, I said that many times I know, but it really bothers me especially that we're talking about Mbenz... Yet we're still waiting for the phone as a key on cars like the S-class and GLS. I wish there is a way to deliver these messages more clearly to Mbenz leadership. However is on top of their IT/technology development must be fired. They've always been 5-8 years behind technologically.
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Posts: 132
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From: Michigan
22 GLS 450 19 CLS 450
If you are just looking for opinions, mine is CPO 2022 or 23. For me personally the 24's or 25's are mainly just appeasements, not improvements. Unless you are someone who cares a lot about the new front end or the taillights or the new color/trim options I think the money saved going a year older outweighs what little upgrades you get.
And unless you really get a turd, the majority of your warranty issues are gonna be electrical in nature. I actually just read an article yesterday that said the overwhelming number of warranty claims now are tech, not mechanical. That has been my personal experience as well, no service visits to date for anything mechanical.
I love my 2022 and have no envy whatsoever of the 24's or 25's. I also live in Michigan where I might only see another X167 every third month lol.
And unless you really get a turd, the majority of your warranty issues are gonna be electrical in nature. I actually just read an article yesterday that said the overwhelming number of warranty claims now are tech, not mechanical. That has been my personal experience as well, no service visits to date for anything mechanical.
I love my 2022 and have no envy whatsoever of the 24's or 25's. I also live in Michigan where I might only see another X167 every third month lol.
MBWorld God!
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If you are just looking for opinions, mine is CPO 2022 or 23. For me personally the 24's or 25's are mainly just appeasements, not improvements. Unless you are someone who cares a lot about the new front end or the taillights or the new color/trim options I think the money saved going a year older outweighs what little upgrades you get.
And unless you really get a turd, the majority of your warranty issues are gonna be electrical in nature. I actually just read an article yesterday that said the overwhelming number of warranty claims now are tech, not mechanical. That has been my personal experience as well, no service visits to date for anything mechanical.
I love my 2022 and have no envy whatsoever of the 24's or 25's. I also live in Michigan where I might only see another X167 every third month lol.
And unless you really get a turd, the majority of your warranty issues are gonna be electrical in nature. I actually just read an article yesterday that said the overwhelming number of warranty claims now are tech, not mechanical. That has been my personal experience as well, no service visits to date for anything mechanical.
I love my 2022 and have no envy whatsoever of the 24's or 25's. I also live in Michigan where I might only see another X167 every third month lol.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Apr 25, 2025 at 03:35 PM. Reason: typo
Junior Member
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2024 GLS450 2017 GLS450 2013 GL350
I agree! I bought the 24 refresh and apparently the MBUX system is a refresh and different from prior years and I have had nothing but weird electrical issues with this car. Getting the 2024 is a gamble. Either get a great deal on a CPO 2023 or maybe a 25? I haven't heard a ton of issues with those but only time will tell.
MBWorld God!
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I agree! I bought the 24 refresh and apparently the MBUX system is a refresh and different from prior years and I have had nothing but weird electrical issues with this car. Getting the 2024 is a gamble. Either get a great deal on a CPO 2023 or maybe a 25? I haven't heard a ton of issues with those but only time will tell.
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2024 GLS450 2017 GLS450 2013 GL350
My engine would shake at idle intermittently
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
My engine would shake at idle intermittently
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 6,350
My engine would shake at idle intermittently
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
(dealer performed software update and it has helped)
Front four ac vents constantly stop blowing all air (still no fix)
Rain sensing wipers do not detect any water but randomly go off 5-10 minutes after starting the car (dealer updated computer for this issue twice and both times the wipers sensed water and worked for a single day and then went back to not detecting anything.
MBUX screen was super laggy at times (software update has fixed this issue)
Here’s some other random things:
Second row ac also controls front row
Driver seat pre set number 1 will only ever adjust the seat halfway. You have to click it again to finish adjusting.
A few times the charging pad got extremely hot and phone would shut down due to heat.
Center console super hot inside a couple times as well.
Problem is all the dealership does is update off the car throws no codes. All my other Mercedes have performed perfectly. This one has a mind of its own and I have to assume the technology.
um, this is a tricky one, the flaps are opening correctly?
This is annoying but sounds like a first for the GLS, hope they figure this out might even be a calibration issue.
Yup this was reported before glad to hear an update fixed it.
Sounds like a software issue if second row can control front row unless it is part of a setting or option, for example in the case of the W222 S-class, a tablet can control the front.
I assumed you tried holding it?
Ya wireless charging in general heats up the phone, forgot if MB's has a fan or not
This heat might be from the transmission.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Apr 26, 2025 at 04:55 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 1,205
GLE 580
isn't that a shame? It took Mbenz until 2024 to offer wireless carplay on a car like the GLS (and until 2021 on a car like the S-class). Man, I said that many times I know, but it really bothers me especially that we're talking about Mbenz... Yet we're still waiting for the phone as a key on cars like the S-class and GLS. I wish there is a way to deliver these messages more clearly to Mbenz leadership. However is on top of their IT/technology development must be fired. They've always been 5-8 years behind technologically.
For the OP, the facelift comes with fullscreen CP/AA if that matters to you. That would be the biggest upgrade feature for me.
Last edited by wildta; Apr 26, 2025 at 05:01 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 6,350
It's also a shame they didn't do a software revision for fullscreen Carplay/Android Auto in the pre-facelift. I know you were able to mod yours with Elebest to get fullscreen CP, and I'm hoping he'll come out with an AA solution.
For the OP, the facelift comes with fullscreen CP/AA if that matters to you. That would be the biggest upgrade feature for me.
For the OP, the facelift comes with fullscreen CP/AA if that matters to you. That would be the biggest upgrade feature for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 1,538
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
It's also a shame they didn't do a software revision for fullscreen Carplay/Android Auto in the pre-facelift. I know you were able to mod yours with Elebest to get fullscreen CP, and I'm hoping he'll come out with an AA solution.
For the OP, the facelift comes with fullscreen CP/AA if that matters to you. That would be the biggest upgrade feature for me.
For the OP, the facelift comes with fullscreen CP/AA if that matters to you. That would be the biggest upgrade feature for me.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
2024 GLS450 2017 GLS450 2013 GL350
The shaking I am aware: https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...ng-idle-2.html
um, this is a tricky one, the flaps are opening correctly?
This is annoying but sounds like a first for the GLS, hope they figure this out might even be a calibration issue.
Yup this was reported before glad to hear an update fixed it.
Sounds like a software issue if second row can control front row unless it is part of a setting or option, for example in the case of the W222 S-class, a tablet can control the front.
I assumed you tried holding it?
Ya wireless charging in general heats up the phone, forgot if MB's has a fan or not
This heat might be from the transmission.
um, this is a tricky one, the flaps are opening correctly?
This is annoying but sounds like a first for the GLS, hope they figure this out might even be a calibration issue.
Yup this was reported before glad to hear an update fixed it.
Sounds like a software issue if second row can control front row unless it is part of a setting or option, for example in the case of the W222 S-class, a tablet can control the front.
I assumed you tried holding it?
Ya wireless charging in general heats up the phone, forgot if MB's has a fan or not
This heat might be from the transmission.
The wireless charging is weird because most of the time it works just fine but it seems that whenever the center console is heating up inside, the charging pad overheats as well.
Problem I’ve seen with these cars is the service.
it’s understandable that with a ton of new tech, things will go wrong and bugs need to be worked out but it also seems that a lot of the dealerships will only plug in the computer tot he car and unless they see a code that points them right to where the issue is occurring, your on your own.
Seems they don’t know how to troubleshoot so they don’t even try. At least that’s what I’ve experienced.
As far as the drive, I’ll say I absolutely love the GLS. It’s my 3rd and I think it’s a nice mix between luxury in a family sized vehicle without being so big that is throws you around like a truck.
Junior Member
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Posts: 47
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2024 GLS450 2017 GLS450 2013 GL350
