Is there a common problems thread for these? I might have finally been pushed over my limit with our 2013 Escalade and I've always loved the GLS, so a GLS580 is something I'm considering. Are these going to nickel and dime me to death? I have that now and I'm over it. Is an extended warranty a requirement? I do all my own work and have everything to work on GM stuff but I don't have a scan tool or service information for Mercedes. I have previously owned a W203 C230 and C55 AMG but those are much more simple vehicles compared to a twin turbo V8 GLS. I wanted a W212 E63 AMG for a while as well but the common problem of oil leaking into the wiring harness and the crappy coolant hoses was a big turn off. I'm also considering Lincoln Navigator, but I almost think owning an EcoBoost Ford scares me more than a Mercedes.

 

91RS, I have owned a 2025, GLS 580 for over a year and have not had one problem. This probably doesn't answer your question as you seem to be interested in long term reliability. I just wanted to provide my experience, thus far with the GLS 580. Good luck . Ron

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong -

successors to EPC (parts catalog) and XENTRY (service procedures) are not available through the usual avenues, for model year 2020 and later MBs.

@BenzNinja is this correct?

 

I have owned 2020 GLS580 for over 5 years now. This X167 model has the 4.0 l twin turbo V8 176 engine with the 9G-Tronic trans.and the mild 48V hybrid. I have not had any major issues and overall I am satisfied. The biggest problems are software updates and now that it is out of warranty I have actually turned off the automatic updates and stopped going to the dealer. My experience with software updates is that they create problems so I would only update to solve a problem you are actually experiencing. The 48v hybrid system has been trouble free and it still has the original 48v battery even though some other early 2020s had battery issues. I tow with it a lot and it is very good at towing a 25ft Airstream and my open car hauler. I have modified a few things to suit my own taste and needs. I put the AMG 6 piston calipers on the front, changed out the front grille and rear facia to the GLS AMG ones and did some programming changes (which I would not need to do on the newest models as they are there already for US models). I am just beginning to do my own service out of warranty and it is fairly simple to do maintenance without a scan tool or Xentry. I have a cheap OBD2 reader for codes etc. You need to know how to get into the workshop menu for a few things like releasing rear e brakes and resetting service etc. If I need something more complicated I will go to RJ Automotive and address it on line. I think the best thing you can do is ensure all fluids are changed every few years. Mercedes does not give you a schedule but there is a service monitor and I found there is information on this forum to get a reasonable schedule to follow. I make sure to use MB parts and fluids. I have 79000kms on it today.

 

2024 GLS 450 52,000 miles. Zero major problems so far. 4-5 recall items easily handled, 2-3 minor repairs. Replaced tires at 45K but they could have gone to 50K.

 

For me - nothing at all out of the ordinary or unexpected. Been a great car.

 

2020, original owner since new, one of the first batch off the assembly line in Alabama during COVID lunacy. Currently at 90k. Mechanically been perfect. Lumpy transmission across the brand on the 9 speeds as they come to a gentle stop, but it's an annoyance at best (you learn how to mitigate it, if it bothers you in general). Some have said a software fix has been issued, some have said it worked, some have said it returned. So who knows, we've not messed with it as it doesn't really bother us very much, but it's not my daily driver (wife's car). We had some quality control issues on a few materials (MBTex - since you're familiar with the W212, I presume you're familiar with their habit of seat splitting - well MB isn't known for acknowledging their flaws and the GLS MBTex front seat did the same thing on the bolsters). MB has redesigned them and seems to be holding up much better.

What wheel package you pick is very important on the GLS. We have the 21 inch (I think) staggered wheels (315 in the back, 275 in the front). The rears last about 25k-30k at most. The fronts will go about 50k which is ok. If you go with even bigger wheels, do your research first for replacement tires, especially if you need all seasons. You can't rotate staggered setups, but that's never been a problem for us. We switched over to the Michelin Primacy tire at 25k miles in general from the OE Pirelli's years ago.

I've been under mine recently for an oil change (first time I did it on ours). I spent some time looking around down there. It truly is a beast under there. The control arms and bushings are no joke. It's built to last, right down to the splash guard for the engine.

Bit of a wobbly ride though. Take your time test driving them, pay attention to how the cabin feels in normal errand running mode, not just highway cruising mode (which is where it shines like a Mercedes Benz should). Can be a little busy in regular 45mph suburban living errand mode though. Easy to drive however. Will tackle snow like a German tank.

Ours? I'd give it an A-, we've been happy with it. HATE the dealerships though for service. Absolute rip-off. Find the indi mechanic in your area that knows MB and go there instead. Unless if $700 oil changes don't bother you (they do have nice cookies and coffee).

On the Ford you mentioned. My car (that replaced my 2014 W212) is a 2024 Bronco with the 2.7t V6 Ecoboost. I'm at about 18k on the clock. I have no complaints with it whatsoever (but also understood what I was buying when I bought it, she's no Cadillac). No car is perfect, but will say that is nice to be out of the overtly expensive everything world of MB. Nice to be able to buy different types of windshield wipers. Not needing some special (summer or winter) MB windshield wiper fluid so it won't streak. The 2.7 is build like a commercial grade diesel engine, compact graphite block, cracked mains, angle of the rods, etc... It's really a very very stout engine as well. Plus, dual injection (port and direct), meaning no worries about carbon on the valves via direct injection only. I love the snot out of my Bronco. Perhaps not the most luxurious (although mine is pretty luxurious), but hands down, no contest - the most enjoyable vehicle I've ever owned in my life (52 years old, 20th vehicle). I wanted to consider the Navigator (and/or Expedition) as a potential replacement for our GLS, but can't stand the pillar to pillar screens now. Way too much "tech" for us. Also quite big. So we're going to put in a couple grand on the GLS this winter to reset it for another 100k. I have little doubt the 3.0t will be able to handle 200k with little fuss. The 48v system takes the brunt of the strain away (acceleration) from the engine itself.