I was planing to keep my GL350 for 10 years but according to this write up, I am irreparably screwed.
I followed Mercedes recommend service intervals and oils and I am just reaching 50K.

I will step up my ESP oil interval to 3-5k going forward. I have mostly highway miles so I sure hope its not too late for my GirL.

Maybe this blog is bad joke:eek

 

I changed my oil every year, max 10k km interval.
Fuel & air filter- every two years, max 20k km interval.
But previous owner, was driving 25-27k km between oil changes...

 

I bought a 2008 E320 Bluetec (95,000 miles) in December before I read the article you linked. Now I wish I’d read it and run away. My Bluetec had a glowing PPI and was sold and serviced by the dealer where I bought it. Since December I’ve had the following replaced
The oil cooler seals ($1600)
The turbocharger ($4000)
Swirl motor ($950)
And now it needs:
Intake manifolds ($3000)
Another swirl motor (they’re doing for free)
Timing chain and tensioner ($1250)

I’ve never had a car that was designed this poorly (including my first car, an AMC Gremlin!). I bought a diesel because of the durability and reliability (I’ve had Mercedes diesels in the past and two that were close to 350,000 miles before I got tired of them and sold them) but I’m thinking the Modern Mercedes diesels are built to last the life of a lease, no longer.

I’ve driven Mercedes Benz automobiles for 30 years and was even president of the local chapter of MBCA but this will be my last Mercedes. They lost a good customer.

 

Diesel oil

I use Mobil 1 15W-50 Advanced Full Synthetic Engine Oil in my 83 300d and 2006 VW Jetta Tdi w/BRM -PD engine (these engines have cam/lifter failure problems), it does not meet VW's 505.1 oil specs.

Good luck finding 505.1 5W-40 on the shelf anywhere, ALMOST ALL VW dealers only carry 505.1 5W-30 oil (not 5W-40), no thanks, especially in Florida.

I do add Lucas Engine Break-In Oil Additive - TB Zinc Plus, 1/2 oz/quart to boost zinc ppm by 500 (too much is bad too).

From Mobil 1 website - "Mobil 1 15W-50 is recommended for all types of vehicles, suitable for use in high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, light vans and trucks." and API CF rated - NEITHER ON LABEL.

I change the oil every 5000 miles (90% highway), VW oil change interval 10000 miles, Mobil 1 rating 15000 miles.

And most oil filters I find now are straight pleats instead of zigzag pleats, reducing filter media, luckily I found a supply on clearance.

5 quart jugs are $25 at Walmart, + usually get a $12 rebate for them online.

Take from it what you will.

 

I use Mobil 1 15W-50 Advanced Full Synthetic Engine Oil in my 83 300d and 2006 VW Jetta Tdi w/BRM -PD engine (these engines have cam/lifter failure problems), it does not meet VW's 505.1 oil specs.



Good luck finding 505.1 5W-40 on the shelf anywhere, ALMOST ALL VW dealers only carry 505.1 5W-30 oil (not 5W-40), no thanks, especially in Florida.



I do add Lucas Engine Break-In Oil Additive - TB Zinc Plus, 1/2 oz/quart to boost zinc ppm by 500 (too much is bad too).



From Mobil 1 website - "Mobil 1 15W-50 is recommended for all types of vehicles, suitable for use in high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, light vans and trucks." and API CF rated - NEITHER ON LABEL.



I change the oil every 5000 miles (90% highway), VW oil change interval 10000 miles, Mobil 1 rating 15000 miles.



And most oil filters I find now are straight pleats instead of zigzag pleats, reducing filter media, luckily I found a supply on clearance.



5 quart jugs are $25 at Walmart, + usually get a $12 rebate for them online.



Take from it what you will.

I too have owned 15 MB’s including 3 diesels. I love my 2013 GL350 except....4 weeks after purchasing it last year with 82k miles, I took it to my local MB dealership to have the timing chain changed. After picking it up and driving 3 miles, the engine seized due to spinning 2 rod bearings. Result, I now have a GL with 95k miles and a new MB crate engine with 12k miles and a new engine warranty. A rather expensive first month of ownership.

Todd


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I too have a 2013 GL350 with about 90,000 km. Today I just traded off our 2014 Ram pickup with the 3.0L eco-diesel for a 2018 MB GLC AMG 43 (3 lt gasoline). The Ram pickup was great except for frequent regenerations. I resolved that issue by installing a Green Diesel Engineering reprogrammed engine control module (ECM). An additional side benefit of this ECM is that it also turns off the EGR valve. The result is how much longer the oil stays clean. At the time of selling, I impressed the buyer by showing him how clean the oil still was on the dipstick. The oil had 3,400 km since changing and the markings were still clear on the dipstick. As you know, the oil is usually black after about 200 kms.
My question to you readers or mechanics; is it possible to disable the EGR valve? If we could do that, our engines would no doubt last much longer. True, NOX emissions would be slightly higher, but in the overall life cycle, it probably wouldn't make much difference.
If it is possible, please explain or private message me. Thank you.