Although I haven't experienced them, repeating issues I see here suggest:

Check for water intrusion by the rear SAM and batteries under passenger seat

Condition of airmatic system - continuous compressor running, uneven lift

Rear hatch locking mechanism - does it latch firmly and consistently.? Failures here have caused battery drain.

 

Strange coincidence I will look at one that is draining the battery and the seat move by themselves (very cheap) but may worth the trouble.
Sounds like water-damage is a good possibility, thanks.

 

Hello fellow BenzWorlder's, I consider upgrading my GLK to a GL to get more room.
Wondering if anybody has some advice on what to look for.
Its going to be a used 2008 to 2013 GL 450,550 or may be a diesel version.
I'm a long time Benz driver and have my own xentry.
I m intersected in things like:
-how many miles is too much?
-where are the expensive week spots?
-need to pull a 4000 pound boat, is it good for towing?
-how does the diesel compare to gas engine (reliability and fuel economy)

thanks Peter
and a happy new year to all members

Gasoline engine are good to over 250k. Diesel engines experience seizures. In addition because of incredible amount of torque they tear up transfer case.

Google Search

Airmatic will put strain on your wallet. Along with front suspension lower and upper arms.
Catalytic converters loose efficiency in vehicles seldom driven on the highway.
Many control modules are placed low in cavities under front seats and below tail lights. Subject to water intrusion.

 

Just a reminder, GL retailed for 80k+ at the cheapest, with GL550 averaging around 95k before markups.

Repair costs will be equivalent to a 100k even now. And it will need them. Often.

Heavy pig of a car reusing many of the same suspension components and parts from the smaller, lighter ML brother, so it goes through them like candy.

Witek already mentioned the other bigger issues.

Honestly...you should look at G wagons.

I hate Gs, atrocious cars, but if you're gonna shell out big money to repair for the GL, might as well do it for a G and when you're tired of it, you can just make your money back by selling it.

It can do everything the GL can and costs roughly the same to repair.

 

Lol, speaking of common problems....

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/can-bus-error-can-bus-off.3103247/

That'll be your life as an owner of a 164.

Not to say G doesn't have similar problems, but one of them is more of a pain in the ass than the other.

 

kek

The reason I keep my GL is so I have a vehicle I can sleep in the back of, should worse come to worst. Otherwise, I'd likely get the ML. I don't know but 4,000 lbs is not that big of a tow, which the ML should be able to handle.

Diesel? No freakin way. The early diesels, before BlueTec, were tolerable. Hoovies Garage reasonably labeled the newer ones as "the worst used cars in America". Yeah the body and everything is awesome, but the motor reliability is awful.

By the way, the comment about diesels tearing up transfer cases is silly. The transfer case is after the transmission, meaning the torque is generally multiplied anyway.

 

kek

The reason I keep my GL is so I have a vehicle I can sleep in the back of, should worse come to worst. Otherwise, I'd likely get the ML. I don't know but 4,000 lbs is not that big of a tow, which the ML should be able to handle.

Diesel? No freakin way. The early diesels, before BlueTec, were tolerable. Hoovies Garage reasonably labeled the newer ones as "the worst used cars in America". Yeah the body and everything is awesome, but the motor reliability is awful.

By the way, the comment about diesels tearing up transfer cases is silly. The transfer case is after the transmission, meaning the torque is generally multiplied anyway.

Thanks, the being able to sleep in the back is actually one of the reasons to go so big we have some longer trips planed and this allows m to sleep while my wife is driving.

 

Hello fellow BenzWorlder's, I consider upgrading my GLK to a GL to get more room.
Wondering if anybody has some advice on what to look for.
Its going to be a used 2008 to 2013 GL 450,550 or may be a diesel version.
I'm a long time Benz driver and have my own xentry.
I m intersected in things like:
-how many miles is too much?
-where are the expensive week spots?
-need to pull a 4000 pound boat, is it good for towing?
-how does the diesel compare to gas engine (reliability and fuel economy)

thanks Peter
and a happy new year to all members

Hello. Go with any model that is in the 2013/15 range. Any one of these cars will have maintenance needs. Gas or Diesel, will work, so long as you have the history of the vehicle and what's been done to it, you'll have less of a headache to deal with at a later time. If you're towing then I'd say go with a diesel. If not, then go with a gas. Transmissions are pretty solid across the board in the X164 cars. Basic stuff will need to be done, with either one, and once it's done, you're good for another 100k for driving. Airmatic suspension on all X164 cars, will give you some better days and some not so better. It's a known issue. Most times owners tend to go the cheaper route with vehicles that are at 100k miles, to save some money, and they end up paying twice as much at the end. It's best to stay with OEM/OE when it comes to airmatic suspension. The part about the transfer case is problematic. They used an ATF fluid, originally, and once the fluid reaches its tolerances and beyond, that will stretch the chain in the transfer case. Some owners, moved onto gear oil, 75-90/140 GL5, instead of the recommended ATF, and have no issues. Myself included, currently at a 165k, original transfer case with gear oil, instead of ATF., GL350.

Diesel OM642 engines need to have proof that the AEM emissions modifications were performed. Paperwork from the dealer will be sufficient. That work comes with an additional 42k miles of warranty, from any mileage, when the service was performed. Warranty is transferable, btw. So if you're looking on purchasing a GL class vehicle, that's a point you might want to consider, additional warranty. There are common leaks on the diesel OM642 engines and should have been fixed, if not, then don't buy it. The BIGGEST is the famous oil cooler seals on the diesel. MB used cheap rubber seals originally and they started to fail at different mileage for each owner. Some 50k miles and some 100k miles. That needs verified as the second most important thing on your list, right next to AEM modifications, which is the first.

Xentry will help and hopefully, you can do most of the work yourself to save some money. In the end, fcpeuro.com is a great place for parts and lifetime warranty. GL.

 

Hello. Go with any model that is in the 2013/15 range. Any one of these cars will have maintenance needs. Gas or Diesel, will work, so long as you have the history of the vehicle and what's been done to it, you'll have less of a headache to deal with at a later time. If you're towing then I'd say go with a diesel. If not, then go with a gas. Transmissions are pretty solid across the board in the X164 cars. Basic stuff will need to be done, with either one, and once it's done, you're good for another 100k for driving. Airmatic suspension on all X164 cars, will give you some better days and some not so better. It's a known issue. Most times owners tend to go the cheaper route with vehicles that are at 100k miles, to save some money, and they end up paying twice as much at the end. It's best to stay with OEM/OE when it comes to airmatic suspension. The part about the transfer case is problematic. They used an ATF fluid, originally, and once the fluid reaches its tolerances and beyond, that will stretch the chain in the transfer case. Some owners, moved onto gear oil, 75-90/140 GL5, instead of the recommended ATF, and have no issues. Myself included, currently at a 165k, original transfer case with gear oil, instead of ATF., GL350.

Diesel OM642 engines need to have proof that the AEM emissions modifications were performed. Paperwork from the dealer will be sufficient. That work comes with an additional 42k miles of warranty, from any mileage, when the service was performed. Warranty is transferable, btw. So if you're looking on purchasing a GL class vehicle, that's a point you might want to consider, additional warranty. There are common leaks on the diesel OM642 engines and should have been fixed, if not, then don't buy it. The BIGGEST is the famous oil cooler seals on the diesel. MB used cheap rubber seals originally and they started to fail at different mileage for each owner. Some 50k miles and some 100k miles. That needs verified as the second most important thing on your list, right next to AEM modifications, which is the first.

Xentry will help and hopefully, you can do most of the work yourself to save some money. In the end, fcpeuro.com is a great place for parts and lifetime warranty. GL.

Thanks for the long write up this is what I was looking for

 

I have a 2008 GL320. I have had it since it had 19k miles on it, and now it is just over 100k. Biggest issue I have had so far is the Airmatic suspension, but my oil cooler is starting to drip, and the seal on my power steering rack is starting to ooze, and each of those repairs are in the $2k range. I have also replaced the rear hatch latch. Overall, I have been content with the vehicle. I get 25 mpg on the highway, and about 16 mpg if I am towing a trailer (that weighs around 4000 lbs), which I do from time to time. It is big enough to feel comfortable, yet not a behemoth that is hard to find a parking spot for. The third row of seats is about the only one I have found in a non-giant vehicle that is actually useable for an adult.

 

Finding diesel who did not have AEM done, is the best deal you can get at this time.
You buy it, take it for AEM and you will receive $2000 check from MB USA, followed by 40,000 miles extended warranty on most engine parts.
But beware about oil cooler leaks Steno was mentioning. When the seals cost few dollars, dealers charge up to $2000 in labor cost.
Still my young neighbor changed the seals, having no previous MB experience in 12 hr.

 

Finding diesel who did not have AEM done, is the best deal you can get at this time.
You buy it, take it for AEM and you will receive $2000 check from MB USA, followed by 40,000 miles extended warranty on most engine parts.
But beware about oil cooler leaks Steno was mentioning. When the seals cost few dollars, dealers charge up to $2000 in labor cost.
Still my young neighbor changed the seals, having no previous MB experience in 12 hr.

Excellent information, if I find one I have to send you check.

 

I have an old diesel GL420(450 in the US) with offroad package (sturdier and locking diffs and etc) from 2006. I believe I've gone through some of the most common problems that there can be, but I'm still driving it on a daily basis and I like it. Currently at 240 000 miles.

Firstly, the issues:
1. Gearbox - it will eventually fail, but isn't a big thing to replace. Bigger thing would be to find a suitable gearbox due to different versions.
2. Air suspension - it will also fail, but if maintained properly and replaced parts are not some Chinese shnit, then this is more of a once in 10 years thing.
3. Tailgate - just clean the locking mechanism and keep the handle clean and you'll be fine. I have never had anything actually broken in it.
4. Yeah, water in the lower compartments (trunk, under the drivers seat, under the passenger seat) - that will be an issue, but it can be prevented by unplugging the rubber plugs from the bottom once a year. Mostly the biggest PITA thing (with offroad package that has full range of undercoverings...). If this is not done, then you'll start having random faults and mysterious things happening with the SAM module and so on... Mysterious battery drainage and so forth...
5. Sunroof - just old age will become it's toll. I had to take the whole headliner apart and few minor things replaced (sunroof motor and cables that move the sunroof). Root cause was just dried out and lack of lubricant in the rails that in turn caused excessive stress on the motor...
6. Well... That is actually it...

Now, the good things =) :
1. The best All-In-One car. I use it to travel (good to sleep at the back for two people - flat floor), goes everywhere and is comfortable at the same time.
2. During summer I tow my cars around quite often and it is a joy to drive it. The fuel consuption is non existent concidering that it is more like a 4x4 than an AWD.

3. It is a seven seater and the 3rd row is not only for children.
4. The 4L diesel engine is bulletproof unlike the 3. something engine. Don't know about the petrol engines, but this 4 liter diesel has enaugh torque to do anything and is as econimical as one could think of. I can overtake cars on the highway and at the same time tow a 3t trailer.
5. I don't understand people complaining about the upkeep - yeah, it isn't cheap compared to some Chevy Spark or a VW Polo, but it isn't even supposed to be comparable with those. If you compare this car with other similar cars like a LandCruiser (not overstatment, but it is as capable as a Toyota LandCruiser) or a Range Rover or Cayanne, then you'll understand that this car is cheap to own.
6. And truly, this car can go anywhere. I didn't find pictures of the car in a knee deep mud or river, but I did find few other pictures of the places I have reached:

I like the car and I am only OK to swap it with next gen GL/GLS with the offroad package. Without the offroad package I would not be interested and I haven't seen any other car as capable as the GL. VW Touareg (a cheap Cayanne) has the same offroad capability probably, but it is much smaller inside.

 

Offroading package is next to non-existent. Nobody selected that package here. GL420 does not exist in the states. We only got the GL320 with the 3.0 V6 diesel...that's it. No V8.

Sounds like it's been a good car for you.

 

Supposedly there was that 450 V8 diesel in US... But if not, then I can't comment on the engines and their faults, except 320/350 was not the best diesel engine with some known issues...
The offroad package, while rare, it is worth looking for. Specially, if the car would be used for towing. I've heard stories about broken diffs due to too heavy loads, BUT those are stories... Haven't actually never heard from someone directly saying that something like that happened to his/her car...

 

There are zero Mercedes V8 diesels here. There is only one S420 CDI in Florida and that was because the owner was in military and he was stationed in germany and bought the car there, then had it brought over. Otherwise, it is the OM642 in the US and that's it.

Diff failure is uncommon in W164/X164 unless you're talking front diff, then they go out. Heat in engine bay and the fact that they never change the diff fluids contributes to it. I've replaced a fair few front diffs, and most of them were on non-towing cars.

Transfer case is more common on the 450/550 gassers, and mostly on drivers who are heavy footed. Transfer case is not designed for that amount of torque. Also have replaced a few.

 

'58 Chevy's and '73 F-100's must be pretty rare over there. All three look like really nice rides - any more?

 

I have 214k miles on mine, previous owner maintained it very well but at some point he needs to pass the baton of repairs. So far I'm happy with the purchase. Only issue I have is the air strut that I replaced very cheap for less than $200. Got the small battery replaced and I used it a lot to tow project cars. I have no other SUVs that can do that kind of job, my Ridgeline and wife's Lexus GX is very limited in towing power.