[F4Windex]

2008 GL320CDI Update:
Now at 203,500 miles. Still has a CEL, turbo controller malfunction was diagnosed by independent MB shop previously. Now there's absolutely no boost/turbo noise when "attempting" to accelerate. They quoted $3300 to replace the turbo assembly.

I am wondering how wise it is to keep it. Will a new turbo uncover other engine weakness, or a worn out transmission? The indy shop mentioned that the oil cooler eventually leaks, causing an expensive teardown to repair. They also surmise the DPF probably needs cleaning out. What other problems should I look for/save up for?

I got the MB dealer to pull the maintenance history, since it was unknown to me what had been done before my 1.5 years of ownership. Anything specific I should look for there? I don't see much related to the engine or trans in the history.

Thanks in advance,
Charlie F.

 

[dcheshire]

Just brought a 2015 GL450 today with the gas engine and 98K miles. Seems really good, but a little bit of rattle on startup. Starting to investigate if it's just a loose exhaust or something else.

Car is AMAZING and we love it. (needed a 7 passenger soccer wagon)

 

[StenoPete1911]

2008 GL320CDI Update:
Now at 203,500 miles. Still has a CEL, turbo controller malfunction was diagnosed by independent MB shop previously. Now there's absolutely no boost/turbo noise when "attempting" to accelerate. They quoted $3300 to replace the turbo assembly.

I am wondering how wise it is to keep it. Will a new turbo uncover other engine weakness, or a worn out transmission? The indy shop mentioned that the oil cooler eventually leaks, causing an expensive teardown to repair. They also surmise the DPF probably needs cleaning out. What other problems should I look for/save up for?

I got the MB dealer to pull the maintenance history, since it was unknown to me what had been done before my 1.5 years of ownership. Anything specific I should look for there? I don't see much related to the engine or trans in the history.

Thanks in advance,
Charlie F.

Hello. Those engines are capable of reaching 500k to 750k miles without any major rebuild - with proper maintenance. All your fluids need to be done every 100k miles, at the minimum. Use OEM spec fluids and you'll be fine. With that said, one MAJOR update you can do to your engine post reman-turbo installation is to install a OIL CATCH CAN... That OCC is a life saver and will add thousands of miles to your engine and life of the car. Run 5w-40 low-SAPS oil ONLY in the OM642 engine (look for 229.52 spec oil). This will save your timing chain and ad longevity to your engine and DPF. Oil cooler seals are a huge problem on these cars. If yours are not leaking then you either have the updated seals or got really lucky with the quality of the old seals. They will leak anywhere from 50k miles to 150k miles, since you're at 200k miles, its safe to say you should be OK. DPF is easy to do if you got the time and patience. Basic maintenance will include, but is not limited to, belts, brakes, suspension, airmatic, tires, lights, etc.

You can buy a used turbo on ebay and save half the cost, however, the reman-turbos for the OM642 have a larger turbo blade and updated parts. You decide what route you want to take.

As far as, all the other maintenance on the car, parts will fail and you will need to do your best yourself or pay a mechanic to do it. Use fcpuero.com for your parts as they come with lifetime warranty, so long as you're the owner of the vehicle. GL.

Great video for ref...

 

[jokane23]

284K '08 GL320. Typical mechanical wear and tear (maintenance), airmatic (old cracked hose). The biggest issue I am chasing is lack of boost (limp mode). I have replaced Mass flow sensors, turbo/pcv valves seals, 2 injectors (easy), transmission issue solved with fluid and filter change. Overall a very dependable vehicle. If I could only figure out the "lack of boost".

 

[StenoPete1911]

284K '08 GL320. Typical mechanical wear and tear (maintenance), airmatic (old cracked hose). The biggest issue I am chasing is lack of boost (limp mode). I have replaced Mass flow sensors, turbo/pcv valves seals, 2 injectors (easy), transmission issue solved with fluid and filter change. Overall a very dependable vehicle. If I could only figure out the "lack of boost".

Hello. Any codes for the limp mode issue? Bad turbo? GL.

 

[BillGL450]

I just picked up a 2010 GL450 in Oct. It has 86,000 miles on it and super clean. Since purchase I have installed front and rear Bilstein struts and new rear airbags as well as new tires. It rides like a dream and has plenty of pep on the highway.

 

[P6tu]

My first post - GL 2006 and has 368553km = 229008 miles. Running like a champ with some minor issues =).

 

[01blackhawk]

115K now, 2012 GL550
Got it at 110K about 3 months ago, so far I`ve done, oil change, spark plugs, oil drip pan, doing both front and rear differential fluid this weekend, next job will be tranny and TC fluid, probably in the spring when it warms up a little, other than that its doing pretty good so far.
Ahh just a couple days ago, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Inop message came up and the light is on, too cold these days, I`ll investigate it when its a little warmer out. Tires have good pressure, visually checking them, as well as with a gauge.

 

[RichDiesel]

Just bought a 2012 GL450 with 270k miles (!!!) for a very good price! Looks to be in really good shape and has had regular maintenance, is showing a code for intake flap stuck open and is running a bit rough, so I guess that is the first job I will need to do. Other than that it doesn't seem to have any significant issues. Picking it up in 2 days.