GL450-any reliability feedback from owners? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

krasuskyp · #1 02-01-2010, 04:06 PM

Wifey's itchin to replace her 2nd ML with an '07 GL450 after 5 good years in this ML. Starting to see the prices *finally* dip beneath the stratosphere which is refreshing, could not believe how much they priced these things at when they came out.

Seeing the ones approaching our price range, they appear to have 40-55k on them. Any known reliability / repair / gremlin issues that we've grown oh so accustom to now with our 5th MB?

Tried searching here but didn't find much of any posts relating to GL's at all... should that tell me something 8-)? Won't matter as she's 100% set on "that" being THE ONE... oy.

ANY / ALL insight here would be greatly appreciated - TIA!

mbdoc · #2 02-02-2010, 08:14 AM

Fluid changes are very important.

SO much so that MB changed their FSS system back into a regular every 10K service schedule.

Make sure to have ALL of the fluids changed! regularly

Overall the GL has been a much improved truck over the W163 ML's.
They still like fuel & brakes though.

Zeus · #3 02-02-2010, 09:55 AM

Paul - I have an '07 GL450. Have owned it for about 7 months or so? Had about 50K on the clock when I bought it, came Star Certified from dealer.

It's a fantastic vehicle overall, we love it. Tows our boat effortlessly, lots of space for the kids and gear. As MB DOC stated, it's a thirsty beast, but this is to be expected and the mileage is actually quite good considering the vehicle's size and weight and 330+ hp engine. It is an absolute tank in the winter, it has handled several blizzard highway drives already and it didn't slip or skid once (I have winter tires on it now, Blizzak DM-V1).

Issues we have had have been minor ones - coin tray won't stay closed, fussy powered liftgate not always closing (I think the ML's had this as well, apparently its due to the oversensitive sensors), one LCD screen went out, it was a fibre-optic cabling issue. All warranty covered.

I have read about frequent CEL's from other owners related to magnetic camshaft solenoids. Fortunately, it is a cheap part and easy replacement. Not a big deal.

Our GL is actually at the dealer right now for the only major item thus far - a camshaft sprocket replacement. Glad the warranty is covering this one.

Overall though, for a first model year, it's been solid. Previous records don't show anything drastic. When we bought it, the dealer had the tranny fluid replaced for us, which was nice.

I can see though that this will likely be an expensive vehicle to maintain. It is very complex and fully loaded with every conceivable option. We have a heated steering wheel, powered folding rear seats, entertainment units on headrests, nav, bluetooth and iPod integration, air suspension, yada, yada. It's more like flying a plane than driving a car to be honest.

So...long term? I am thinking many of these little motorized and electronic gizmos are going to break and won't be cheap to replace. Not sure how much DIY I'll be able to do. Air suspension is amazing (love the lowering/raising feature, handy for hitching) but they are not cheap to replace or fix. Again, you pay for the luxury. So I think this is merely something one must factor into owning a vehicle like this.

If you are looking for a cheap SUV, perhaps look elsewhere. If you want to drive an amazing luxury SUV, go for the GL, but she won't come cheap.

Good luck, sounds like you are doomed anyway.

My wife also loved this car from the outset though the sticker price was a tad daunting.

C.

krasuskyp · #4 02-02-2010, 01:48 PM

Thanks Doc / Chris - your posts were MOST helpfuL!!! Very valuable insight, exactly what I was looking for (both the cons AND the pros).

We're not looking for a 'cheap' SUV, just one that won't be headache prone. The coin tray stuff etc is really expected, IMO MB's all suffer from quality in 'that' dept since the demise of the W126/4/201 era. Better styling, lesser materials and execution 8-(. Agreed w/ you about the lack of DIY aspect, figuring to find a CPO'd one and / or buy an extended warranty. I've gotten *fabulous* ROI out of them on my //S8 and former //S6 muwhaahahaa 8-).

We're really looking forward to getting one - both of us! I really dig it too and have only sat in one yet. Prolly start the search in earnest this summer/fall and put her ML on the block - hoping to get ~ $10k out of it if we're LUCKY.

You say gas / brake thirst... specifically? Like how many miles out of brakes used 50/50 city & hwy? What type of average mpg? Again, assuming 50/50 usage and my wife driving (more tenuous than a driving instructor heh heh). I figure if it ave's 17 that ain't bad. Worse, well, that'd suck I guess but like you said her mind is MADE.

Tx again guys - and any further insight also appreciated!

Zeus · #5 02-02-2010, 01:54 PM

Np, you're welcome.

Mine gets about 13.5L/100Km on the highway. Which is about 17.4 mpg. Don't ask about the city mileage.

Another thing I love about it is the 7-speed transmission. It always seems to be in the sweet spot, with power on tap at any speed. Very smooth. It's eons beyond the ol' 4 speed I had in the 300E, which seemed to crankily comply when shifting with a mind of its own...

USMCR O-5 · #6 02-02-2010, 10:27 PM

We purchased a CPO 2007 a week ago here in Tampa and love the vehicle. It has 63,000 miles on it. Paid 36,999 for the truck and then some goodies. Because of that, we extended the CPO bumper to bumper coverage for another 2 years because I can imagine that this will be VERY expensive to fix as it gets older. So far though, it's the finest vehicle I've ever owned. My 1996 E320 was until I bought the GL.

lkchris · #7 02-03-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Another thing I love about it is the 7-speed transmission.

You won't love this transmission if you get the diesel version, as the two are essentially incompatible. I know, the thread is about GL450, but ... .

krasuskyp · #8 02-08-2010, 02:08 PM

OK Zeus... I'm asking about the city mileage 8-).

Zeus · #9 02-08-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

You won't love this transmission if you get the diesel version, as the two are essentially incompatible. I know, the thread is about GL450, but ... .

Hmm...never thought of that, but now that you mention it, I could see how a fast-shifting 7-speed wouldn't maybe be as happy with a torque-y diesel.

I would have bought the diesel if it had been available at a similar price point at the time.

Is it really that bad?

Zeus · #10 02-08-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krasuskyp

OK Zeus... I'm asking about the city mileage 8-).

Admittedly, I haven't watched the city mileage as much (that nasty distracting traffic and all) but it's probably in the 13-14 mpg range, which is as published. Still not bad considering size/weight/hp.

krasuskyp · #11 02-08-2010, 08:48 PM

gotchya - tx

Zeus · #12 02-08-2010, 11:25 PM

np - good luck!

lkchris · #13 02-09-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Hmm...never thought of that, but now that you mention it, I could see how a fast-shifting 7-speed wouldn't maybe be as happy with a torque-y diesel.

I would have bought the diesel if it had been available at a similar price point at the time.

Is it really that bad?

I can come to a stop and immediately request acceleration and there is often ZERO response. I think it's all in the electronics. I've got this transmission in a year-older gasoline-powered car, and have no similar problems.

Zeus · #14 02-10-2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

I can come to a stop and immediately request acceleration and there is often ZERO response. I think it's all in the electronics. I've got this transmission in a year-older gasoline-powered car, and have no similar problems.

Did you look into a flash upgrade from MB for the trans ECU?