🤞 🇩🇪 Used Mercedes Benz GL Reliability | X164 / ML W164 Common Faults Issues and Problems 

Had my 07 gl450 for about 2 years now, about 100k, only did maintenance. The 4.6 is bulletproof, fast, tight smooth driving experience with 0 issues. Seems fairly easy to work on. If something fails down the line, I know what to look for now, and will know how to fix it thanks to youtube. I never let mechanics touch my cars, they only ruin them.

Thanks for the vlog, very good overview, I have done the rear air bags for the suspension, had one leaking and indeed realized this due to the compressor going out. Replaced the compressor and the two rear air bags. I would also recommend replacing the air block that is located on the top of the compressor as I found out later that was also leaking and I destroyed a compressor in less than a year due to this and had to replace the air block along with another compressor, lesson well learned. One major issue that I would add to the list you provided is the transfer case, the real issue is that after about 80-120k miles the chain in the transfer case stretches and under load you will hear a clicking/popping noise as the chain starts to skip over the two sprockets the chain is placed on in the TC. At first I thought it was the left front CV joint as it was common to hear it when turning out of a parking lot and hear it skip/pop. When I did an investigation online I found out many others with ML and GL models had this same issue and that it was in fact the transfer case and more specifically after more investigation the chain stretching. Mercedes dealerships I had seen online per several individuals would quote from $6-$10K for replacement(new TC runs from $3.5-$5K just for the TC). I found rebuilt ones for $1200-$1800 and then would do it my self or probably spend another $1200-$1800 to have an independent shop do it. When looking at many of the people that did this DIY with a rebuild kit that cost $400-$800 with the chain, seals, sprockets, chain guide and bearings, I would see that most all of the components were in good condition, except for the fact that the chain itself was stretched and was the real culprit. Some times the chain guide was broken, as well as in some cases the guide mounting(s) was/where broken(probably the issue was not attended to for some time). With that being the situation, I purchased the chain for about $80, the guide for about $45, the MB brand transmission fluid (this is what MB uses for the TC) 1 litre(transfer case takes about 0.6 quarts) $27 and a brass washer for the drain plug. I was able to remove the front cover of the transfer case off, slide out the chain with the sprockets and replace the chain, put it all back together. Took me about 2 days, 4 hours each day to do it as I do not have a lift and had to let the gasket sealer cure overnight before putting any fluid back in the TC. There is a lot of wrenching to do as you will also have to unbolt the rear drive shaft from the TC and undo the center support of the drive shaft to provide enough room to get the front of the TC plate out. So for about $200 and my labor, I am again able to confidently accelerate from a stand still or slow speeds with plenty of smooth power! It is a great and satisfying thing indeed! Also Mercedes does not call for replacement of the TC fluid in the original service manual, which is the possible reason for the stretching of the chain due to excessive heat build up due to fluid that is old and broken down. I would recommend changing this fluid at a minimum of 40k miles when you are supposed to do the transmission fluid change anyway. I will probably do this every 20k miles as it is a cheap and easy job versus changing out the chain every 80k-100k miles or so!

Now i understand why even high milage landcruisers are really expensive here in germany . Maybe it’s better to own a landcruiser and spend on fuel 😬😬

2012 GL 450 - great truck as long as you keep up with the maintenance. We have 182K on it. Bought it with 82K. Use FCP Euro for most all parts, especially brakes and rotors. - Valve cover caps DIY - Front and rear struts - DIY - Oil Changes DIY ( bought an oil extractor, no need to do the job from underneath). - Intake manifold - DIY ( long job, but doable). - Brakes and rotors - DIY - Spark plugs - DIY - radiator - mechanic - air compressor - mechanic - tires - Costco - timing belt - mechanic - air and oil filters - DIY Good luck. Great trucks for the money. Don’t be scared to buy one because of maintenance. Take some time to learn about your car and you’ll be fine.

Purchased a 2008 GL 320 in January of 2018 with 101000 miles…have been doing all maintenance myself if possible.. Dealer did one air strut and radiator…ouch I now have 153000 miles on it …runs great 👍 Use good oil and change often….

I have a 2008 GL450 and these are things that I had to replace on my own costs are for parts only. I bought the car with 27k miles on it, it’s at around 100k miles now. I replaced all 4 air suspensions $2000, air pump for suspension $300, AC compressor $350, oil filter housing gasket $60, thermostat $140, front brake pads $120, 8 spark plugs, new serpentine belt $60, power steering housing o-ring $5, I regularly change the oil at every 5000 miles. Unless you’re a good DIYer or rich, don’t buy German cars. The truck rides super nice, we still owned the truck, it’s hard to sell it because I know I will never get something this nice under $10,000. Again the costs listed above are parts only. You can safely assume the labor it’s about the same amount, I’m afraid to find out. I’m sure there are mechanics out there that can provide a quote for the work that I have done on this truck. I also had owned a number of BMWs, but now mostly drive Lexus or Toyotas, I don’t use my tools as much like I used to.

i got my 2007 gl450 for $8700 with 104k miles last year, and it's been worth every single red cent

Great video much thx

Great video, Thank you! I have a w164 320CDI 2008 and I really like it. My ML is without air suspension but I was problems with the oil leakage on the turbo and on the oil cooler too. Unfortunately the water can come in the boot and it causes problems with the SAM and the power tailgate.

Oh great video thank you for all the information I’m looking at a 2014 GL 450 with 100,000 miles. Any additional things I should look for?

I have owned many cars and trucks.they All need repairs! Just bought a 07 gl Mercedes with 220, miles on it. going to have a great time playing with it. So there!

Thank you

The oil cooler gaskets...my God, it's a big job. $2,500-$3,000 at least. Monster truck SUV however. I towed a 6500 lbs RV better than some "real" trucks. Excellent off-roader. If you can fix some stuff yourself it's worth it, especially the diesel. Also....for the ones with lane change assist: please...take your radar sensors out from the rear bumper and seal them. They get sprayed with water and fail, they are very expensive.

My 2009 gl320 CDI had some of this problems but it has been stopped in my uncle backward for 8 years

You forgot front and rear evaporator leaks, a/c compressors, intake manifold on the M273 engines, radiators, thermostats, oil filter/cooler housing leak on the M273 engines, etc,etc,etc.

i cant agree... i have a 420cdi from 2008 with 260.000 kms on it... and i only had normal repairs, saying replacing tyres, breaking pads etc... but nothing expensive... i think it depends how you take care on your own car!

Thanks

Thanks for the video! im going with Toyota

I need help with my ac on my 2011 gl 450 gas. It has a new compressor but I can’t get it to take any Freon

The suspension compressor is about $500. Mercedes will try & charge you $200 for the filter/hose kit. O'Reilly's sells the exact filter for $6 & they also have a better hose for $5. Not hard to change the suspension compressor. My torque converter is going bad. I am not able to put alot of force on the gas pedal from a complete stop or going up hill. It will sound like gears grinding. I have to ease on the gas smoothly. The intake manifold flap actuators are made of plastic & will eventually brake. You can buy an aftermarket kit that is stronger instead of buying a new intake manifold. Kit is about $100.

Wow, that helps a lot. I can change those things myself

power steering leak is common. air suspension (this applies to all Mercedes models with air suspension) will fail in about 10 years, because the rubber. m274 engine intake manifold will fail because of the plastic parts. power window switches are made of very flimsy plastic and break. HVAC temperature knob switch will fail, also common in many Mercedes models with rotary temp switch

Thank you so much for making this video. You are saving people a lot of money by showing these problems which most people who buy these used cannot afford to fix. I was trying to decide between a used 2009-12 MB GL or a used 2012-13 MB S550..and I am hoping the S550 has fewer problems in the long run. Any advice? Thank you.

I got my 2007 GL450 for 6k. With 52k miles. Friend of mine was going to trade in dealership offered $4600 and $5500 Clean 1 owner car. 1 month later well Changed Transmission Oil, Differential oil and Transfer Case over $1700 at dealership. Cv boots needs to be rebuild another $2900 at dealership. They did the inspection thing and told me its mint, no rust nada, truck in perfect condition after this but who knows. I bought it as a beater Truck to get around but almost 5k in repairs already.

I always heard that these cars were bullet proof. Probably because the ones I know are in the south Europe and do not play with heavy rain, mud or snow.

I have a 2011 GL550 run from them. or... plan 4-6k/yr for issues. air compressor/airmatic system/brake line fail/struts $1500/each every 60k miles./ transmission issues/ tune ups are 4x my infiniti SUV/ When it runs, it's awesome, but it seems to always have an issue.

thank you so much for a full details of issue. I understand this model is 2006 to 2012.. Is the 2012 can still have issues? I was about to get a 2012 with 140K mile on it. thank you again for your time

Tough luck with this one. I have had my ML350 w164 for 11 years now - not a single issue so far. Knock wood.

Arnott compressor cost about $400. Arnott front strut with air bag about $400 ea. Rear air bag about $200 ea. Yes Mercedes dealer will charge $2300 ea for front air bag and $1500 ea for the rear.

Thank God, I can fix most things!

Scotty, said to run very fast!!!

i bought 13 gl550 85k miles used car. should i get extended warranty for 3800? 3 years?

Ac compressor can fail at 90k miles. Dealer cost $2400. Transmission conductor plate can fail at just 50k miles. Dealer cost $2000.

Was looking to buy a 2008 gl450 with 100k. Wondering if I should buy it does have an excellent service record

Nice video but I’m wondering The Diesels Dont they have the oil cooler seals that could start leaking ?

I'm looking to buy a 2012 or 2013 Mercedes Benz ML350 do they have all the same problems like this one in the video. If ML350 has all those problems then I'm getting a little worried about buying one. If Anyone have any advice would be appropriate thank you.

Has anyone had this problem I have 08 Gl450 and when your driving about 30-35 you feel a vibration feeling almost like the rumble strip when you drift off the road a little if that make sense then it goes away then maybe at 50-55 you can feel it again the transmission shift nice in smooth but just can’t figure this vibration feeling when your just trying to cruse ….. please help any ideas are welcome ??

What the heck is with cara that cost this much rrp, when buying these types of cars we always expect the cost relates to reliability too as well as the luxury of the brand Ao annoying

I've owned 3 Jaguars. A 1992 xj6 a 1999 xj8, and own a 2003 xj8. I've heard every horror story there is about owning a Jaguar. I have spent more over the years keeping my chevy, dodge and ford trucks running than any of the Jaguars. I am buying a 2010 GL450. I expect to have repairs and yes some are expensive. I will not have a car payment. A average car payment is around 300/month. A luxury car is 500-700/ month. All my repairs normally average what it would cost to own a fully loaded Kia Rio. $289/month for 66 months with $2000.00 down. By the time you own a Kia Rio for 5 1/2 years I'm sure that there will be repairs needed. I am buying the GL450 for $10,000.00 cash. That gives me just over $10,000.00 for repairs for the next 66 months. I'm insuring a $10,000.00 dollar car instead of a $17,000.00 dollar car. I will be registering a older car that will cost less than the Kia. Let's say I spend $20,000.00 on repairs during that time. That would put me at $30,000.00 for 66 months of using a luxury SUV. So for about $460/month that includes all repairs. To me that's not a bad deal. Kia Rio or Mercedes GL450? I'll take my chances with the Mercedes.

Are these problems common only on high mileage Mercedes GL550 or just all of them no matter how old and how many miles on them? I’m just little confused if you are going over issues on older models with high miles only? Or all? Thanks !

Would you say that an equivalent 2010 Volvo XC90 should be more reliable than this Merc?

Gl320 blutec 2009 is the worst model year!! Engine clunked out due to oil leak, now need another engine install, which you have to replace with same year only😩

I am looking at a 2014 GL 550. Are most of these same problems issues or have they fixed any issues in the following year

Would you recommend a 2009 Mercedes gl320 do they have lots of problems

American vs German made? How is American diesel 2001 to 2006 reliability?

If I had a mechanical question, is there a way to contact you guys??

You skipped the 3.5L gasoline engine, which is super reliable

I hope you’re talking dealership prices

Not saying I don’t believe you but each part in a vehicle can fail and those things you mention don’t only apply to GLs but also for most cars in general. Old cars break down if not maintained correctly, it’s natural. I don’t think that the GL class has any serious reliability issues from bad construction or manufacturing process. Show me one vehicle with air suspension that runs forever without the suspension going bad.

Looking at a 2013 benz GL 550 has 146,000km thoughts?

Mine has 210 kms. Problems.. replaced 5 shocks, the steering rebuilt, rear hatch latch, rear door lock, etc, etc. Rear SAM (electronics board) lies flat! so all moisture sits on it and the electrics go haywire. I have it covered with plastic now. A lot of the wiring has deteriorated and blows light bulbs.The front end is under engineered for the weight of the car. Overall it is the worst built car I have ever owned.

I have a 2008 r350 with about 75k miles. Its nothing but non stop problems. Pretty much everything described in this video. Big POS. Only buy if you are a DIYer otherwise it’s a constant money pit.

WOW..i am looking to purchase a used 2012 GJ450, but really unsure NOW

no balance shaft issues on this models?

Quite funny, I have a R 320 CDI that is quite simular, with 90000 miles, and is 18 years old, that has none of the described problems.

It looks like all the improvements things on this suv will fail!!!

What about ML350 2006?

wow that' s a lot of prob's and spendy ones-- a definite no buy, vs the competition

Some of these prices are far fetched

I got a lot problems: 1: front and rear air strut has to replace w coil strut. Both 2: ignition coil make it smoke 3: manifold intake cost me a lot of money. 4: but i got an powerfull v8 and quite cabin.

Bottom line here is get an extended warranty or you will go broke trying to maintain this money Pitt of a car

Mi rrofsh bolet

Best thing is not to buy this car

Sounds like a very poorly built car -- bad quality, disappointing for Mercedes

Thuis car can be disaster...

So don’t buy these

I replaced the springs with coil spring. The battery use to go dead everyday, now it doesn't do it anymore. 1 time I park the truc and it fell on the tires, now I have spring brake. The Germans coulsn't make a worst truc. The high go to " malfunction" after I zipped thu a little pool of water.

The AC was Ice cold, suddenly, it stops working. That truc is possessed by some type of demon. My has been updated with special body features and 24 inches wheels. My truc is a real beauty but it stinks! The panoramic sunroof is broken. Now they sent me an invitation for recall on brake issues