Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews
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Bang for your money
08 450 GL, bought with 98K miles now have 141k. I changed ALL fluids myself and had to replace all four air suspension (rebuilt struts myself) at a cost of $280.00. This is one of the best vehicles I have ever had. The ride is very stable and feels as safe as a vehicle can get. The navigation package is a little complicated, but if you spend the time to learn it has some great features. Overall performance is outstanding at any speed. Ownership cost is a little higher, well worth it !!
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Towing beast, embarrasses many pick up trucks, absolute serenity
Bought used one year ago at 100.000 km (60.000 miles). Towed a 30 ft, 6500lbs travel trailer for long distances (Alberta to British Columbia). Absolute towing beast, gobs of torque, the smoothest auto ever, very smart when trailering. Towed the same trailer with a 6.2 V8 Gmc truck and it sucked. Reved it up all the time to keep pace, fuel economy was horrible. This one just sits at 2000 rpm, 3000 at worst when going o steep uphils. Fuel economy is the same as a Sequoia empty when towing, better than a sedan when empty. 1100 kms on a tank frequently (650 miles). Quality all around, comfort is supreme. Built like a tank. Problems?Hid light, rear electric hatch lock replaced, turbo oil leak.
2013 was a very Bad Year, and 2015 wasn't good.
Purchased new, our 2008 GL320 ate us out of house and home in 2013. When it hit 80,000 miles, we had multiple, expensive repairs with each being about $1,500 to $1,800. In this order, left front air strut replaced, turbocharger replaced, fuel pump replaced, right front air strut and air compensator valve replaced. Both the turbo and fuel pump failures left us stranded and required towing it to the dealer. Unfortunately, we did not purchase the extended warranty as I thought that a diesel would be bulletproof. Obviously, I was very wrong. In 2015, we had to replace both rear air struts and a leaky fuel injector that was causing strong fuel odors inside and outside. And since 2015 we've been experiencing a strong exhaust smell inside the vehicle, when stopped, even when the AC recirculation switch is on. I've had the exhaust smell investigated multiple times by a local Bosch certified auto shop to no avail. Since my last review we found the source of the strong exhaust smell, after visiting 2 shops multiple times. The dealer told us it was a $5,000 repair, but an independent shop found 2 leaking injectors dripping on the exhaust manifold. Problem solved. But we sold it soon afterwards and bought a new 2017 Range Rover Sport diesel, and we love it. It's much quieter, handles better, and gets better fuel mileage.
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It's not that bad if you're previous car was a Range Rover:)
Trust me when I say all European luxury SUV's have these kinds of issues. My previous car was a Range Rover HSE and a V8 Tuareg before that. Both had multiple air suspension issues, engine oil leaks, sensor failures, steering column replacements, etc... Friends with X5's don't fair well either. My RR even needed a drive shaft replacement. Fact of life unfortunately, if you want the luxury and style of the Euro SUV's the price you pay is well beyond the window sticker. The key is to enjoying the vehicle is pick the brand with a nearby dealership that treats you well and expect to spend your free time there:) - I tried the Lexus route for a year, just too bland and predictable.
Best for tall people
Finally a vehicle for folks over 6'3" tall.I am 6'8" tall and this is the only vehicle that even came close to comfortable all things considered. No sedan was even close. Great mileage and is the fastest vehicle 0-60 that I or any of my friends have ever seen. 20K miles so far. Tires are still good.Only problem was a fuel sensor to replace. We are leasing this one. Plan to buy a 2010 with P2 package. The gas version leaves the diesel version in the dust {respectfully]Power lift gate is great for wife.