Used 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV Consumer Reviews
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S-class on stilts
DrBillyD, 11/04/2015
updated 05/04/2016
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
51 of 52 people found this review helpful
The upside: Smooth ride. Precise steering. Powerful acceleration (with the GL550). Fairly capable off road for a vehicle w/o locking differential. Prestige. Comfortable seat(s). The downside: Maintenance cost(s)... E.g. had to replace all for air shocks (front about $1300--each; rear about $900 (for both)), starter motor ($800). Brakes actually last a long time and replacing rotors surprisingly "cheap" at about $350/axle. Tires only last about 20-25K miles (295/40-21) and there's a limited selection--a new set will set you back about $2200. The electronics were capricious--sometimes car wouldn't completely shut down when door opened (i.e. normal shut down is engine off & accessories stay on until door opened. started acting up sometimes where accessories wouldn't power down when door opened & had to open/shut door a few times to get it to shut down). Homelink garage door opener had a button that wouldn't work. EZ-GO door handles had to be replaced. Driver's side mirror folding mechanism broke. When I smelled leaking oil burning on the exhaust manifold, I knew it was time to get rid of it. Bottom line: Surprisingly comfortable and agile for a 7 passenger, 3 ton SUV and most comfortable car/truck I've ever driven. However, after repair issues cited above, I'd be reluctant to own a M-B again..... Update (5/2016): Traded in @ 120K miles. Reading through original review brought back bad memories of astronomical repair bills. There are better choices in the large luxury SUV segment.
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GL450 Falling apart at 65K miles
beachbenz, 09/19/2012
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
58 of 60 people found this review helpful
I've got a 2009 GL450 with 65K miles. My wife drives it for light suburban driving only. In general, we like the vehicle, but it has been in the shop at least every three months. We are now out of warranty and have had a flood of issues in the past month. Three weeks ago the driver-side door lock mechanism went out. The audio (radio, phone, everything) went out last week and the system needed to be reset. This week, both front struts went out and nearly killed her (car was out of control). The bill for the struts and the doorlock is $5K, but the dealer offered to pick-up some of the tab. I've owned a lot of new mercedes, but won't buy another one.
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Worst car experience
dianeh1, 09/21/2013
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful
Will never own a Mercedes again. Non-stop money-pit from the day I bought it to the day I sold it. Beware the air suspension on Mercedes-Benz. Mine went "out" every six months or so. Paint peeled off around the windows just when it was out of warranty. I estimate I spent $6,000 a year in repairs. It is also a huge gas guzzler.
Really enjoy it!!
Michael Wagner, 04/23/2015
updated 10/23/2017
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful
I now have 94K on the vehicle and it is still great. I have done most of the work on the car since I like doing that and German cars are very straight forward to work on. I have only had to do brakes and oil and tires so far. Having an intermittent issue with the air suspension now, but will figure it out and fix it. The system is pretty simple and Arnott makes a good replacement for it that has very good reviews. Went to the Continentals for tires...a little stiffer, but so much quieter than the Perelli's. I've taken it on long trips, and into the mountains skiing in heavy snow. It handles everything quite well. They don't makes chains for the 20" wheels, but didn't need them. Repaired the suspension, but went with the Arnott solution since this seems to be a weak point on this vehicle. Relatively simple to repair and replaced both front and back plus the pump at different times due to failures. I now have over 147000 on my GL550 and the only other repairs beyond normal maintenance were the internal gaskets on the front of the engine for power steering unit and oil filter mount (the metal unit the oil filter attaches to). These gaskets get hard and crispy and begin leaking. Also had one oxygen sensor fail, but also an easy fix. The garage mechanic can handle all of these fixes. The vehicle continues to perform well and still really enjoy driving it. I did go to the cross drilled rotors and ceramic brakes. Eliminated the brake dust issue and perform better going through the mountains.
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Awesome!
MDB, 09/21/2008
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This my 15th Benz and I love it! Rides and feels like my S500! New navigation, new entertainment system, ventilated front seats just to name a few of the upgrades over the the 2008 and bigger outside mirrors make this SUV the one to beat!
Love It!
heatkar, 12/07/2008
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd GL450. Hated the old one because of its many problems, but what can one expect when you are buying one of the first new models on the road. After driving an Odyssey for 2 years we decided to go for it again and I couldn't be more pleased. They have definitely improved a lot of things since 07. The ride is awesome, love the 20" rims, better nav, better rear DVDs, keyless go. I really love the running boards to help the kids get in on their own. Gas mileage ok, but what do you expect from a powerful SUV. This is a keeper.
GL450 issues
couganator, 01/09/2020
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We have a 2009 GL 450. It drives pretty well, has lots of room, looks great and has good power. However it has several key issues that seem to be common to this car. 1- Air suspension system sucks. We have replaced all 4 struts, air bags, because it collapsed or leaked etc., All replaced but still squeaks going over bumps which you would not expect from an expensive car. 2- Power Steering system weak. Leaks and I've read lots of others where it has failed. 3- Interior components are a joke. All the seat belt buttons, seat fold down plastic covers, interior mouldings, vents are just crap. They all fall off or break very easily and the window switches will pull completely out if you lift up on them too hard. Overall I give it a 3. Not what I expect from Mercedes thats' for sure.
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Perfect truck but poor technology
Gurmeet Singh, 04/20/2009
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
It is a pleasure to drive this car with comfort seating and the excellent engine it has - very quite and smooth/gliding ride which we love. However, on technology and interior space usage, it is quite poor - My Sienna 2006 had better technology and interior space usage than this truck.
Love It
Sajan, 04/23/2009
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my first Benz, dreamed for long time, before I test drive, I went test drive the FX50, Q7, and BMW, didn't look at the LX570, didn't any deal at the time, GX470 was too old. But IMO, i like the GL is much better than these. SO far its good, no problems at all. I love new NAV, only problem so far I find, when i am on call through bluetooth, if i turn off the car and open the door it will drop the call, it didn't do it on my 2008 G35. that is only -ive. when u buy this SUV, make sure u get P2 and appreance pkg, its very good
large capacity driving experience
harry, 10/27/2020
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car with close to 190,000 miles needs new belts before 120,000 allc control filter under hood needs to be cleaned out every 100,000 miles. the car rides great but never overload the rear with over 800 lbs of weight or air suspension will fail other vise this is a great card. Maintain it and it will be worth every penny.
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