Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 GL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GL-Class since its last redesign.
High maintenance and more maintenance problems
Nelson, 06/24/2020
updated 12/28/2020
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Every year you will have to take the car in for maintenance ($3,000-$5,000). Sensor problems inside engine, exhaust, diesel emissions fluid problems (add blue), you name it it always has problems. You can’t have a single full year without a problem and the car is used 5,000 miles per year. POSITIVE: it does drive very smooth, has good power, very comfortable, beautiful design, and holds my family of five very comfortably. We have invested so much with the purchase, and thousands in maintenance , and the value has DROPPED more than any other car I’ve ever seen (it would cost too much to get another car). DO NOT BUY, RUN AWAY. Especially stay away from bluetec versions.
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2011 GL 350 Bluetec
Atlanta North, 09/30/2010
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
59 of 73 people found this review helpful
We just recently moved from a 2008 GL 320 CDI to the 2011 GL 350 Bluetec. The fit and finish and additional sound insulation in the 2011 are very noticeable. There are some nice feature upgrades from 2008 to 2011 such as bluetooth, voice control, HD radio etc. MB has definitely taken a step forward on what was already a great vehicle. The larger 20" tires on the '11 are definitely nicer than the 18" on the '08. We loved our previous GL and look forward to even better experience with our '11. In fact already the fuel economy seems slightly improved which was already impressive for such a large vehicle.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for sale near you
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The most unreliable vehicle. Never Again!
Just a car Guy, 01/05/2019
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
We absolutely loved our GL350 when it was working and really wanted to love Mercedes-Benz; however, here are some of the repair challenges we had to deal with in only 100k miles of ownership. All 4 air struts timing chain replacement Timing chain tensioner failure/replacement Engine mounts Torque converter NOX sensor DEF filter failure/replacement Urea Fluid heater/gas tank replacement Coolant hose leak/replacement two engine oil line leaks Constant grey sludge being dropped from the vehicle on the driveway almost every bulb that produces light in the front of the vehicle. 3 batteries i'm sure there is something else i've left out We just cant justify spending additional money on the repairs at this point and Mercedes USA is no help so we had to get rid of her. We have moved on to Tesla ( i own a 120K mile Model S that has been an absolute dream to own and drive). We just purchased another one. Please don’t buy this vehicle or anything from Mercedes... You have been warned!
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Goodbye Audi
Dan, 10/24/2010
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I had been driving an Audi a8l (2007) and a Ford escape hybrid (2008) I wanted to consolidate to 1 vehicle--it needed to be an upscale, fuel efficient, and fairly large SUV (I haave 3 dogs and no way were they getting into the Audi). I found that in 3 years my Audi had taken a $58,000 depreciation hit! Still I liked the q7 tdi, and had never owned a Mercedes--I was so put out by Audi, that I went across the street and fell in love with the gl 350 bluetec. Its sumptuous and amazingly comfortable interior, quiet, quiet ride, beautiful rear visibility and increased cargo over the q7 sold me. I love this car! I give it a thumbs up and [violative content deleted] to Audi!
Better have a warranty
Mark Miller, 02/05/2016
updated 02/16/2017
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car since new. It has been a love hate relationship. The fuel economy is very good for a full size, 3 row, all wheel drive vehicle. I have found the ride and handling and body rigidity to be sub par. Reliability has been below average with an engine leak at 50,000 miles that required the transmission to be dropped and cost $3,000. One of the air bladders in the suspension went out at 55,000 miles which cost $1000. An emission sensor went out at 60,000 miles which cost $2,000. Fuel filter recall occurred twice. You will get to know your service adviser well. That has been my experience with my other European luxury cars. I like the character and comfort of the car over the Asian makes. Given the lack of personality with the Asian equivalents I may try domestic next because the warranty will be out soon. The extended warranty definitely paid for itself. Addendum Watch out for poor resale value. Thanks to VW (diesel gate scandal) as well as Mercedes long term cost of ownership, when I went to trade in my Blue tec diesel for a new BMW X5 5 months ago I was offered $20,000 for a vehicle in perfect working order (other than needing new tires), having all the maintenance records,very good cosmetic shape (garaged throughout its life) with 65,000 miles on the odometer. It lost $53,000 dollars in value over 5 1/2 years. Poor resale is a trend with all Mercedes. They are so expensive to maintain and repair as they get older. Mercedes please get rid of the unnecessary complexity (ie air bladder suspension) which makes maintaining these vehicles past warranty difficult. By the way I bought an BMW X-5 diesel (was on special due to VW again) and its drive train is unbelievably better than the Mercedes diesel. It is the first diesel vehicle I have owned (and that is many) that I cannot tell its a diesel. Getting 28-30 mpg in suburban driving in the BMW with AWD. I no longer own the GL. I can say that my neighbor has traded in his 2015 GL after 2 years due to multiple visits to the dealership for mechanical issues. This vehicles are more complicated than they need to be.
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- Technology
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- Value