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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Reliable?

27 messages,  Last post on Nov 01, 2009 at 5:26 PM

You are in the Mercedes-Benz GL Class Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, SUV


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#9 of 27
Reliability Issues by haymista
Jul 02, 2008 (12:51 pm)
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Replying to: occarfan (Jan 28, 2008 10:30 pm)

We have been less than impressed with our 07 GL with 39k miles. We bought shortly after the car came out, and perhaps some of the bugs have been worked out. The tire pressure monitoring has been a constant annoyance. The warning light still comes on frequently despite numerous trips to the dealer. We had problems with the liftgate closing and locking. The service locally is terrible as you have to book two weeks in advance to get a loaner and they rarely fix anything in one day. The service wait room is always packed with people complaining aout their MB. After driving Lexus and Acura for several years, I appreciate the prompt service and few problems. The GPS is so over engineered that we bought a Garmin which is much faster to use. I will not buy another MB no matter how "exciting" the german cars drive.
#10 of 27
by occarfan
Jul 07, 2008 (12:10 pm)
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haymista. Did MB fix your liftgate properly? I have the same problem but haven't taken it in yet. Currently I pull on the liftate lever, then it locks (b/c sometimes my wife forgets and the interior light stays on overnite which will eventually drain battery). Very annoying.
Also passenger visor won't stay up. It creeps down to lowest level making it hard to see if you're tall. But leaving up completely will leave glaring sun in your eyes.
But it is a MERCEDES my wife says
#11 of 27
Reliability Issues... by SuperDud
Jan 03, 2009 (4:35 pm)
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I have a 2007 GL450, at around 28,500 miles. So far we've had many issues with this car, but not within the last six months. The car had many air suspension issues within the first 10,000 miles, and the dealer had so many problems with similar Gl450's that they ran out of parts for the suspension (luckily that was covered under warranty). Electrical problems also persisted, among them problems with power windows from time to time and the sunroof.
 Also I had similar problems with the tailgate not locking earlier on, but we just had to slam the trunk shut manually. And it would've been nice if the car came with leather seats as a standard option, instead of high quality vinyl. And the factory-fitted Continental tires wore out kind of quick, and I had to replace them at around 28,500 miles.
The only good thing about this car is that it's a mercedes and you get a nice blend of wood and other trims in the car. And it has great acceleration for a big suv. But coming from a 2005 Toyota Landcruiser, this car's reliability is in the toilet.
#12 of 27
Re: Reliability Issues... [SuperDud] by mbbq
Jan 29, 2009 (1:34 pm)
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Replying to: SuperDud (Jan 03, 2009 4:35 pm)

Wow. Everyone seems to have the same problems. We have (had?) a 2007 GL450 with about 12k miles on it.
Tailgate problems....check.
Air suspension problems...check.
Car spontaneously bursting into flames while parked in a driveway...check.
Oh wait, that may be a unique problem.
But it did happen to my wife last week. If I knew how to post photos here, I would. Thankfully no one was hurt but had our children been in their car seats or had it been parked in our garage, it is safe to assume there would have been loss of human life.
And remember, the car was not even running. Scary, huh?
The fire started under the passenger seat (battery location?) and fully engulfed the car in less than 3 minutes. First a funny smell, then some smoke, then some sparking/popping noises to a raging inferno. It was a large fire. Thankfully the fire station was close and they put it out before the fire caught the tree above the car (which in turn would have likely caught the house on fire).
Needless to say the car and all of its contents are a total loss.
Perhaps the most amazing and astonishing thing about our experience has been Mercedes' response to our experience...or shall I more accurately say, their lack of response?! Their only response has been that they would gladly talk to our insurance company but not us directly....hmmmm.
 
I sincerely hope no one else has had a similar experience. I am certain Mercedes' legal department doesn't want to hear about any more GL450 fire bombs!
#13 of 27
Re: Reliability Issues... [mbbq] by tidester HOST
Jan 29, 2009 (10:46 pm)
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Replying to: mbbq (Jan 29, 2009 1:34 pm)

If I knew how to post photos here, I would.
 
How to post pictures:
 
You may post a link to a photo or insert the photo using the standard html tag for an image: <IMG SRC="http://url-location/photo.jpg">
 
Or you may use the HTML formatting provided beneath the text box. Type the subject of your photo in the "Title." In the message text box, click on "Img". This will insert the first portion of the image tag. Insert the URL of the photo after it. Then click on "Img" again. It should look like this: <IMG SRC="http://url-location/photo.jpg">
 
Click on "Post My Message."
 
NOTE: Photos must be uploaded to a web site or hosting service. This will generate a URL that you can use in the above tag.
 
As a member of Edmunds.com Forums, you can upload your photos to your personal CarSpace page.
 
Photos that hamper our page to render, either the photo is too large in size or file size, will be removed by the host.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#14 of 27
wanting to buy but concerned about reliability-GL450 by Jayce
Feb 05, 2009 (9:23 pm)
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I would like to buy a 2007 or 2008 GL450 but consumer reports rates the 2007 very poorly especially for electrical problems. On the forums and blogs, its seems like the 2008 is getting some of the same reviews. The dealer says its pre-certified, has warranty and much in demand sso what is there to worry about?. My other choices are 2008 BMW x5 and a 2007Lexus LX470 , all very low mileage and in very good condition . How would you make this decision? Do you think a 2007 or 2008 GL450 is worth the risk? I am looking for a high performing quality vehicle but reliability matters. I also have to carry up to 5 kids and me from time to time and the BMW x5 seat in the back is not the most desirable. I look forward to your candid comments. Many thanks in advance.
#15 of 27
Mercedes Gl by brwbdw
Mar 27, 2009 (7:58 pm)
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I am having so many problems with my 2007 GL. Now Mercedes does not want to cover the problems under warranty. My biggest concern is the computer located under the seat near the battery. It has malfunctioned and shut the vehicle down 2 times in a 3 week period and had to be towed to the dealership. This computer also works my windows and they roll up and down without the key in my car. The other day while my children were in the car the windows started smoking. Has anyone out there had any luck getting Mercedes to stand behind the GL?
#16 of 27
GL450 Okay.... by mercedesluvr
Jun 12, 2009 (1:36 pm)
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I recently purchased a White 2008 GL450 for my wife with P1, rear seat entertainment, leather package, etc. We were dissapointed with the fact that the Harman/Kardon system kept malfunctioning and the rear seat entertainment had horrible movie quality. In addition, the COMMAND system was REALLY BAD, my wifes old Honda Oddysey had a better system and that was a year 2000 model. So, we decided to trade the 08 in for an 09 8 months later. SO MUCH BETTER! Navi is amazing (similar to 09 S Class), rear seat entertainment is so much nicer (LCD screens/flat panel/play 2 dvd's on 2 separate screens), the larger exterior side mirrors are a nice touch and the appearance package is great. New power lumbar support and in dash 6CD/DVD changer wrap up the package. AND THE TAIL GATE IS FIXED!!!!! NO MORE PROBLEMS!!!!! I have to say that the 2009 Mercedes Benz Gl class is A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FROM THE 2007 AND 2008 MODELS!
#17 of 27
Re: Reliability Issues... [mbbq] by bertrocka
Jul 11, 2009 (11:24 am)
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Replying to: mbbq (Jan 29, 2009 1:34 pm)

Well mbbq - My brother's house burnt to the ground last night and his dog died in the fire due to his wife's GL450 catalytic converteres catching on fire! I am going to post photos. Fire investigators determined that the GL parked in the garage was the cause of the fire. if you could, please contact me - We are embarking on a journey to go after Merecedes benz because of this. THere must be something here... Obviously my brother is devastated over the loss of his dog and house and EVERYTHING that he and his family owned. THEY HAVE NOTHING!!! They were lucky to get out alive. The car was off for at least 5 hours before catching on fire.
#18 of 27
Re: Reliability Issues... [bertrocka] by gregoryx
Jul 12, 2009 (5:35 am)
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Replying to: bertrocka (Jul 11, 2009 11:24 am)

OMG . . . that is awful news for your bro. Hope he and his family recover well. prayers to him.
 
Can you please provide an update with MB response? my wife drives an 02 ML 320 which she loves, despite the well known issues that the model had. I am looking at the Audi Q7, the Lexus 470, and the GL. i only added the GL after speaking with some friends who had no problems with it. However, after reading the 2 posts about spontaneous fires - i am very concerned. please tell us more

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