Thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL (2006–2012) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$2,500–$6,000
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Mercedes-Benz GL faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01M272/M273 Balance Shaft Sprocket Premature Wear
CriticalVery commonEngine $6,500–$13,000 to fix
The M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines used a composite plastic balance shaft idler gear sprocket that wears prematurely, causing timing chain slack and camshaft timing errors on the right bank. The GL X164, sharing its platform and engines with the W164, is equally affected. A class action settlement was reached in 2011. Engines with M272 serial numbers below 30468993 are the most commonly documented, though failures outside this range are reported.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start timing chain rattle lasting more than 2–3 seconds
Check engine light with P0016 or P0017 cam correlation codes
Rough idle or misfire
Metallic swarf present in engine oil sample
What to check
Check engine serial number against the published Mercedes threshold. Scan for P0016 and P0017 stored codes. Listen for cold-start chain rattle at startup before the engine has warmed. Inspect engine oil for metallic contamination. Request documented proof of balance shaft sprocket and timing chain replacement as a set.
Where to look: Timing cover, front of engine
Ask the seller
“Has the balance shaft sprocket and timing chain been replaced with a workshop invoice as evidence?”
“What is the engine serial number?”
“Are there any stored check engine codes related to camshaft timing?”
02OM642 Intake Swirl Flap Plastic Linkage Failure
MajorVery commonEngine $650–$2,500 to fix
The OM642 3.0-litre V6 diesel fitted to the GL X164 (GL320 CDI, GL350 BlueTEC) uses plastic actuator linkage rods to control intake manifold swirl flaps. These rods fail through heat and fatigue, or the swirl flap motor overloads against EGR carbon-stiffened flap shafts and burns out. Dropped motor debris entering the intake can cause engine damage. Failure code is DTC P2015.
Symptoms to notice
Check engine light with P2015 fault code
Reduced power and hesitation
Rough idle
Black smoke under acceleration
What to check
Scan for P2015 code before purchase. Inspect the plastic actuator linkage rod on the intake manifold for breakage. Check the swirl flap motor connector for oil contamination from turbo inlet seal above. Verify whether an aftermarket metal repair kit has been fitted as a permanent fix.
Where to look: Intake manifold, driver's side of engine
Ask the seller
“Has the swirl flap linkage been replaced, and was a metal upgrade kit used?”
“Are there any active or stored fault codes?”
“Has the EGR system been serviced or deleted?”
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
3 more documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz GL
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz GL, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Mercedes-Benz GL with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes-Benz GL?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz GL, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mercedes-Benz GL?
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Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz GL fall between $2,500–$6,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mercedes-Benz GL?
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Yes. A Mercedes-Benz GL inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.