Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: common faults & what to check

Which Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Engine not documented

2 variants documented

2006–2013X1642006–2013X164Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues5 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: M 93 via Wikimedia Commons, Attribution.

2012–2020X1662012–2020X166Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues0 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Mr.choppers via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Check engine serial number against the published Mercedes threshold.

  See why

  M272/M273 Balance Shaft Sprocket Premature Wear

  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.

  What you would 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

  Typically $6,500–$13,000 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Inspect all four air spring strut sleeves for cracking or perished rubber, especially at the upper crimp ring.

  See why

  Airmatic Air Suspension Strut Leak and Compressor Failure

  The GL X164 uses the same Airmatic air suspension architecture as the W164, and shares identical failure modes. Air spring strut leaks at upper crimp rings are exacerbated by the GL's heavier kerb weight, placing greater demand on the compressor. Compressor burnout and valve block solenoid leaks are well documented. Ride height sensor rods become brittle over time and trigger persistent faults.

  What you would notice

  • One or more corners sagging overnight
  • Airmatic malfunction warning on dash
  • Compressor running constantly or repeatedly cycling
  • Vehicle riding low or sitting unevenly

  Typically $1,800–$7,000 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Scan for P2015 code before purchase.

  See why

  OM642 Intake Swirl Flap Plastic Linkage Failure

  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.

  What you would notice

  • Check engine light with P2015 fault code
  • Reduced power and hesitation
  • Rough idle
  • Black smoke under acceleration

  Typically $650–$2,500 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Scan for transmission fault codes.

  See why

  7G-Tronic (722.9) Conductor Plate and Valve Body Failure

  The GL X164 uses the same 722.9 seven-speed automatic transmission as the W164 M-Class, and is subject to the same conductor plate and valve body failure modes. The solenoid conductor plate in the valve body degrades, particularly on early VGS1-coded units. Neglected fluid servicing and the GL's additional mass accelerate wear.

  What you would notice

  • Harsh shift or jolt on 1-2 upshift
  • Limp mode (stuck in second gear)
  • Sluggish or delayed gear engagement
  • Transmission warning light

  Typically $2,500–$6,000 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check the engine valley between cylinder banks for oil pooling or residue.

  See why

  OM642 Oil Cooler Rubber Seal Degradation

  The OM642 3.0-litre diesel fitted to the GL X164 (GL320 CDI, GL350 BlueTEC) shares the same oil cooler seal failure mode as other OM642-equipped vehicles. The oil cooler sits in the thermally insulated engine V, causing original orange rubber seals to degrade prematurely. Oil-coolant cross-contamination can result and repair labour is extensive, requiring disassembly of turbo and intake systems.

  What you would notice

  • Oil residue in the centre engine valley
  • Unexplained coolant loss
  • Milky oil or oily coolant
  • External oil leak visible from below the engine

  Typically $2,500–$5,800 to put right.

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