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Mercedes-Benz2006–2012 Critical issues documented

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164: common faults & what to check

The X164 is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class built 2006–2013. Of the 5 faults documented for the GL-Class, 5 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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5

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$2,500–$6,000

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

You're looking at the X164

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

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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.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

GLS350dGLS400GLS450GLS500GLS63

A 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the X164 generation (2006 to 2013).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

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

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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the GL-Class came with 5, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class · 2006

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

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.

  • 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.

See all 5 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Airmatic Air Suspension Strut Leak and Compressor Failure

Inspect all four air spring strut sleeves for cracking or perished rubber, especially at the upper crimp ring.2006–2012Suspension
Very commonSuspension $1,800–$7,000 to fix

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.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

  1. Inspect all four air spring strut sleeves for cracking or perished rubber, especially at the upper crimp ring.
  2. Check ride height after parking overnight.
  3. Listen for compressor activity — continuous running indicates a leak.
  4. Scan for Airmatic fault codes.
  5. Inspect the 40-amp Airmatic fuse and relay.
  6. Check ride height sensor rods at each wheel for breakage.

Where to look: All four corners; compressor typically front right engine bay

Parts involved: Air suspension strut, Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the air struts or compressor been replaced?”
  • “Does the vehicle hold ride height after sitting overnight?”
  • “Have there been any suspension warning messages on the dashboard?”
Depends on the exact engine — 4 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

01M272/M273 Balance Shaft Sprocket Premature Wear

Check engine serial number against the published Mercedes threshold.petrol2006–2007EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02OM642 Intake Swirl Flap Plastic Linkage Failure

Scan for P2015 code before purchase.diesel2006–2012Engine
Very commonEngine $650–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. Scan for P2015 code before purchase.
  2. Inspect the plastic actuator linkage rod on the intake manifold for breakage.
  3. Check the swirl flap motor connector for oil contamination from turbo inlet seal above.
  4. Verify whether an aftermarket metal repair kit has been fitted as a permanent fix.

Where to look: Intake manifold, driver's side of engine

Parts involved: Intake manifold.

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?”

037G-Tronic (722.9) Conductor Plate and Valve Body Failure

Scan for transmission fault codes.2006–2012Transmission
CommonTransmission $2,500–$6,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

  1. Scan for transmission fault codes.
  2. Inspect transmission fluid colour and condition.
  3. Confirm fluid service history.
  4. Test drive and observe shift quality particularly from first to second gear.
  5. Ask whether the conductor plate or valve body has been replaced and whether the transmission code is VGS1 or VGS2.

Where to look: Transmission unit, underfloor

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has transmission fluid been changed at manufacturer-specified intervals?”
  • “Has the conductor plate or valve body been replaced?”
  • “Has the transmission ever entered limp mode?”
Fluid leaks1

01OM642 Oil Cooler Rubber Seal Degradation

Check the engine valley between cylinder banks for oil pooling or residue.diesel2006–2012Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $2,500–$5,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

  1. Check the engine valley between cylinder banks for oil pooling or residue.
  2. Inspect coolant reservoir for brown contamination.
  3. Check oil filler cap for cream emulsion.
  4. Confirm via service records whether oil cooler seals have been replaced and whether the upgraded Viton seals were used.
  5. Seek a pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes diesel specialist.

Where to look: Centre of engine V, beneath intake manifolds

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the oil cooler seal been replaced with upgraded Viton seals?”
  • “Is there any history of coolant or oil cross-contamination?”
  • “Are there any oil leaks under the vehicle?”

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class faults in detail

Narrowed to the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class · 2006. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

M272/M273 Balance Shaft Sprocket Premature WearCritical · Engine

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Mercedes-Benz C-Class41 documented faultsMercedes-Benz A-Class23 documented faultsMercedes-Benz E-Class23 documented faultsMercedes-Benz W1635 documented faultsMercedes-Benz GLA21 documented faultsMercedes-Benz S-Class20 documented faults

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class buyer questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 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-Class?

We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. All 5 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 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-Class?

Yes. A Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.