Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166

The premiere of the second generation Mercedes GL with the index X166 took place in 2012 in New York. Like its predecessor, the German SUV was based on the ML (W166).

Review

The premiere of the second generation Mercedes GL with the index X166 took place in 2012 in New York. Like its predecessor, the German SUV was based on the ML (W166).

The second generation became longer by 2 cm (5120 mm) with the same wheelbase of 3075 mm. The height increased by 1 cm (1850 mm).

The trunk is slightly grown and 10 liters. Total - 680 liters in a 5-seater layout. With the seats folded, the cargo capacity increases to 2300 liters.

At the same time, the total weight of the Mercedes GL decreased by 90 kg. Among other things, this was facilitated by the suspension levers, front wings and aluminum hood, as well as a transverse amplifier of the magnesium body under the front panel.

In 2015, the Mercedes GL experienced facelift and changed the index to the GLS. The changes affected the front, the pattern of taillights and the rear bumper. When looking at the center console, a massive 8-inch tablet is taken out separately.

The X166 was assembled in Tuscaloosa, USA.

Engines

The base was a 3-liter diesel V6, developing 258 hp. In 2013, its capacity was reduced to 249 hp, allowing it to fit into a more comfortable transport tax.

The petrol line opens a 3-liter six-cylinder biturbo with a recoil of 333 hp.

Next in ascending - gasoline V8 with a turbocharged volume of 4.7 liters. It was offered in two versions of forcing: 365 hp and 435 hp. After restyling, they limited themselves to one option with increased power, which increased to 455 hp.

3.0 M276 (GL 400 / GLS 400)

The most common ailment is premature wear of the gas distribution coupling. It often starts to make noise after 100-120 thousand km. Tightening with repair leads to wear of the camshaft, significantly increasing the already considerable cost of repair.

For the new original coupling will have to pay about 48 000 rubles. Analogues start with the mark of 11 000 rubles.

In the process of operation, you have to face a malfunction of the supercharging control valve (6-12 thousand rubles).

4.7 M278 (GL 450, GL 500 / GLS 500)

The main problem is the bullies on the walls of the cylinders. The cost of restoration repairs is from 600 000 to 1 000 000 rubles.

It is noteworthy that the disease is characteristic, first of all, for motors that work for a long time on idling. Therefore, it is extremely important to update engine oil more often, especially when operating regularly in urban conditions.

Since March 2015, Mercedes has abandoned aluminum-silicon spraying on cylinder mirrors in favor of conventional cast-iron sleeves, and the problem has been solved.

Cases of stretching of the timing system drive chain have been reported after 200,000 km. The cost of a full set of timing system drive with gas distribution couplings is more than 160 000 rubles.

Post-launch noise

The defect is typical for the M276 (GL 400) and M278 (GL 450 and GL 500) assembled before the 2nd half of 2013. The reason is the weakening of the timing system drive chain due to a drop in oil pressure in the tensioners.

Subsequently, gas distribution couplings, tensioners and return valves were finalized. The cost of installing the modernized kit with work will be about 200 000 rubles.

5.5 M157

Top GL 63 AMG equipped with gasoline biturbo V8 volume of 5.5 liters and return 557 hp. After restyling, the power of the AMG GLS 63 increased to 583 hp.

M157 is prone to the appearance of bullies on the walls of the cylinders, which is accompanied by oil. And after 100,000 km of run, the stretching of the timing system drive chain is possible.

3.0 OM642 (GL 350 / GLS 350 D)

After 100-150 thousand km have to recompress the flowing heat exchanger (24,000 rubles with work).

To 150-200 thousand km often clogged soot valve UGR. For the new original will have to pay about 67 000 rubles, and for an analogue – in the area of 17 000 rubles. For disabling the EGR system in the service will ask about 23 000 rubles.

The ducts and boost channels can lose weight after 150-200 thousand km (from 5000 rubles for an analog or 9000 rubles for the original).

At the same time, the plastic intake duct, the so-called “gull”, can burst. It's coming together with an airflow sensor. The cost of the original seagull is 137,000 rubles, and the analogue is 21-65 thousand rubles.

The air flow sensor itself can also fail. Fortunately, there are third-party sensors on sale (7000 rubles).

Faults of the turbocharger are sometimes found after 150-200 thousand km of run. Often the turbine can be repaired - about 60 000 rubles. For the new will have to pay from 70 to 130 thousand rubles.

Washers under fuel injectors are updated after 200,000 km of run (about 4000 rubles). The nozzles themselves are quite durable.

Isolated cases of major repairs of turbodiesel were observed after 200-250 thousand km of run. The cost of restoration was about 500 000 rubles. The cost of a contract unit without attachments is about 250 000 rubles.

Bluetec

Diesel versions received a system of cleaning the exhaust gases Blutek. It involves the presence of a selective catalytic converter with urea injection AdBlue. For this purpose, a tank of 36 liters is provided. The cost of a 10-liter canister is 10-11 thousand rubles. Urea consumption is about 1 liter per 1000 km.

Unfortunately, Bluetec components often fail (heating and NOX sensors), and the system itself sometimes gives false error messages. After washing, many owners turn off Bluetek software. The cost of the service is 25-30 thousand rubles.

Transmissions

All Mercedes GL engines are combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission of the second generation 7G-tronic Plus. After restyling in the GLS installed 9-speed automatic 9G-Tronic.

Both boxes of serious complaints do not cause and the attention of repair specialists does not require. The cases of refusal are isolated.

The only thing I notice is the shifts. Usually when switching between the first and second gears. Fortunately, this feature is not a harbinger of an early repair.

The AMG versions were paired with a 7-speed Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic with automatic shutdown of dual clutch mode when switching to a reduced gear.

Transmission

The 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive distributes traction in a 40:60 ratio. The optional Off-Road On & Offroad package provides six transmission modes and differential lock.

Serious questions to the nodes of the all-wheel drive system do not yet arise.

After 150-200 thousand km of mileage owners had to update the glands of the transfer case (12-15 thousand rubles with work). One of the reasons is clogged sapoon (3000 rubles).

There are also isolated cases of stretching of the distribution chain (38,000 rubles per analog), which occurred in the range of 150-200 thousand km.

For a comprehensive oil change in gearboxes, distribution and gearbox will need about 50 000 rubles.

Walking

There is no spring suspension, all Mercedes X166 went on pneuma. It allows you to increase the clearance from 216 to 306 mm.

Optionally, adaptive shock absorbers ADS and active stabilizers with hydraulic control were offered.

Air suspension

The air elements of the front axle are much more durable than the rear ones due to protection. The rear cylinders are not covered. Often they fail after 100-150 thousand km of run.

Original rear pneumatic cylinders are available for 21 000 rubles, and the price tag for analogues starts from 4000 rubles. The replacement work is estimated at 7000 rubles.

Front pneumatic cylinders are assembled only with a depreciation rack cost of 190 000 rubles. Analogues are more affordable - from 36 000 rubles. However, in a specialized service will be able to replace the defective front pneumoballon on the analogue. For work will ask about 13 000 rubles, and for the analogue of the front cylinder - 20-25 thousand rubles.

After 150-200 thousand km, the air suspension compressor sometimes refused (from 17 000 rubles for an analog or 87,000 rubles for the original).

Leverages

Silent blocks front suspension can withstand more than 100-150 thousand km of run. Originals are only assembled with levers - 13,000 rubles. Silent blocks of third-party manufacturers can be found for 2500 rubles.

Ball supports of the front wheels reach 150-200 thousand km. They only change when they are in the hands of the levers.

The back suspension silencing blocks are quite durable.

Shock absorbers

Rear shock absorbers could catch or leak after 50-100 thousand km (from 18 000 rubles for an analog or 35-40 thousand rubles for the original).

Front shock absorbers usually serve more than 100-150 thousand km (from 36 000 rubles for an analogue or 190 000 rubles for the original). They often start to knock when the cold comes. With warming up, the noise disappears.

Stabilizers

The front and rear stabilizers of transverse stability are assembled with glued bushings. That is, the design does not imply the replacement of bushings. The bushings can wear after 150-200 thousand km.

Craftsmen are able to select and change bushings (600-1400 rubles). However, over time, non-native bushings often begin to creak, and the front stabilizer begins to walk and beat the suspension levers. The masters have to invent a stopper.

The new original stabilizer is sold for 41 000 rubles, and used for 8000 rubles.

Stage bearings

Bearings usually serve more than 150-200 thousand km. If the front one changes in the collection with the hub (from 4000 rubles for an analog or 25 000 rubles for the original), then the rear one is separately (from 2000 rubles for an analog or 13,000 rubles for the original).

Steering

The Mercedes X166 uses an electromechanical ZF powertrain.

Part of the Mercedes GL fell under the recall for the replacement of aluminum bolts of the steering rail mount. They're crumbling or clinging.

ŠRUS

The dust of the outer SRUS front half axles (from 3000 rubles per analogue) could lose weight after 100-150 thousand km of run. Untimely detection of the defect led to premature wear of the SRUS (5-10 thousand rubles for an analogue or 18 000 rubles for the original).

Other problems and malfunctions

After severe frosts, owners of Mercedes GL often noticed the appearance of cracks on lacquered wood inserts. In wet weather, turn indicators are sometimes not turned on or odd, and an error is issued along the way. Sometimes they're mopey and wipers. The culprit is a block of steering switches. Often it is enough to clean the conductive paths on the board from dust. The new block is available for 63,000 rubles. After 100-150 thousand km, it is possible to repair the sensors-radars of the dead zone control system (50-70 thousand rubles). They are located at the bottom of the front and rear bumper (2 in front and 2 in the rear). The board is oxidized by moisture. Sometimes the sensors can be revived after soldering. The powertrain supports have to be updated after 100-150 thousand km of run (over 21 000 rubles for the original or 7-18 thousand rubles for the analogue). The generator can declare itself after 150-200 thousand km of run. Usually it is possible to get rid of the replacement of the voltage regulator (brushes), collector and bearings. The repair will need about 5000 rubles. The new generator will require costs in the amount of 30-50 thousand rubles. A little later, the headlamp control unit fails (from 5000 rubles for an analogue or 12,000 rubles for the original). Sometimes, let down and staff door closers (11 000 rubles). With age, sometimes rubbed and rotted poorly protected wiring located outside the body. Because of this lack, owners have experienced disruptions in air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers, automatic or dead zone control systems. There were also errors in the airbags.

Review

• Among other things, this was facilitated by the suspension levers, front wings and aluminum hood, as well as a transverse amplifier of the magnesium body under the front panel.

3.0 M276 (GL 400 / GLS 400)

• The most common ailment is premature wear of the gas distribution coupling.
• Tightening with repair leads to wear of the camshaft, significantly increasing the already considerable cost of repair.
• In the process of operation, you have to face a malfunction of the supercharging control valve (6-12 thousand rubles).

4.7 M278 (GL 450, GL 500 / GLS 500)

• The main problem is the bullies on the walls of the cylinders.
• The cost of restoration repairs is from 600 000 to 1 000 000 rubles.
• Therefore, it is extremely important to update engine oil more often, especially when operating regularly in urban conditions.
• Since March 2015, Mercedes has abandoned aluminum-silicon spraying on cylinder mirrors in favor of conventional cast-iron sleeves, and the problem has been solved.

3.0 OM642 (GL 350 / GLS 350 D)

• km have to re-comply the flowing heat exchanger (24 000 rubles with work).
• Faults of the turbocharger are sometimes found after 150-200 thousand km of run.
• Often the turbine can be repaired - about 60 000 rubles.
• Isolated cases of major repairs of turbodiesel were observed after 200-250 thousand km of run.

Transmissions

• Both boxes of serious complaints do not cause and the attention of repair specialists does not require. The cases of refusal are isolated.
• Fortunately, this feature is not a harbinger of an early repair.

Air suspension

• The air suspension compressor sometimes refused km (from 17 000 rubles for an analogue or 87,000 rubles for the original).

Shock absorbers

• The rear shock absorbers could catch or leak after 50-100 thousand.

Stabilizers

• The bushings can wear after 150-200 thousand km.

Steering

• Part of the Mercedes GL fell under the recall for the replacement of aluminum bolts of the steering rail mount. They're crumbling or clinging.

ŠRUS

• Untimely detection of the defect led to premature wear of the SRUS (5-10 thousand).

Other problems and malfunctions

• After severe frosts, owners of Mercedes GL often noticed the appearance of cracks on lacquered wood inserts.
• The radar sensors of the dead zone control system (50-70 thousand rubles) are repaired.
• The repair will need about 5000 rubles.
• A little later, the headlamp control unit fails (from 5000 rubles for an analogue or 12,000 rubles for the original).
• With age, sometimes rubbed and rotted poorly protected wiring located outside the body.

A used Mercedes GL/GLS will require significant maintenance costs over time. The undoubted plus is the absence of serious problems with the transmission. As for engines, you should avoid pre-restyling versions of the GL with a gasoline V8 of 4.7 liters (GL 450 and GL 500), prone to bullying.

• Review: Among other things, this was facilitated by the suspension levers, front wings and aluminum hood, as well as a transverse amplifier of the magnesium body under the front panel.
• Engines: The base was a 3-liter diesel V6, developing 258 hp
• Transmissions: Both boxes do not cause serious complaints and do not require the attention of repair specialists. The cases of refusal are isolated.
• Transmission: The 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive distributes traction in a 40:60 ratio.
• Driving: Spring suspension is not provided, all Mercedes X166 went on pneuma.
• Other problems and malfunctions: After severe frosts, owners of Mercedes GL often noticed the appearance of cracks on lacquered wood inserts.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.