2016/17 GLS 350d 4matic Designo Line Questions

[Ray.C]

Hi All, I own a W204 2009 model and I am seriously loving the GLS 350d Designo Line. I've done my research online. I've lined up a test drive but i'd like to know, what should I be aware of when it comes to this mammoth of a car.
1) Service is due after how long?
2) Common drawbacks or breakdowns?
3) Value for money?

Thanks.

 

[Blobcat]

Question I’d seriously ask is “do I need a diesel“
Unless you’re covering serious miles then the answer in 2021 is “no”

 

[Ray.C]

Question I’d seriously ask is “do I need a diesel“
Unless you’re covering serious miles then the answer in 2021 is “no”

I'm Actually a diesel fan and I do road trips. I had a VW Touareg at one point and it gave me good milage on long continental trips. Thanks for the response. Appreciated.

 

[Blobcat]

Service is annual or 15k whichever comes first.
Value shouldn’t be too bad as diesels are no longer at a premium. The dealer might try and big it up being euro 6 but in a couple of years (the way things are going) a large 4x4 will be slightly less popular than a fart in a spacesuit... and residuals will reflect as much.
Ad Blue pumps failing (have to be replaced with the tank as not available separately...), Nox sensors failing and DPF problems are all popular issues on the forum.
I’d recommend a Mercedes warranty for as long as you plan on owning it.

 

[Ray.C]

Nice analogy. Made me crack a smile. Thank you for that insight. Have you come across air suspension issues? This will be my first attempt at air suspension.

 

[grayb]

I must be missing all the posts on this forum about DPF problems... MB DPFs seem to be pretty reliable to me.

 

[BillyBoy]

I had a GL 420 CDI (the predecessor of the GLS), though on a 56 plate so the X164 platform. Great "car" - well more of a 7 seat tank with a cinema in it really Oodles of room, though in 7 seat mode, the boot is a bit tight, but you can seriously seat 7 adults in comfort which you can't say about many big SUVs. Downside it is can be a pain on some roads and especially carparks as it is a really big vehicle. I'm guessing on a GLS, the reversing camera will be standard, and maybe even 360 camera. Reversing camera as a minimum is essential (though it only cost me £400 to have properly retro-fitted with genuine parts and programmed in to the COMAND) I had to have 3 of the four airbags replaced on the suspension in the three years I owned it, but it had done 250,000 miles. I've had S Classes and E classes with Airmatic and had no issues, plus there are now companies that do refurb units at a sensible price. If you can get an MB warranty, do, or if it's a dealer, see if they have their own. My local MB do their own extension warranty that covers a more than the MB for about the same price, for example even the top tier MB warranty excludes things like the Intelligent Headlights which are chuffin' expensive to replace but are covered by my garage. In summary, go for it - you will love the elevated driving position and pure road presence you get, and they are surprisingly nimble and don't feel like a big car to drive despite the size. You only really realise when you have both rows of seats down and look back over your shoulder to the boot lid in the far distance lol.

 

[Ray.C]

I had a GL 420 CDI (the predecessor of the GLS), though on a 56 plate so the X164 platform. Great "car" - well more of a 7 seat tank with a cinema in it really Oodles of room, though in 7 seat mode, the boot is a bit tight, but you can seriously seat 7 adults in comfort which you can't say about many big SUVs. Downside it is can be a pain on some roads and especially carparks as it is a really big vehicle. I'm guessing on a GLS, the reversing camera will be standard, and maybe even 360 camera. Reversing camera as a minimum is essential (though it only cost me £400 to have properly retro-fitted with genuine parts and programmed in to the COMAND) I had to have 3 of the four airbags replaced on the suspension in the three years I owned it, but it had done 250,000 miles. I've had S Classes and E classes with Airmatic and had no issues, plus there are now companies that do refurb units at a sensible price. If you can get an MB warranty, do, or if it's a dealer, see if they have their own. My local MB do their own extension warranty that covers a more than the MB for about the same price, for example even the top tier MB warranty excludes things like the Intelligent Headlights which are chuffin' expensive to replace but are covered by my garage. In summary, go for it - you will love the elevated driving position and pure road presence you get, and they are surprisingly nimble and don't feel like a big car to drive despite the size. You only really realise when you have both rows of seats down and look back over your shoulder to the boot lid in the far distance lol.

Amazing! That's loads of info and I'm grateful. I can't wait to test drive it soon and hopefully own it in a few weeks to come. The words of advise are really welcome. Thanks Billy