Mercedes-Benz GL X164
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
306–320 PS
4.0L V8 CDI Diesel
Seven Seats, V8 Diesel, No Compromise on Thrust
Fun to Drive!306–387 PS
5.0-5.5L V8 Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GL X164 is available with 4 engine variants — from 190 to 387 hp.
The Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI (Diesel, 224 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI (Diesel, 306 PS) has the OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 (Benziner, 340 PS) has the M273 (5.0-5.5L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GL 500 (Benziner, 387 PS) has the M273 (5.0-5.5L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Airmatic compressor and air struts defective At higher mileages from around 150,000 km, air struts and the compressor fail. The vehicle drops on one or both axles. Rear axle is most frequently affected. Symptoms: Vehicle sits lopsided or lower than normal, Airmatic warning light, compressor runs continuously from 160,000 km | High | |
| AIRMATIC air bags leaking Air bags become porous through rubber hardening and lose air. Compressor runs continuously. Aftermarket replacement air bags 95–130 EUR, original Mercedes approx. 700 EUR. Symptoms: Vehicle sags to one side, compressor runs for a long time after engine start, level control warning message. from 100,000 km | High | |
| AIRMATIC compressor overheating If leaks are not promptly repaired the compressor overheats from continuous operation. Compressor replacement 500–1,000 EUR, original up to 1,300 EUR. Symptoms: Compressor runs continuously, vehicle does not raise to normal ride height. from 130,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Nissan Navara D40-FL
Großer SUV (2010–2015)
Nissan Pathfinder R51-FL
Großer SUV (2010–2014)
Porsche Cayenne 92A
Großer SUV (2010–2017)
VW Touareg II
Großer SUV (2010–2018)
VW Amarok I
Großer SUV (2010–2020)
BMW X5 M E70
Großer SUV (2009–2013)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 28 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (2006–2012) — 22 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Gearbox.
GL (OM642, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224 PS.
GL (OM629, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head warped -- coolant loss, NAG2 transmission at torque limit, Oil Cooler Leak in V-Section. Power: 306 PS.
GL (M273, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 340 PS.
GL (M273, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 387 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GL? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee