2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive towing capacity. The GL350 Bluetec comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2011 GL-Class include the GL450 with a 4.6-liter V8 and the GL550 with a 5.5-liter V8. All engine options were paired with a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the GL350 for its fuel economy relative to its size and its luxurious features. Common complaints include costly repairs, particularly with the diesel engine’s emissions systems, and some electronic glitches.

Engine

3.0L Turbo Diesel V6 (OM642)

• Oil Cooler Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from the oil cooler seals located under the turbocharger. Symptoms include oil dripping onto the ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The DPF can become clogged, leading to reduced engine performance, warning lights, and potentially requiring replacement. Frequent short trips exacerbate this issue.
  • Solution: Attempt to regenerate the DPF through a forced regeneration cycle or replace the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue (DEF) System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the AdBlue system, including malfunctioning sensors, pumps, or clogged injectors, can trigger warning lights and potentially put the vehicle into limp mode.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty component, such as the AdBlue pump, injector, or sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation or wear, resulting in a loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, and failure to shift are common symptoms of a failing valve body.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, and unusual noises coming from the transmission area.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension system is prone to leaks and compressor failures, leading to a saggy ride height, uneven ride, and error messages on the dashboard. One side may be lower than the other.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air spring(s) and/or the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per corner for air springs, $600 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sunroof Drain Clogs
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogged sunroof drains can cause water to leak into the cabin, potentially damaging electronic components and causing mold/mildew growth.
  • Solution: Clean out the sunroof drains.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for drain cleaning, additional costs for water damage repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The SAM module controls various electrical functions, and failure can lead to seemingly random electrical issues, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or the vehicle not starting.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM module and program it to the vehicle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Assembly Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the tail light assemblies, leading to bulb failures and reduced visibility.
  • Solution: Replace the tail light assembly or reseal it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per assembly
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation and infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and failure to boot up.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec, while a luxurious and capable SUV, is prone to several common issues. The most significant problems are related to the diesel engine’s emissions systems (DPF, AdBlue), oil leaks, and the Airmatic suspension. Transmission valve body issues are also a concern. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these common failure points and factor in potential repair costs. The severity of these issues ranges from moderate (electrical glitches, tail light leaks) to severe (engine/transmission failures, Airmatic system failure). Estimated repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the issue.