2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel-efficient diesel engine. The GL350 features a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6 engine producing 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options available in the 2013 GL-Class include a 4.7L gasoline V8 (GL450), a more powerful 4.7L gasoline V8 (GL550), and a 5.5L AMG V8 (GL63 AMG). People generally liked the GL350’s fuel economy compared to its gasoline counterparts, its luxurious appointments, and its smooth ride. Common complaints included higher maintenance costs associated with the diesel engine, some electrical quirks, and the relatively complex infotainment system.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Diesel V6 (OM642)

• Oil Cooler Seal Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil cooler, often dripping onto the ground or noticeable as oil residue around the cooler area. Can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler seals. Some recommend replacing the entire oil cooler assembly as a preventative measure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the DPF due to short trips and infrequent regeneration cycles. Symptoms include reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF, replacement of the DPF, or cleaning of the DPF (if possible).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (for cleaning) - $2000+ (for replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the AdBlue injector, pump, or level sensor. Can trigger a warning light and prevent the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty AdBlue system component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift. This is often due to wear or contamination within the valve body.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during acceleration. Excessive noise from the transmission.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor failure, or error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut; $500 - $1500 for compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Module Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting in cold weather, check engine light, and glow plug malfunction codes.
  • Solution: Replace the glow plug module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, or intermittent electrical issues.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Gateway Control Module
  • Description/Symptoms: Many different electrical issues such as non-functional power windows, door locks, or infotainment system.
  • Solution: Replace the central gateway control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. Water leaks from the sunroof.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: COMAND system freezing, rebooting, or displaying error messages. Navigation system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (for software update) - $2000+ (for replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC, while offering a luxurious and comfortable driving experience, is prone to certain issues. The most common and potentially expensive problems relate to the diesel engine (oil cooler leaks, DPF problems, AdBlue system issues) and the air suspension. Valve body issues with the transmission are also a concern. Electrical issues, such as EIS failures and glow plug module failures, can add to the ownership costs. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in higher maintenance costs associated with a luxury diesel SUV. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major component replacements.