2013 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale is a full-size luxury sedan that slots between the E-Class and the S-Class. It is available with two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The Gran Viale is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive performance. However, it has also been plagued by several issues.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damage the engine. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can leak, causing a loss of power and a rough idle. Symptoms include a vacuum leak noise, reduced fuel economy, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6-liter V8

• Valve stem seal failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve stem seals can fail, causing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust, increased oil consumption, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include harsh shifting, slipping gears, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder when the transmission is shifting. Symptoms include a vibration or shaking sensation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air suspension compressor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, causing the suspension to sag or become inoperable. Symptoms include a lowered ride height, a rough ride, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front control arm bushings wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The front control arm bushings can wear out, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps or potholes. Symptoms include a loose or sloppy steering feel, reduced handling, and excessive tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain excessively, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, difficulty starting, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the battery drain and repair the underlying issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the underlying issue
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge properly. Symptoms include a dim or flickering headlights, a weak or dead battery, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can leak, causing water to enter the interior of the vehicle. Symptoms include water stains on the headliner, a musty smell, and water damage to the interior.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seal or adjust the sunroof alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate control malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system can malfunction, causing the air conditioning or heating to not work properly. Symptoms include inconsistent temperatures, poor airflow, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the malfunction and repair the underlying issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the underlying issue
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system can fail, causing the display to become blank or the system to not function properly. Symptoms include a black screen, incorrect directions, and a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light.
  • Solution: Update the navigation software or replace the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale is a spacious and comfortable luxury sedan that has been marred by several issues. Many of the issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, such as battery drain, alternator failure, and interior climate control malfunctions. However, some issues, such as timing chain tensioner failure, valve stem seal failure, and sunroof leaks, can be more severe and expensive to repair. Overall, the Gran Viale is not a particularly reliable vehicle and potential buyers should be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.