2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 is a luxurious and spacious SUV, offering a comfortable ride and plenty of features. The GL350 is equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTEC diesel V6 engine producing 255 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2016 GL-Class include the GL450 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, the GL550 with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine, and the AMG GL63 with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine. All engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the GL350 for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency (for its size) but some dislike its higher maintenance costs and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

3.0L BlueTEC Diesel V6

• Oil Cooler Seal Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the oil cooler area. You may notice a burning oil smell, or see oil dripping onto the ground.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) heater, such as P204B, P204F. The vehicle may limit the number of starts remaining if the issue isn’t addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the AdBlue heater.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, excessive smoke, check engine light with EGR related codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Delayed or harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifting, failure to shift, transmission stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, rough ride, suspension warning lights. The air compressor may run constantly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or air lines. It’s important to diagnose which component is failing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut; $500 - $1000+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain. This may involve testing individual circuits and components to identify the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (Diagnosis and repair can vary widely)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response, blank screen, inability to control features.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, excessive noise, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350, while a luxurious and comfortable SUV, is prone to some common issues. The most prevalent problems revolve around the diesel engine (oil cooler leaks, AdBlue heater, EGR valve) and the air suspension system. Transmission issues, specifically with the torque converter and valve body, can also be costly. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drains and COMAND system malfunctions, add to the potential ownership expenses. While not every GL350 will experience all of these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these common problem areas and budget accordingly for potentially expensive repairs.