Thanks for the comprehensive review. I have an 08 GL550 white/black leather. I do have a power steering leak, possible steering rack issue. I did change the factory 21’s to 20 inch Mandrus Mannheim wheels with 285/50/20 Michelin tires and the ride has improved and they are wearing better. My vehicle has about 197k miles and I have owned for about 5 years. Replaced the airbags and air pump. As you notes, exceptional vehicle as a great value. The engine is smooth and powerful. Appreciate the review.
@@chrisstrazzulla8962 interesting I’ve been researching wheel/tire options to get more sidewall. Will look into this thanks! Just uploaded a vid on my new ‘11 GL
Went from a 08 450 to an 08 550... Made the switch after watching your reviews. You made me a believer. Even with the maintenance I feel it's worth it. Will definitely be going with the Chinese tires.
Hell yeah! Warning these Chinese tires gave me a shake on the highway. Not sure if they didn’t balance them or it was just the quality of the tire. I upgraded to a silver 2011 550 look out for a new vid soon
I have had three Mercedes gl a 2007 gl450 brought brand new in 07 and then 2013 gl550 bought it brand new then bought a 2008 gl550 2 years ago and I loved it great bang for your buck and I miss it trying to find another one again the 550 is the one to get
Im in Australia, we have Toyota Landcruisers everywhere, highly regarded and extremely overpriced 2nd hand. Bought the GL500 (same as GL550) simply as engine seems not to over engineered. A 1 owner in excellent condition a quarter the price of landcruiser. Has been reliable, tows well, beautifully made, nappa leather, air suspension is ordinary as unreliable have had to replace. Arnott over here doesnt offer lifetime warranty (very poor Arnott), would be great if a top quality coil suspension to replace. Great car otherwise
what did you pay for it if you dont mind me asking? i wonder why they burn through tires so often? how many miles did you get out of the other set? how much were the chinese tires? im looking into getting a 550 myself as they seem pretty decent and i really like they actually have power. also curious how is it on gas? what do you get city and highway?
I paid 8500$ for this one, recently got a new 2011 550 for 10k much cleaner. Chinese tires gave me a shake on the highway after all. I do drive a lot but they are notorious for going through tires quickly. Average 16mpg
It’s a great car don’t get me wrong drives like a beast and looks amazing! But the air suspension speaking form experience can be hell. 🤣 The n/a engine is great but the newer 4.6 has a lot better cooling and performance. It’s really hit or miss with this gen. Our 2009 always leaned to one sided Mercedes could never figure out why. Our 2020 450 and 2018 gls 550 suspension is a massive advance.
But the 4.6 has the cylinder lining issues, coolant hoses problems and MUCH less room to work on the engine. Compare spark plug replacement on both of them for example
I have a couple of questions. What is the cut out in the rear bumper right hand side? You said you had to put two sets of tires on the vehicle. Are you really driving this thing aggressively that would cause you to go through the tires quickly? When you did the brakes I had seen a video stating that you need to do place the rotors at the same time because of the way the brake pads are set up. Is that true?
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I have an 08 GL550 white/black leather. I do have a power steering leak, possible steering rack issue. I did change the factory 21’s to 20 inch Mandrus Mannheim wheels with 285/50/20 Michelin tires and the ride has improved and they are wearing better. My vehicle has about 197k miles and I have owned for about 5 years. Replaced the airbags and air pump. As you notes, exceptional vehicle as a great value. The engine is smooth and powerful. Appreciate the review.
@@chrisstrazzulla8962 interesting I’ve been researching wheel/tire options to get more sidewall. Will look into this thanks! Just uploaded a vid on my new ‘11 GL
Went from a 08 450 to an 08 550... Made the switch after watching your reviews. You made me a believer. Even with the maintenance I feel it's worth it. Will definitely be going with the Chinese tires.
Hell yeah! Warning these Chinese tires gave me a shake on the highway. Not sure if they didn’t balance them or it was just the quality of the tire. I upgraded to a silver 2011 550 look out for a new vid soon
The button at 8:20 will hold the cars position on a slope. Instead of having to balance between the throttle and brake, it holds the brake for you.
I have had three Mercedes gl a 2007 gl450 brought brand new in 07 and then 2013 gl550 bought it brand new then bought a 2008 gl550 2 years ago and I loved it great bang for your buck and I miss it trying to find another one again the 550 is the one to get
Mercedes uses 7 speed transmissions (7G-tronic) on GL :)
Im in Australia, we have Toyota Landcruisers everywhere, highly regarded and extremely overpriced 2nd hand. Bought the GL500 (same as GL550) simply as engine seems not to over engineered. A 1 owner in excellent condition a quarter the price of landcruiser. Has been reliable, tows well, beautifully made, nappa leather, air suspension is ordinary as unreliable have had to replace. Arnott over here doesnt offer lifetime warranty (very poor Arnott), would be great if a top quality coil suspension to replace. Great car otherwise
What's petrol do you think is best for this 5.5 in Australia?
I have GL 420 diesel. In Europe it is more common to buy diesel. Mine is golden with black interior. So far a beast!
I have the 2015 GL550 and learning still. Seems to be a bit louder than normal. I love it truly but gotta work it out! Suggestions??
Im in thst same model xactly... been fun so far!
What about the 2018 GLS450 issues ? Any thoughts
what did you pay for it if you dont mind me asking? i wonder why they burn through tires so often? how many miles did you get out of the other set? how much were the chinese tires? im looking into getting a 550 myself as they seem pretty decent and i really like they actually have power. also curious how is it on gas? what do you get city and highway?
That’s crazy two set of tires in a year. He can’t explain that I’m sure. He must work in another state to be driving like that
I paid 8500$ for this one, recently got a new 2011 550 for 10k much cleaner. Chinese tires gave me a shake on the highway after all. I do drive a lot but they are notorious for going through tires quickly. Average 16mpg
It’s a great car don’t get me wrong drives like a beast and looks amazing! But the air suspension speaking form experience can be hell. 🤣 The n/a engine is great but the newer 4.6 has a lot better cooling and performance. It’s really hit or miss with this gen. Our 2009 always leaned to one sided Mercedes could never figure out why. Our 2020 450 and 2018 gls 550 suspension is a massive advance.
But the 4.6 has the cylinder lining issues, coolant hoses problems and MUCH less room to work on the engine. Compare spark plug replacement on both of them for example
Thing absolutely steam rolls grills
I have a couple of questions. What is the cut out in the rear bumper right hand side?
You said you had to put two sets of tires on the vehicle. Are you really driving this thing aggressively that would cause you to go through the tires quickly?
When you did the brakes I had seen a video stating that you need to do place the rotors at the same time because of the way the brake pads are set up. Is that true?
The ghetto WTF nobody in the Ghetto has one