Owning a luxury vehicle often comes with the expectation of superior reliability and a premium driving experience. However, for some, the reality can be starkly different. This is the story of an owner’s deeply frustrating experience with a 2008 Mercedes Benz Gl450, purchased with relatively low mileage, that quickly devolved into a cascade of costly repairs and disappointments.
Purchased two years ago from a reputable Santa Monica Mercedes Benz dealership with only 32,000 miles on the clock, this 2008 GL450 has since accumulated 106,000 miles and, according to the owner, has been nothing short of a financial and emotional drain. The litany of issues reported paints a concerning picture of long-term reliability for this particular model year.
Air Suspension Nightmares
One of the most prominent and recurring problems has been with the air suspension system, a feature often lauded for its comfort and ride quality in luxury SUVs like the GL450. However, in this case, it has proven to be a major Achilles’ heel. The owner reports that every air shock, except for one, has failed and required replacement. While some of these repairs were handled by the dealership, the sheer number of failures points to a potential systemic issue with the air suspension components in the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450. Adding insult to injury, the air compressor, another critical part of the system, also succumbed to failure and needed dealer intervention.
Steering and Mechanical Concerns
Beyond the air suspension woes, the steering system also presented significant problems. A leaking steering rack necessitated a complete replacement, adding another substantial expense to the ownership experience. Furthermore, issues with cam plugs were also encountered, suggesting potential oil leaks and further maintenance needs. These mechanical failures raise questions about the durability of key components in the 2008 GL450, particularly as mileage accumulates.
Electrical and Battery Issues
Electrical gremlins and battery problems further compounded the owner’s frustration. The narrative highlights an unusually challenging battery replacement, even for someone with mechanical expertise. The corrosion described as a “chia pet” by the dealer suggests potential design flaws or premature wear in the battery compartment or electrical system. The high replacement cost quoted by the dealer for the battery, nearly $500, further adds to the financial burden and reinforces the perception of expensive maintenance associated with the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450.
Drive-by-Wire Throttle Lag and Performance
Performance concerns were also raised, specifically regarding the throttle response of the 2008 GL450’s drive-by-wire system. The owner describes a noticeable lag between flooring the accelerator and the vehicle responding, which can be disconcerting, especially in situations requiring quick acceleration for safety. This delay in throttle response detracts from the expected driving experience and could be a point of concern for potential buyers prioritizing responsive performance.
Interior and Feature Failures
The problems weren’t limited to mechanical and electrical systems. Interior features also exhibited failures. The rear DVD player malfunctioned and required dealer repair. The third-row seat locking mechanism also failed, necessitating further dealership intervention. These issues, while perhaps less critical than suspension or steering failures, contribute to a sense of diminishing quality and reliability in the overall ownership experience of the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450.
Comfort and Convenience Quirks
Even comfort features like the driver’s seat heater proved unreliable, working intermittently and emitting a burning smell when malfunctioning. The exorbitant $2,000+ quote for seat replacement from the dealer for this issue further exemplifies the high cost of repairs and the owner’s growing dissatisfaction. Additionally, widespread peeling of window moldings, despite some previous replacements by the dealer, points to potential quality issues with trim materials used in the 2008 GL450.
Tire and Headlight Expenses
Routine maintenance items also became sources of frustration. The owner laments the high cost and short lifespan of tires for the factory wheels, indicating potentially expensive recurring expenses. Frequent headlight bulb failures were also reported, adding to the list of minor but irritating problems.
Dealership Perspective and Mileage Misconceptions
Perhaps most disheartening was the dealership’s apparent dismissal of the owner’s concerns based on mileage. Being told that 100,000 miles is “a lot” for a Mercedes Benz, especially a vehicle barely five years old at the time of reaching that mileage, was clearly unacceptable to the owner. This perspective clashes sharply with the expectation of longevity and durability associated with luxury brands and modern vehicles in general. The comparison to Honda and Toyota vehicles “just getting their legs under them at 100k” highlights the owner’s frustration with the perceived premature decline of their 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Luxury Vehicle Reliability?
This owner’s experience with a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 serves as a cautionary tale. While not every owner will encounter this exact combination or severity of problems, the sheer volume and variety of issues reported – from air suspension and steering to electrical and interior failures – raise serious questions about the long-term reliability of this particular model year. The high cost of repairs, coupled with the perceived lack of dealer support regarding mileage expectations, has understandably led this owner to declare “Last Benz I will EVER OWN!”. For potential buyers considering a used 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450, this account underscores the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections, careful consideration of potential maintenance costs, and realistic expectations regarding the long-term reliability of luxury SUVs, even from prestigious brands.
