Used Mercedes-Benz GL320

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz GL320

From 2 video reviews, 2 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The GL offers a comfortable, composed ride and confident stability; its air suspension absorbs rough surfaces well, while the large SUV does not feel cumbersome.[2][4][5]
• The seven-seat cabin is spacious, and a 2008 test measured 83.3 cu ft of cargo room with the seats folded. The two tests differ on whether the third row suits adults.[4][5]
• The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel pulls strongly from low revs: both tests cite 398 lb-ft of torque, with smooth delivery and easy acceleration of the heavy vehicle.[4][5]
• Economy varied by test method: the 2008 GL320 CDI returned 23.8 US mpg in one test and 11.1 L/100 km in mixed driving in another.[4][5]

Typical faults

• Early 2006–2007 GLs are reported to suffer balance-shaft and timing-chain defects causing failures or uneven running; the article reports no such issue from 2008 onward.[3]one source

  2006–2007

• A 2007 GL320 owner reported a blocked particulate filter, loss of power and a Check Engine warning. The article schedules filter replacement at 200,000 km.[1][3]

  2007–2007 · 3.0 V6 diesel

• Beyond roughly 200,000–250,000 km, turbo-controller failure is reported: power disappears under acceleration and Check Engine illuminates, while restarting temporarily clears the symptoms.[3]one source

  200 000+ km

• On one 2007 GL320, a broken exhaust-manifold fragment damaged the turbo blades and sealing ring, causing loss of power and eventually leaving the vehicle unable to drive.[1]one source

  2007–2007 · 3.0 V6 diesel

• Mostly on 2006–2008 automatics, knocks and jerky shifts are reported; repair may require the transmission valve body with its control unit or the electronic controller alone.[3]one source

  2006–2008

• Front air struts generally last at least 120,000 km, but the lack of a dust boot lets dirt and winter chemicals damage them; rear air-bag replacement is also reported.[3]one source

  120 000+ km

• Rear-lamp contact tracks can burn out, intermittently disabling the brake-light bulbs and transferring the signal to the position lamps; the contact board must be replaced.[3]one source

Which engine and version to take

• Prefer a 2008-or-later 3.0 V6 CDI: both GL320 tests praise its torque and economy, while the source reports that the early balance-shaft and chain issue was no longer seen from 2008.[3][4][5]

What to avoid

• Avoid 2006–2007 cars without convincing evidence of balance-shaft and timing-chain condition or repair, as substantial failure statistics are reported for these years.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a 2006–2007 car, check for smooth engine operation and records for the balance shaft and timing chain; the source explicitly recommends careful selection and professional history checks.[3]one source
• Accelerate firmly on the test drive: if power disappears or Check Engine appears and restarting temporarily restores normal operation, inspect the turbo and its controller.[1][3]
• Run diesel diagnostics and establish the particulate-filter history: blockage caused power loss on one 2007 GL320, and forced regeneration did not resolve it.[1]one source
• Recheck the oil level before and after the test drive: the owner of the troubled 2007 car observed large, fluctuating readings above the dipstick mark.[1]one source
• Test the automatic in town and at steady speed, watching for knocks or jerks; on 2006–2008 cars these are linked to the valve body or transmission electronics.[3]one source
• Check the air suspension through every height setting and inspect the front struts and rear air bags closely; the front struts are vulnerable to dirt and road chemicals.[3]one source
• Check every brake light: burned contact tracks can disable bulbs intermittently, so a brief static check may miss the fault.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]mbclub.ru — Постоянные проблемы с Мерседес GL320 2007г · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Mercedes GL atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]4x4.media — Mercedes-Benz GL есть слабые места · press
4. [4]Hondata97 — Motorweek 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI Diesel Road Test · ▶ video
5. [5]Driving Television — 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL320 · ▶ video

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