The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M273KE46, M273KE55.
Repair: from 31 EUR
vinkodex.Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164 common faults.
2006–2012. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
M 93 / Attribution
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
critical3
On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out early.
Applies to the engine M273KE46, M273KE55.
The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage.
Applies to the engine OM642DE30LA, OM642LSDE30LA.
expensive5
In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.
Applies to the transmission MB7229.
The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers.
It can affect every car in this generation.
The oil cooler sits in the V valley between the two cylinder banks, and its seal hardens from the heat.
Applies to the engine M273KE46, M273KE55.
The rocker cover gasket goes porous from 130,000 kilometres and oil leaks along the edge of the cover.
Applies to the engine M273KE46, M273KE55.
The maker issued recalls and voluntary service actions for the six cylinder OM642 diesel, aimed at defeat devices (Abschalteinrichtungen) in the engine control software.
Applies to the engine OM642DE30LA, OM642LSDE30LA.
4 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
Official recall2 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
A12/1385/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe sealing cap of the Active Curve System's oil reservoir does not prevent oil from leaking out. Oil may leak out and spray onto hot components. As a consequence it may ignite and lead to fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
X164 · 2006–2012
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
8 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642DE30LA · MB7229
GL 350 CDI BlueTec 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 350 CDI BlueTec 4Matic
211 HPdiesel · automaticSUV3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642DE30LA · MB7229
GL 320 CDI 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 320 CDI 4Matic
224 HPdiesel · automaticSUV3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642DE30LA · MB7229
GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4Matic
224 HPdiesel · automaticSUV3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4Matic
265 HPdiesel · automaticSUV4.0 l · 3996 cm³
OM629DE40LA · MB7229
GL 420 CDI 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 420 CDI 4Matic
306 HPdiesel · automaticSUV4.0 l · 3996 cm³
OM629DE40LA · MB7229
GL 450 CDI 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 450 CDI 4Matic
306 HPdiesel · automaticSUV4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M273KE46 · MB7229
GL 450 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 450 4Matic
340 HPpetrol · automaticSUV5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M273KE55 · MB7229
GL 500 4Matic
2006–2012 · GL 500 4Matic
388 HPpetrol · automaticSUV
Neighbouring generations
X164 · 2006–2012
X164 (2006-2012). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Previous generation
This is the earliest.
This generation
X164 · 2006–2012
Next generation
X166 · 2012–2016Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2006–2012. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.