Mercedes GL 420cdi

[355spiderguy]

hi all.

the kids are getting too big for the 'occasional' seats in the boot of the E55, so am planning on replacing it with a GL420cdi...

anyone with first hand experience on reliability, running costs etc would be greatly appreciated.

also, any input on fitting a Brabus chip or similar to a cdi would also be appreciated.

thanks in advance.

[T5R+]

Looking at similar. If not already done so, drive one first.

Running costs are high but then no higher than a E55.

Assume that you are going pre-owned as it is 420. There are some out there that were "chipped" from new. Have put my current search on hold as the snow/winter has forced prices up.

Personally, I think the best selection is within the dealer network. Some indies have silly prices on their stock.

Seem to eat tyres is a comment that I have heard.

[steve_amv8]

I've got a 320CDI (with Brabus chip from new) with the optional 20" rims ... very reliable, comfortable and superb build quality. The interior just feels so much better than any of the E-class courtesy cars I've had when it gets serviced. One review described it as an S-class in waders! It's also quite a rare car in the UK - MB only have 20 used cars on their system and most of those are 320CDIs.

The tyre comment is true - The used to come with Michelins on and mine would wear the centre third of each tyre to below the limit whilst the rest would have 5mm on! It is a known issue on the GL but I've noticed far less wear since switching to the correct Continental tyre, with tyre wear appearing to be far more consistent.

Ours has proved to be a great car, particularly in the winter on a set of 19" rims with Pirelli Scorpion Snow+Ice (we are in the Lincolnshire wolds).

Worth noting the Brabus chip can be supplied by MB UK and doesn't affect the warranty (on new cars, not sure about used).

Edited by steve_amv8 on Monday 3rd January 16:15