2006 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Mercedes-Benz GL first registered in 2006 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 264 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 264 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension28% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks22% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions6% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz GL compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 151 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 666 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 1,897 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 1,597 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 1,509 | Tyres 25% |
| 2012 | 285 | Brakes 26% |
| 2011 | 805 | Brakes 30% |
| 2010 | 584 | Brakes 33% |
| 2009 | 531 | Brakes 32% |
| 2008 | 728 | Brakes 43% |
| 2007 | 1,375 | Brakes 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz GL cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score