2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GL

  8.4% All 2014 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Engine warning light2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GL

  3.6% All 2014 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Lights and electrics
  7% 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 leaks
  6% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?