2012 Mercedes-Benz GL: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks2.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GL

  17.2% All 2012 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GL

  10.9% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  26% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Suspension
  13% 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 electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?