2015 Mercedes-Benz GL: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GL

  7.6% All 2015 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 1.2% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL 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
  8% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Suspension
  7% 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.

• 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
  5% 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 2015 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?