Purchasing a used 2010/ 2011 G350 Bluetec - Engine Issues
As part of a regular service, Mercedes is fitting free of charge an enlarged 14l oil sump and amended crankshaft bearings on my car. The issue was mentioned by Pistonhead last June in the thread: “News! basically, a forum filler” and appears to be specific to 2010/ 2011 G350 Bluetecs which were delivered with a oil sump capacity of 9l. The oil caused by the Bluetec technology can thicken leading to insufficient oil supply for the crankshaft which might damage the crankshaft and in extreme cases the engine. Mercedes has issued detailed instructions for the mechanics how to proceed and the exercise will take more than two weeks.
Stating the obvious, everybody interested in buying a used 2010/ 2011 G350 should a) investigate whether the car was delivered with a 9l or 14l oil sump and b) if originally a 9l make sure that the new oil sump and crankshaft bearings have been fitted and should establish the mileage between services before the larger oil sump was fitted.
This issue may be more than just a sump and bearings replaced. I am aware of 3 AGOA members now that have had the entire engine replaced. There is also modification to the steering links for RHD's to accommodate the larger sump. One member had the Service Measure completed and then a couple of months later 'lost' number 5 piston and had to have the entire engine replaced.
If I were buying second hand I would be making sure that I bought from a dealer and negotiated an extended warranty. There is plenty on this issue on the AGOA forum or the SA Forum
The vehicle itself is very good and our owners are generally very happy with them although there have been other issues with Bluetec sensors and the like.
John
Do we know if this problem retaliates to the 350/ Diesels only?
Would be a crying shame to spend £130K on an AMG only to have the same problem. I understand that the sensors in the exhaust keep going wrong as well. Anyone care to comment?
Many thanks for the warning though!
Spider1V
I understand that the sensors in the exhaust keep going wrong as well. Anyone care to comment?
Spider1V
... Sensors and electronics (in general) suck?
Hi
Come drive my 463 with my transplant motor. Its better on fuel and goes so well and is simple to maintain and bulletproof. < Or should be lol
Saying that if i could afford a later g wagon i would suffer the few faults to be so exclusive and cool
Mercedes will honour any claims even if its not serviced by them. If its a known fault just push them a bit
They did my 7 year old sprinter 316 for free so i cant complain and it took no complaining to get it fixed
I am private and had the van as a motorhome but it had done low miles
Even so it was a known fault and it would of cost 2367.96 to have it fixed
Thats why i stay with mercedes or bmw. If you pressure them they come good
My G350 has been excellent and after 20,000 miles and over two years, I have had little to complain out. I have had a couple of small issues (parking sensor and leaking pipe on the A/C) but all in all, it has provided me with trouble free use. Feels as rapid as my old G500 but is able to pass petrol stations without having to stop at each one ;)
The only downside has been dealing with Mercedes Benz World, who have re-written the book on poor customer service. Just when you think they couldn't get worse, they manage to prove you wrong. I would imagine they manage to put a lot of new owners of from ever buying another Mercedes.
Do we know if this problem retaliates to the 350/ Diesels only?
Would be a crying shame to spend £130K on an AMG only to have the same problem. I understand that the sensors in the exhaust keep going wrong as well. Anyone care to comment?
Many thanks for the warning though!
Spider1V
it appears to be a Bluetec specific issue and yes, the air sensor is being replaced as well.