2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
CRITICAL
AIRMATIC air suspension compressor failure
CRITICAL
Air spring leaks causing uneven ride height
CRITICAL
7G-Tronic transmission conductor plate faults
MODERATE
Transfer case oil seal leaks
MODERATE
GLS63 M157 oil leaks from cam covers and front cover
MODERATE
Third-row seat power fold motor failure
What to Inspect
- Check all four air suspension corners for height consistency
- Verify third-row seat power fold motor operates correctly
- Scan transmission for conductor plate error codes
- Inspect GLS63 engine for oil seeps under hood
- Check transfer case for oil leaks
- Pull complete multi-module fault scan
Expected Maintenance Costs
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Service A (oil & filter) | every 10,000 miles | $350-$500 |
| Service B (full inspection) | every 20,000 miles | $750-$1,100 |
| Air spring replacement (each) | as needed | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Transmission conductor plate | as needed | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Brake pads and rotors (front) | every 25,000-35,000 miles | $900-$1,400 |
| Third-row seat power fold motor | as needed | $500-$1,000 |
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