general problems of the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450

This vehicle, and all others mercedes-benz manufactures with an automatic transmission shift selector of this type need an added safety feature to disallow a shift from the neutral position to reverse or drive unless the brake pedal is depressed. After reaching over from the exterior of the drivers side window to turn the ignition to the on position to see which headlight was not functioning (as the display message stated), a slight apparent touch upward against the shift selector (located above the key and behind the steering wheel) engaged the vehicle in the reverse position causing the vehicle to reverse at approximately 5 mph for 15 feet and come to a crashing stop against an anchored metal post and fortunately not into any other vehicles, oncoming traffic, structures, and/or another individual. I sustained a minor injury to my left forearm as I unsuccessfully attempted to reach back over while the vehicle was in the reverse motion to turn the vehicle to the off position.

Vehicle was parked in a parking lot. When we inserted the key in ignition; vehicle started to move forward itself. Luckily, there were not any cars in the front and we were able to stop the vehicle with foot brake.

We have taken this vehicle to the dealer service numerous time complaining some weird noise coming from the left front side of the vehicle and a bumpy ride. Left vehicle with dealer service at least 8 times for the same problem but never fixed. Right before my warranty expired in December 2012; I took it back to the dealer for the same issue and asked them to completely inspect the vehicle for any problems needing repair before the warranty expires. The dealer service found no issues and were not able to resolve the issue of bumpy ride; asked us to replace tires (we were told the same 3 times previously and we replaced tires each time but never fixed the problem) and we replace all four tires the fourth time in 4 years. Picked up the car and noticed no of the issues were resolved; and the warranty eventually expired. Took it back to the dealer for maintenance and they gave mean an estimate of around $1800 for bad left-front strut. They advised me that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle is still at the dealer workshop.