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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé common faults.

2015–2020, SUV, petrol, 367 HP.

The fault list covers: M276DE30AL engine, MB7229, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. All are important. 17 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

5 important faults

critical1

The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak. The maker's own bulletin names two places: if the leak is between the solenoid and the cylinder head, the sealing ring has to be replaced, and if it comes through the electrical connector, then the solenoid itself.

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The more serious trouble is at the connector. Through it the engine oil gets into the engine wiring harness and travels under the insulation by capillary action, so it reaches the engine control unit and other important parts as well. The loss of the control unit is the end of that road, and serious engine damage can follow; alongside the contaminated harness the most varied fault messages can appear. Cases have been reported where the oil ran out of the connector, and the consequential damage after that was already large.

The check is simple: the connector of the solenoid has to be taken off and looked at to see whether it is oily. In the fault memory a faulty solenoid gives one of the codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275 and 0276. One thing is worth knowing: according to the maker only the solenoid that has a corresponding code has to be replaced, so if a workshop has changed all four of them alongside two codes, that is worth asking about.

The engine number decides what is in the car. Above engine number 2729..30 759427 (M272) and 2739..30 193592 (M273) the maker already fitted the improved solenoid, under part number A272 051 01 77. The oil-leaking solenoid is a problem on engine numbers below 2729..30 895140 and 2739..30 236360.

The prevention is the oil stop cable, which has to be fitted between the solenoid and the harness: the two wires contain a sealed copper sleeve covered with heat-shrink tubing, and that stops the oil from travelling further. It is available from the factory and is not expensive: the two solenoids were around 33 euros and the two oil stop cables around 31 euros, while replacing the control unit is a four-figure sum.

between 90,000 and 130,000 kmfrom 31 EUR

What to check

  • Ask whether an oil stop cable has been fitted between the camshaft solenoids and the harness
  • Ask for a check: taking the connector off the solenoid shows whether it is oily
  • Read the fault memory and look for codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275 and 0276
3 more steps in the write-up

expensive4

At a cold start a brief, metallic rattle comes from the front of the engine, and it has two causes. With the engine stopped the oil drains out of the passages of the timing chain tensioner, so at start-up the tensioner begins dry, and until the pressure builds back up the chain rattles. The camshaft adjuster rattles for the same reason.

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The rattle lasts one to two seconds and then goes quiet, and that length is exactly what matters. A rattle of a couple of seconds points to the tensioner and the adjuster, not to a chain that has jumped. The control unit logs a code to match: a timing deviation, not a jumped chain.

It is not only the mileage that marks out the affected cars. The maker issued a service document for this in June 2013, and in it the examples with an engine number below 276 8xx 30 001281 or 276 9xx 30 406603 are the affected ones; that runs up to production in February 2013. The fault is also reported between 60 000 and 100 000 miles, that is between roughly 96 000 and 160 000 kilometres. Repairing the chain tensioner costs between 900 and 1300 pounds and the camshaft adjuster between 700 and 1100 pounds, and long cranking and misfires belong to the second job as well.

If it is left like this, the timing fault codes become permanent, the idle turns uneven, power drops and the repair grows larger. The diagnosis runs on live data: the workshop reads the real timing angle and looks at the freeze frame of the fault code.

between 96,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Start it cold and time how long the rattle lasts: one to two seconds points to the tensioner and the adjuster
  • Check the engine number: the examples below 276 8xx 30 001281 and 276 9xx 30 406603 are the affected ones
  • If the knock lasts for minutes and fades as it warms, it is not this but cylinder bore wear
4 more steps in the write-up

In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.

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The repair is typically replacing the mechatronics unit or the conductor plate together with an oil change: not the whole gearbox. The complaint is most common on the longitudinal platforms from around 2005 to 2015 (C/E/ML and the early GLC).

The 9G-Tronic (725.0) is a different design; this applies only to the 7G.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • Try it cold and warm: a delayed 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 shift is suspect
  • Watch for the gearbox warning or the "Getriebe schützen" message on the dash
  • Ask for a fault code read on the gearbox controller (not just the engine codes)
1 more steps in the write-up

The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers. The most common faults over time are the relay, the compressor and a leaking air spring or air line.

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The rear air springs of the 2003 to 2009 E-Class (W211) are particularly prone to leaking along the clamps. If the system leaks, the compressor runs continuously, overheats and fails, so an unrepaired leak takes the compressor with it.

Symptoms: one corner of the car sinks by morning, an "Air Suspension" or level control fault message, and compressor noise while standing. It was an option (or standard) across several generations from the W220 S-Class onwards; the estate E-Class often has air springs with level control on the rear axle as standard.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • In the morning, before setting off, look at all four corners: an uneven stance means a suspected leak
  • With the car standing, listen to the compressor: continuous running indicates it is overworked
  • Ask for a fault code read on the suspension controller (level and pressure sensor codes of the C1132 / C1144 kind)
3 more steps in the write-up

The oil cooler sits in the V valley between the cylinder banks, under the intake manifold, where the oil circuit and the coolant circuit meet. Its seal ages, and from then on it leaks along two paths. Outwards the oil collects in the V valley, runs down and leaves traces on top of the engine and around the intake manifold, so for a long time all that shows of it is that the oil level falls. Inwards the two fluids mix into each other.

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The signs of the mixing are clearly visible. A mayonnaise-like, frothy deposit appears on the oil filler cap and on the dipstick, an oily film settles in the expansion tank, and the coolant level falls with no external leak. White smoke from the exhaust can come with it, overheating without any visible loss of fluid, and uneven running.

Once the seal has started, the leak accelerates. A few weeks of inattention is the difference between a seal replacement and a rebuild with connecting rod bearings, because oil diluted with coolant does not lubricate the bearing.

The repair costs between 1700 and 3800 euros and is a one to two day job: the cooler can only be reached after the intake manifold has been removed and the engine partly disassembled. The labour makes up the price, not the part.

1,700–3,800 EUR

What to check

  • Unscrew the oil filler cap and pull the dipstick: a mayonnaise-like, frothy deposit means mixing
  • Look into the coolant expansion tank: an oily film on the top belongs here
  • Ask how much coolant has to be topped up: loss with no external leak gives it away
3 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall17 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 26 February 2021

21V123000TIRESTIRES26 February 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE43 AMG, and GLE400 vehicles equipped with Continental tires. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030008.

The authority's notice

18V512000VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3 August 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, and GLE43 AMG vehicles. During manufacturing, components of the panoramic sunroof may have been installed with a bonding primer that was incorrectly made, possibly affecting the long-term adhesion to the vehicle.

Risk: If the front cover and/or rear fixed glass are not properly adhered, they may detach, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 7, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080006.

The authority's notice

A12/00214/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to insufficient padding, passengers may not be made aware that the headrest on the third row of seats is not in the correct position. Furthermore, the catch groove on the headrest rod might be missing. As a result, the protective function of the headrest cannot be guaranteed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00546/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The surface of the instrument panel might not be adequately bonded to the base support. As a result, the opening behaviour of the passenger airbag could be impaired, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00563/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The tyre carcass could be damaged. As a result, tyre-pressure loss could occur or the tread could become partially or completely detached. This could increase the risk of accident or injury.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00700/23Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The air conditioner may be faulty, which can lead to short circuits and/or fire. The automatic emergency call (eCall) may fail and the vehicle may not unlock and/or start. The emergency engine operation mode can be activated while driving. These errors create risks of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00745/21Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The condensed water drainage hose of the air-conditioning system may not be properly fitted and could spontaneously detach. Consequently, condensation water could enter the passenger compartment and corrode electrical components, which could lead to short-circuits increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, this corrosion might cause different electrical systems to malfunction, increasing the risk of accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00754/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The bolt for the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat may have been secured with insufficient torque. As a result, the electrical resistance of the connection could increase and the temperature may therefore rise in this area, posing a risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01338/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The windscreen may be incorrectly bonded and could become detached from the body of the car in the event of a crash. A passenger airbag being deployed in this case could not be supported by the windscreen as intended. As a result, the restraining effect of the passenger airbag could be impaired, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01532/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The belt tensioner arm may have been manufactured with a borderline tolerance, which could cause one side of the V-ribbed belt to rub against the belt tensioner, causing it to fail. As a result, the coolant pump may stop working, causing the engine to overheat, thus compromising the impermeability of the oil sump. Consequently, oil may leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01557/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In certain GLE/GLS (BR 167) and C-class vehicles, the seats might be constructed incomplete or with unintended trim, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0368/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The rear spoiler may not have been produced according to specifications. The upper part of the rear spoiler may consequently become detached and drop onto the road, posing a risk to following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1288/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A small opening may have been melted into the floor due to incorrect welding of a weld stud. Consequently, water may ingress into the right-hand side of the vehicle's interior/footwell. As a result, various electrical contacts (including for the internal combustion engine, the lighting and the windscreen wipers) could then become wet. This could affect their functioning, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1440/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The functioning of the front passenger airbag may be impaired by extreme vehicle interior temperatures (above 85°C). As a result, there might be a delay in the deployment of the front passenger airbag and/or it might not deploy completely, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1448/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The pistons on the rear axle brake callipers are inadequate. This may lead to reduced braking performance or failure of the rear brake circuit.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1513/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The drain hose of the air conditioning system may not have been correctly installed. Consequently, condensed water could enter the passenger compartment and damage or short-circuit several electric components, causing the engine to stop or run in emergency mode while driving, increasing the risk of accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1887/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The garnish moulding to the window stay bar of the rear doors may not be installed correctly. As a result, the garnish moulding could become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

1 engines · 2 transmissions

M276DE30AL

270–287 kW (367–390 HP) · petrol

MB7229 · 7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus, longitudinal (Mercedes 722.9 / NAG2)

automatic · 7 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerMercedes-Benz

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one transmission is possible. 7 gears = MB7229, 9 gears = MB7250.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2996 cc
Power
270 kW (367 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2015–2020

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms