vinkodex.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 500 4Matic common faults.

2015–2018, SUV, petrol, 435 HP.

The fault list covers: M278DE46AL engine, MB7229, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. All are important. 35 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.

Show the rest

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

The check valve is missing from the oil supply of the timing chain tensioner. With the engine stopped the oil drains out of the passage, so at start-up the tensioner does not get pressure straight away, and over time that wears it out. On early production examples it appears from as little as 60 000 kilometres.

Show the rest

The tensioner does not hold the chain, the chain goes slack and the valve timing shifts. The symptom is a metallic rattle audible at a cold start which quietens after a few seconds. If the chain jumps, the valves and the pistons meet.

The same noise is also produced by a failure of the camshaft adjuster, and there the fault code gives the direction: P001685, P001785, P001177 and P001885 belong to it.

The repair is not an engine strip. The tensioner can be reached after the charge air cooler and the front cover have been removed, and from there two screws hold it. The prevention is fitting the check valve into the oil supply.

above 60,000 km

What to check

  • Start it cold and listen to the first seconds: a metallic rattle points here
  • Watch whether the noise quietens after a few seconds: that is typical of the tensioner
  • Have the fault codes read and look for codes P001685, P001785, P001177 and P001885
1 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.

Show the rest

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.

Show the rest

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 cylinder wall is formed by a Silitec liner: an aluminium-silicon alloy which the maker cast into the aluminium cylinder in order to reduce friction, heat and wear. This material, however, could not cope with the high temperature and the occasional detonation of this engine.

Show the rest

On a damaged liner the cylinder wall becomes scored, and from then on the piston ring no longer seals: oil consumption rises and compression falls. The same material also wore the valve guides seriously. The maker finally switched to the Nanoslide coating, precisely because of Silitec's cylinder scoring problems.

It is not the mileage that marks out the affected cars but the engine number. Into engines above 2789xx 30 266191 the maker already fitted cast-in iron liners, which means that from there on this failure mode does not exist. It is reported on examples with an engine number below that, typically above 120 000 kilometres.

The symptom is blue smoke, rising oil consumption and uneven running. The repair is machining or replacing the block, which makes this the most expensive failure on this engine.

above 120,000 km

What to check

  • Check the engine number: engines above 2789xx 30 266191 already have iron liners
  • Ask how much oil has to be topped up between changes
  • Watch the exhaust when the revs are blipped: blue smoke means oil burning
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 500 4Matic

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 recall35 recallsShow

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

Most recent: 23 December 2022

22V955000FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULEFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE23 December 2022 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. 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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V081000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARMSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM8 February 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V903000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION15 December 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.

Risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V759000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS20 October 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, and GLE 400 4MATIC vehicles manufactured October 14, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V602000SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLYSEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY15 August 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 11, 2015, to July 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.

Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash in very low temperatures, the rear head restraints may not function as intended, increasing the risk of rearseat occupant injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear head restraints, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V442000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER16 June 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V440000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWAREELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE15 June 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe vehicles manufactured December 10, 2014, to June 6, 2016. An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down was planned due to the ECO start/stop function.

Risk: If the engine shuts down unintentionally, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began August 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

15V709000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFTPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT27 October 2015 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic coupes and GLE63 AMG S 4Matic coupes manufactured December 10, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that may loosen and result in the rear drive shaft separating from the transmission or the rear axle differential.

Risk: If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00017/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00045/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits. This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0069/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to incorrect functioning of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0083/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The axle screws on the front/rear axle may not have been correctly secured which could lead to an overload on the remaining screw connections on the axle concerned. This overload may result in the rupture of the screws and under certain conditions, in loss of control over the vehicle.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0286/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The upper suspension arm may not have been correctly screwed to the stub axle, which could affect the steering.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0457/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Following the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective. This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.

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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0849/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The connectors for the transmission oil cooler hoses may not have been correctly moulded. As a consequence, the transmission oil cooler hoses may work loose while the vehicle is being driven, leading to the loss of oil in the transmission and depriving the vehicle of forward propulsion.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1385/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The sealing cap of the Active Curve System's oil reservoir does not prevent oil from leaking out. Oil may leak out and spray onto hot components. As a consequence it may ignite and lead to fire.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1519/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

There may be superfluous insulation material in the lower area of the windscreen which could damage the adhesion of the windscreen. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, the passenger airbag would not be supported by the windscreen as intended, undermining the performance of the airbag and increasing the risk of injury for 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

1 engines · 2 transmissions

M278DE46AL

320–335 kW (435–455 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 500 4Matic
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
4663 cc
Power
320 kW (435 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2015–2018

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