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

2015–2018, SUV, hybrid, 333 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. 14 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

M271, M272, M273: a leaking camshaft adjuster magnet and oil in the wiring harness

critical

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

Cold start rattle: the chain tensioner and the camshaft adjuster drain

expensive

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.

Show the rest

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

7G-Tronic (722.9): mechatronics and conductor plate

expensive

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

Airmatic air suspension: leaking air spring, overworked compressor

expensive

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

Oil cooler seal in the V valley: the oil and the coolant mix

expensive

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.

Show the rest

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 500 e 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

Faults of this model

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

Official recall14 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 500 e 4Matic
Body
SUV
Fuel
hybrid
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2996 cc
Power
245 kW (333 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
All W166 versions

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