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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 63 AMG common faults.

2015–2019, SUV, petrol, 585 HP.

The fault list covers: M157DE55AL engine, MB7229 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

4 fault write-ups. All are important. 24 recalls.

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

Before you buy

Known faults

4 important faults

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 cylinder wall is formed by a Silitec liner: a silicon-carbide aluminium surface that is hard and conducts heat well. This material, however, does not cope well with high temperature and occasional detonation, and the cylinder wall becomes scored as a result. The maker finally switched to the Nanoslide coating precisely because of Silitec's cylinder scoring problems.

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On a damaged wall the piston ring does not seal, so oil gets into the combustion chamber: oil consumption rises and compression falls. The wear is reported from 120 000 kilometres, and it is faster the more the engine is run under high load.

The symptom is rising oil consumption and blue smoke under load. The repair involves opening up the engine, because the pistons have to come out to change the rings, and if the wall is already scored, changing the rings alone is not enough.

At a purchase the oil consumption is the measurable sign: ask how much has to be topped up between changes, and ask for a compression or leak-down test.

above 120,000 km

What to check

  • Ask how much oil has to be topped up between changes
  • Watch the exhaust under load: blue smoke means oil burning
  • Ask for a compression or leak-down test: the wear is measurable here
2 more steps in the write-up

At a cold start a rattle comes from the top of the engine, and it is loudest when the car has stood for hours. The cause is the secondary timing chains slapping until the oil pressure builds up in the tensioner system.

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It is not the mileage that marks out the affected cars but the engine number. The maker issued a service document for this in June 2013, and in it the examples with an engine number below 157 9xx 60 022333 are the affected ones; that runs up to production in December 2012. The engines built after that already received the revised parts.

The repair is a revised secondary chain tensioner, and with it a check valve in the oil supply passage: that holds the pressure with the engine stopped, so the tensioner gets oil sooner at start-up. The engine does not have to come out, but the work takes more than a day and costs between 3000 and 4000 pounds. On some cars the maker carried it out under warranty.

According to owners the rattle was not followed by engine damage, and there were cases where it did not get louder in six years. That does not change the fact that the revised part is the right direction, and at a purchase the question is simple: is there an invoice for it.

What to check

  • Start it cold and stand next to the car: the rattle is audible from outside, perhaps not from the driver's seat
  • Ask when it last stood for hours: that is when it is loudest
  • Check the engine number: the examples below 157 9xx 60 022333 are the affected ones
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 63 AMG

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 recall24 recallsShow

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

Most recent: 16 August 2018

18V539000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC16 August 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may not have been correctly coated, causing gas to become temporarily released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reducing braking performance.

Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080013.

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

18V272000SUSPENSION:FRONTSUSPENSION:FRONT27 April 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

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

17V655000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE17 October 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the full protective function of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters will be mailed in December 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available in late January 2018. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018020002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

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

17V077000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES8 February 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE 400 4Matic, GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 350, GLE 550E 4Matic, GLE 63 AMG, GLE 63S AMG, GLE 43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE 63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLS 450 4Matic, GLS 550 4Matic, and GLS 63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. In certain types of crash events, the center console may unlatch, allowing the objects within to fly around the cabin. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Risk: In the event of a crash, if objects are not secured within the center console, they may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the center console so that it remains latched in a crash, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2017. 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

A12/00546/21Safety 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

A12/0069/17Safety 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

A12/00747/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The welds on the rear cross-beam may not be sufficiently strong and could break. As a result, the cross-beam may become detached from the vehicle during a towing operation, 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

A12/00754/22Safety 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

A12/00968/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged. This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the 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): Importer 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

A12/01104/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The piston bar seal on the shock absorbers does not meet the durability requirements. This can result in tilting of the vehicle with full load when cornering, 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

A12/01178/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The ESP control unit software does not comply with the specifications and may not be able to adapt to the type of brakes installed. This can cause the ESP system to be unable to respond as intended to a possible drift of the yaw rate sensor or to a failure of the brake vacuum supply. As a result, the ESP intervention may be inappropriate to the driving situation, 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

A12/01338/20Safety 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

A12/01557/21Safety 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

A12/01743/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The locking mechanism of the third row of seats may malfunction, which increases the risk of injury in the event 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

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

A12/1385/18Safety 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

A12/1448/18Safety 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

A12/1519/17Safety 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

M157DE55AL

395–430 kW (537–585 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.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
GLS 63 AMG
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
5461 cc
Power
430 kW (585 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2015–2019

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