Anyone experiencing OVERHEATING on the GLB250?

Earlier today driving long distance from SoCal to AZ while on I-40 Eastbound climbing some "hills" (not even a major grade) going around 75mph the oil temperature 🌡️ reached the RED mark during the "climb" on I-40. The "climb" was not even for like ten minutes. But I also noticed the "Charge-air Press. (TURBO psi) sustained at 15psi for about ten minutes while the oil temperature gauge reached the RED mark.

Please see attached picture.



The outside temperature reached as high as 113 degrees fahrenheit. When the above happened it was around 110 degrees fahrenheit outside. No warning lights were triggered on the dashboard display though.

As soon as I let off the gas peddle and the turbo turned off to zero psi, the oil temperature went back down a notch within about 30 seconds.

Should I be concerned?

BTW, my AC is now fixed. Chilling in the GLB even though it is like 110+ F outside. I will post detailed copy of the service paperwork with the parts replaced under warranty.

 

You were still going up an incline in pretty extreme heat with the A/C on.The new engines are already designed to run much hotter so that combined with the extreme heat you were driving in probably explains it. I've made that same drive in the summer but I always go early in the morning when it's much cooler out to avoid the heat of the day for just that reason.

 

Too HOT!!

 

You can't drive in such extreme heat, going up hills with the A/C on and expect your engine temperature to be normal. That's not going to happen.

 

I've done it many times with my Lexus RCF, LX570, RX450h, and CT200h and the temperature gauge had never gone up at all. But the RCF and LX570 has oil and transmission oil coolers. The others IDK.

 

A few years ago, we were driving our VW Tiguan in heavy traffic and extreme heat in the mountains of NC. While the coolant temperature remained “normal,” the outside temp reading kept going up, all the way to 124 degrees F. We were running the AC on full and I recall the car start to shudder when we would start to move. We shut down everything except the engine, kept driving, and the outside temp appeared to begin to “cool” back to the ambient air temp of 104 degrees F. Once we got underway at a constant speed, we turned the AC back on and everything was fine.

 

It's not worth the risk of a breakdown out in the middle of nowhere in such dangerous heat. My father was an engineer and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and that's what he taught me. Just my 2 cents.

 

Is that the engine temperature gauge or another temperature gauge? There are 2 in that screen, and one on the odometer screen. That one is the coolant though, correct? I'm assuming that is the oil temperature. What is the one to the left measuring?

 

I know what you are saying.
But there are places elsewhere in the world with even more harsh environments. Higher ambient temperatures than 114 degrees fahrenheit. I just can not even remotely think that the smart engineers at the MB HQ did not take this into consideration when designing the GLB. Meaning everytime I go up a small hill climb in 114 degrees fahrenheit ambient temperature I will have to turn off the AC or risk overheating the engine? Or some "corners" were cut in order to make the bean counters happy at the MB HQ during the final stages of designing the GLB?

 

The temperature 🌡️ gauge I was referring to is the oil temperature on the far right of the dash display. There is another temperature gauge to the left of the oil temperature gauge that displays the coolant temperature.

It is the oil temperature gauge that went to the red dot. The coolant temperature gauge stayed in the middle without any issues.

There was never any warning lights on the dashboard display immediately in front of the driver. Therefore I assumed all were STILL within operational perimeters. Meaning not overheating.

But if the oil in the GLB's engine got that hot, then I'm thinking I should change the oil more often. Every 5K miles or less?

 

You need to understand that the modern 4 cylinder engines run much hotter as they're under a much tougher load.Driving up a hill in 114 degree heat will put the engine under even more strain and make that even worse. This is why I've never made such a trip in the heat of the day because I understand the extreme stress the engine is under driving in those conditions. Make such a trip first thing in the morning when it's cooler out and you'll see a difference in the oil temperature.

 

I get it.

However, we started the trip fairly early in the morning already as we headed out "eastbound" from SoCal.
Any earlier would not be enjoyable nor convenient. The other option would be to ONLY DRIVE AT NIGHT WHEN ITS COOLER?

Since when do we have to compromise due to the "limitations" of the vehicle? We are not asking the GLB to do EXTRAORDINARY TASKS. Just simply drive up the small hills on I-40 in AZ (yes, it was some 114 degrees fahrenheit ambient temperature). Meaning we are not asking the GLB to drive up "mountains of stairs" as in the Range River Sport commercial.
Nor were we in 130 degrees fahrenheit.




I guess when it gets to 114 degrees fahrenheit outside it is no different vs 130 degrees fahrenheit for the GLB? EXCEPT most likely the GLB WILL OVERHEAT and we will be stranded in the middle of desert somewhere which is not good.

I still think having to compromise due to a vehicle's short comings when it will not be up to the simple task of driving cross country on the interstate on small hills when it's 114 degrees fahrenheit ambient temperature is just "not up to task" especially I had done it many times with another mass produced vehicle (Lexus LX570) without having the engine oil temperature gauge go up beyond the usual middle mark at all while towing a small trailer weighing about 3500 pounds (max is a little more than twice that). I know apples to oranges comparison. The common denominator I'm trying to say is both are mass produced vehicles....not some military specs built.

I feel that some corners were cut in the designing and making of the GLB.

 

You just got lucky with your Lexus. Given enough time, all vehicles will overheat in such hot conditions. My father was an engineer and taught me how to take care of a vehicle.

 

Ok. Maybe I got lucky with ALL of our Lexus vehicles which were all trouble free.

I'm hoping to get lucky with this MB GLB too. What do you think? LOL

Our previous generation LX470 (we had it for 14 years since new) with more than 280K+ miles on the ODO before trading it in for another brand new LX570. BOTH had no problems at all, ZERO!! The "LX" is based on the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser.

BTW, I did most of the routine maintenance on my vehicles.

 

Left most gauge is the engine coolant, middle not sure about, and the right most you all are saying is the engine oil temperature, correct? This is was at the end of my drive. At one point, the left one was midway, and the right one was way down, around 122, so I know they're not telling the same story. Thoughts?

 

The one I'm referring to is the one all the way to the right side of the screen. This is the oil temperature gauge. It hit the RED mark during my drive. But no warning dashboard light came on the "left screen" in front of the driver.

 

Well... I would helpfully suggest that similar to almost-anyone-going-wiggie by watching Tire-Pressure's Change during normal driving - unfortunately you have stumbled onto a new Black Hole by discovering the Oil-Temp-Readout.

I empathize - it's hard not-to-look because it's triggered a the obsession-of-a-man-who-can-think-too-much.

If there wasn't a "Red" indicator on the scale - you might have stayed sane - or if you had "interstate-semi" experience you would know this doesn't mean a "hoot".

Your GLB actually has two "temp warning triggers" - for Owner's they are outlined in your 600+ page Owner's Manual - "Coolant Temp Warning" and "Transmission Oil Temp Warning"..... best searched by downloading the Pdf version from MBUSA Owner's section and using a pdf search.

I'm regret you had a issue with your GLB-Aircon - and at least your SoCal Dealer did manage to get it sorted out (frankly SoCal dealer's invented the "couldn't care less' Service Attitude),.,,

I'm sure if you hadn't had a obsession triggered - you would have actually enjoyed your drive - the GLB rides and handles well - "steadfast" at highway speed and with highway traffic.

It's not your fault - it's senseless to have Oil Temp readout in a modern Turbo-4 - the ONLY way anything would come up is if either from the Coolant-Temp-Side or the Tranny-Fluid-Temp-Side...

Good luck shaking the "oil-temp-virus" - put it behind you and feel good about your GLB.. okay ?

 

I appreciate your inputs.

I like to have some advanced warning BEFORE some warning lights are triggered on the dashboard display. When the warning lights come on the dashboard display........it's usually TOO LATE and IMMEDIATE action is needed (or EAS NEEDED).

I still think some corners were cut in the design and build of the GLB...... The MB HQ just figured to build it to last just to the warranty's end. Versus Lexus's philosophy of "build to last". But the thing is most of the Lexus vehicles are just too boring EXCEPT for the RCF, LC500, LC Convertible, and the GSF (discontinued after 2020). I have the RCF which is a blast. On the SUV side.... The LX570 while very reliable, but very boring....it's got the old techs and unchanged since like 2007 (the current 2021 generation still got the same or or less tech since 2007). Lexus/Toyota just don't change anything if it's working....

I don't think I will keep the GLB beyond the warranty. And if I do.....I will be sure to get extended warranty.

 

I appreciate your inputs.

I like to have some advanced warning BEFORE some warning lights are triggered on the dashboard display. When the warning lights come on the dashboard display........it's usually TOO LATE and IMMEDIATE action is needed (or WAS NEEDED).

I still think some corners were cut in the design and build of the GLB...... The MB HQ just figured to build it to last just to the warranty's end. Versus Lexus's philosophy of "build to last". But the thing is most of the Lexus vehicles are just too boring EXCEPT for the RCF, LC500, LC Convertible, and the GSF (discontinued after 2020). I have the RCF which is a blast. On the SUV side.... The LX570 while very reliable, but very boring....it's got the old techs and unchanged since like 2007 (the current 2021 generation still got the same or or less tech since 2007). Lexus/Toyota just don't change anything if it's working....

I don't think I will keep the GLB beyond the warranty. And if I do.....I will be sure to get extended warranty.

Overall I'm still happy with the GLB. I know I can not compare it to our Lexus LX570 which costs 2 to 3 times more with its tricked out factory hydraulic automatic sensing/adjusting terrain responsive suspension and a naturally aspirated big V8. Also on the highway I get only around 18 mpg on the LX570 vs around low 30's mpg on the GLB (if I'm not putting the paddle to the metal). We will keep our old Lexi vehicles and give our kids the Mercedes for now to drive around. The ride in the GLB (and we have a GLA too) are not as plush vs Lexus (EXCEPT the RCF which I like).

So it's all good.

 

Not that I have a dog in the fight, but according to the owners manual page 509 it tells you what to do if the coolant warning ie idiot light comes on Also on 549 it mentions it again with something about a tone . New cars do run hotter and cars with turbo run even hotter. Turbos also increase oil temperature. On my Subaru is the trans temp light comes on the manual says to reduce the strain on the trans, ie speed . The subaru has the CVT trans, not sure what the GLB has , my ML has normal 7 or 8 speed trans.

Also, I have a war story when I used to fly KC135 in air Force which kinda confirms one of the comments above. Once a pilot thought say the throttle had move in flight, he became totally focused on it moving. Even the mechanics recognize that tendency to over focus. I could move the throttles from my position as a navigator by moving the throttle cables which were under the floor without the pilots knowing it. I would do this on long flights to new pilots . Just move one throttle slowly back maybe one inch and then watch both pilots start their fixation on did it move again . This is a normal response, but it was comical to watch.

Hope the problem is not serious, because I know I would be upset with a new car giving me problems. Good luck

 

"MB HQ just figured to build it to last just to the warranty's end.".... now that is a sad attitude..."How A Vehicle Is Built" is entirely based on how a vehicle is engineered... and just to bring you into the present - Mercedes holds more patents is automotive engineering than all the other auto manufacturers COMBINED.

Oh - and Mercedes was presenting owner's with high mileage awards over 25yrs before Lexus was even born..

Most owner's don't keep "Forever" anymore - because new technologies/features move the auto industry forward.

If you want to keep your GLB "Forever" - follow factory recommended maintenance - and when you hit 155,000 Miles - you CAN REGISTER FOR THE FIRST TIER of Mercedes Mileage Awards - which go out four more tiers to ONE MILLION MILES:

CLICK HERE MERCEDES MILEAGE AWARDS 155K - 310K - 466K - 621K - 1MILLION

Oh - and for all the folksy tales of High Mileage Lexus Owners - interestingly Lexus does NOT offer high mileage awards even though over the same mileage - Lexus will need be to SERVICED TWICE AS OFTEN AS A MERCEDES !

 

That does seem odd that Lexus doesn't offer the same high-mileage awards, especially from a brand that prides itself on reliability. I'm a former Lexus owner (LS 400) and while it was a very nice car at the time, it just felt very bland. I would think that if there are any Lexus out there with very high mileage, it would be the LS 400's.

We've owned German, Swedish, Japanese, British and American cars. None of them compare to the build quality of a German car, IMO. The key is following the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance. That said, no brand is immune from a repair here and there,

Edited to add: One design in the LS 400 that was very odd was the positioning of the power steering pump. It's right above the alternator. When the power steering pump leaks, and it will, it can potentially take out the alternator as well. So, you end up replacing two components instead of one.

 

fabbrisd1,

I believe you are trying to pass on FAKE NEWS. LOL. See my questions below.

As far as MB engineering.......I personally think that most of the MB vehicles are "OVER ENGINEERED" and more prone to issues. I really like how most of the MB vehicles drives. I have no problems owning MB or any similar European car brands, including maintenance costs. The issue for me is I rather be driving and enjoying the vehicles I buy vs constantly having to go to the car dealership to sort out issues......

Also if "price" was the ONLY issue for me, then I would have just bought a Hyundai or KIA or Nissan or anything "cheaper". So "price" is NOT the only issue for me. Bottom line......I still like the GLB very much.

I only have questions. What is your response to the following:


So Lexus (#28, Scion #29, Toyota #30) is one of the LEAST expensive to maintain. Mercedes (#2, just behind BMW #1) is one of the highest. In relative terms, Mercedes cost almost TWICE to maintain vs Lexus.

I DO NOT see Mercedes making the list of "the most reliable cars for 2020".



What is a Toyota Tundra with more than a million miles worth?
https://pressroom.toyota.com/million-mile-tundra-2016/

 

Hello all any update on this topic ? I have also the same problem with the overheating have someone check with the dealer ? Or change the oil I understand that this helps

 

Most of the responders to the Consumer Reports surveys are not engineers so they're not exactly the most reliable knowledge base. For the record both Lexus and Toyota have had their issues. Care to remember the sudden acceleration issue? Lexus has also perfected the cost cutting/poor design and sell for less marketing strategy as well.