Reliability of 2022 GLB 250 ?
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GLB 250 4Matic
Reliability of 2022 GLB 250 ?
As I read thru this forum I read post after post on issues with GLB 250, I can understand that people with problems will be most vocal ones whereas one without any issues may not be posting much, but is 2022 GLB 250 really that bad compared to other MB ? I'm getting one soon and this makes me bit nervous if I should buy something else instead.
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2014 C63
I'm wondering the same. With the used car prices, I was going to buy a brand new one (2022) since it was only a few thousand more vs. a used one. The new ones at the time (I think this was January/February) didn't have power seats or power liftgates due to the chip shortages. I ended up buying a 2020 with 9k miles. Car was in great condition. I did an oil change and looked it over... everything seems in order. No power train issues so far, but I've only put 3k more miles on it. I did have an issue with the sun shade and panoroof which was fixed under warranty.
2020 is the first model year. I usually try to buy MBs that are late in the model class as they work out of a major issues in the first year two. There are some crazy stories I've read about these engines needing head replacements, throwing rods, etc at 30k miles so that has me a little concerned as my car will be long of out warranty by the time I get to that mileage with my driving habits. Who knows, maybe I'll move onto something else before then. Overall, it's been a decent car in the 8 months or so that I've owned it. I will say the build quality isn't as good as the other models as the GLB is an entry level model. The fit and finish just isn't as good as the German-made cars. For me, that wasn't a huge deal. It's not my only MB and for a daily driver it's just fine for me.
2020 is the first model year. I usually try to buy MBs that are late in the model class as they work out of a major issues in the first year two. There are some crazy stories I've read about these engines needing head replacements, throwing rods, etc at 30k miles so that has me a little concerned as my car will be long of out warranty by the time I get to that mileage with my driving habits. Who knows, maybe I'll move onto something else before then. Overall, it's been a decent car in the 8 months or so that I've owned it. I will say the build quality isn't as good as the other models as the GLB is an entry level model. The fit and finish just isn't as good as the German-made cars. For me, that wasn't a huge deal. It's not my only MB and for a daily driver it's just fine for me.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Mercedes is not a quality manufacturer.
Owning an MB out of factory warranty is risky business.
During the warranty period, financial risk is reduced, replaced instead by aggravation and wasted time to deal with MB’s poor quality and reliability.
Owning an MB out of factory warranty is risky business.
During the warranty period, financial risk is reduced, replaced instead by aggravation and wasted time to deal with MB’s poor quality and reliability.
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2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
Maybe I got lucky with GLK, since I didn't have any problems for 5 years that I owned it from a 3 yr lease return to 8 years, better quality then Honda & Subaru I had... I was not even registered here until GLB... My cert'd MB mechanic told me that the older cars are better than the newer models... There is more electronics in the newer cars. Also the switch from bigger engines to smaller high pressure ones might be another reason. Again usually earlier production models might have more problems that are corrected later, but then I found vibrating steering wheel on a 2022 GLC loaner also. I still have whistling noise on my glb that was not resolved by MB service. This might be more related to build quality from switching from Germany (GLK) to a new facility in Mexico with GLB and the Covid production issues where I even saw a recall on other MB model wheel caps...
Last edited by Serhan; Oct 11, 2022 at 08:32 AM.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Our MB history may be a clue:
-2003 E320 3.2 L V-6. Totaled at 186,000 miles and it was reliable enough that I was going to restore it and keep it.
-2005 ML350 3.7 L V-6. Nothing until after 150,000 miles. Then front half shaft bearings, fuel pump, power steering pump. Not has reliable as E320. Traded at 187,000 miles.
-2013 C250 1.8 L I-4. Camshaft adjusters at 75,000 miles. MB paid under extended warranty. Still driving it at 100,000+ miles. The timing chain was a known owner service item at around 100,000 miles.
-2015 GLK350 3.5 L V-6. Totaled at 155,000 miles. Nothing broken ever.
-2021 GLB250 2.0 L I-4. Compression leak at 28,000 miles. Head replaced by MB under warranty. Still driving it. Time will tell.
Small sample, but the common factor for me is I-4 turbo engine. The V-6 vehicles were solid performers. The I-4 ones failed early. None of them caused much of an issue except bringing in for service because we either got a loaner or doubled up use on the second vehicle, and Mercedes paid for the repairs.
It looks like if you pick a line with known long term reliability, you’ll be happy. If you pick one with less of a history, maybe, maybe not.
-2003 E320 3.2 L V-6. Totaled at 186,000 miles and it was reliable enough that I was going to restore it and keep it.
-2005 ML350 3.7 L V-6. Nothing until after 150,000 miles. Then front half shaft bearings, fuel pump, power steering pump. Not has reliable as E320. Traded at 187,000 miles.
-2013 C250 1.8 L I-4. Camshaft adjusters at 75,000 miles. MB paid under extended warranty. Still driving it at 100,000+ miles. The timing chain was a known owner service item at around 100,000 miles.
-2015 GLK350 3.5 L V-6. Totaled at 155,000 miles. Nothing broken ever.
-2021 GLB250 2.0 L I-4. Compression leak at 28,000 miles. Head replaced by MB under warranty. Still driving it. Time will tell.
Small sample, but the common factor for me is I-4 turbo engine. The V-6 vehicles were solid performers. The I-4 ones failed early. None of them caused much of an issue except bringing in for service because we either got a loaner or doubled up use on the second vehicle, and Mercedes paid for the repairs.
It looks like if you pick a line with known long term reliability, you’ll be happy. If you pick one with less of a history, maybe, maybe not.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
MB engines today that appear somewhat reliable are the 3.0 inline six cylinder and 4.0L V8. None of the four cylinders have a track record of reliability.
The downside with the 3.0L inline 6 is that it has not been offered without the failed 48V system, which is to be avoided.
The 4.0L V8 without 48V system seems to have been available in W205 C63, W213 E63 and W222 S560 models. These are a far cry from the GLB.
Summary: MB engines in generally are dubious, with four cylinder engines standing out as lacking an example with a long reputation for reliability. Strong "do not buy" for any vehicle with a 48V system.
The downside with the 3.0L inline 6 is that it has not been offered without the failed 48V system, which is to be avoided.
The 4.0L V8 without 48V system seems to have been available in W205 C63, W213 E63 and W222 S560 models. These are a far cry from the GLB.
Summary: MB engines in generally are dubious, with four cylinder engines standing out as lacking an example with a long reputation for reliability. Strong "do not buy" for any vehicle with a 48V system.
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GLB 250 4 MATIC 2022
As I read thru this forum I read post after post on issues with GLB 250, I can understand that people with problems will be most vocal ones whereas one without any issues may not be posting much, but is 2022 GLB 250 really that bad compared to other MB ? I'm getting one soon and this makes me bit nervous if I should buy something else instead.
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2021 Mercedes GLB250 4Matic
GLB 250 is built in mexico and have very poor quality. ride quality and road noise makes you feel like u are driving a truck... Night visibility on side mirrors due to ambient lights is horrible... wind noise, window shatters while on music, caw wobbles a lot when a vehicle passes you while you are at a stop, poor metal welding, A pillar misalignments, engine sound, hissing when accelertion- LIST goes on! recent buyer and regret spending $$$$$ on this. A fully loaded Telluride offers a better ride.
In general Luxury brands are not as reliable as Non Luxury brands. Even Toyota models are more reliable than Lexus models, even though they are essentially the same cars.
I also doubt that car made in Korea is more reliable than one made in Mexico.
Personally I would not own any Luxury brand outside warranty. I even had extended warranty on my last two non luxury brands (Toyota and Honda), since newer cars continue to add more and more computer and electronic components, that tend to have issues.
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2021 Mercedes GLB250 4Matic
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I understand you are very disappointed with your GLB purchase, whatever the reasons are. And that is fine, however this does not help anyone on this forum. What is the point of telling people who owe this model that you are not happy with yours and will get a Kia instead?
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2021 Mercedes GLB250 4Matic
I understand now what you meant by "OP". Took me a while.
The reliability probably went down on MB models over the years due to possibly moving towards small high compression ratio 4 cylinder turbo engines (forced by need to comply with Governmental emission and gallons per mile regulations) and adding all the electronic components (everybody wants to have an Ipad in their cars, including myself
). However everything you complained about in your post is subjective observation/expectations and have nothing to do with reliability of the car.
P.S. What are the chances of new 2023 C63S 4-cylinder 2 Litter engine, that produces over 400HP not having any issues in the future?
The reliability probably went down on MB models over the years due to possibly moving towards small high compression ratio 4 cylinder turbo engines (forced by need to comply with Governmental emission and gallons per mile regulations) and adding all the electronic components (everybody wants to have an Ipad in their cars, including myself
). However everything you complained about in your post is subjective observation/expectations and have nothing to do with reliability of the car. P.S. What are the chances of new 2023 C63S 4-cylinder 2 Litter engine, that produces over 400HP not having any issues in the future?
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
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E350 4matic Wagon
Loaners and more loaners
I’ve had several GLB loaners when servicing a 2007 E350 wagon I no longer own.
I thought the ride was nice, quiet, comfortable. So, I’ve ordered an EQB and I test drove that a few weeks ago. Even better.
MB will stand behind a problem like the catastrophic failure of a blown cylinder - that won’t continue to happen on the models after they realize the failure.
Software glitches are not restricted to MB - and Honda has their problems too.
I don’t think anyone who buys a Mercedes does so expecting higher reliability and lower cost than a Camry or Accord. They are buying in large measure in aesthetics and perceived comfort and luxury. Let’s face it, the seat is one of the most important things but you don’t read much talk about seats in car reviews in Car and Driver and other things. For me, the Toyota and Honda seats are not comfortable. The GLB is not as comfy as the E or S class. Or a Bentley. But it’s way more comfortable than a Malibu and way more comfortable than my 2011 328i
If all of the above complaints could not be perceived on test drive, then sell the car as it is not your car. That one is probably bogus. But a really good test drive should reveal to the discerning buyer these things.
Side mirrors: the glare from cars at night is almost impossible to avoid without making adjustments to mirrors. I don’t know when the industry is going to say, “ok! Too much bright is too much. It is like they are all trying to out LED and Laser the competition- we don’t need Phasers to clear the road ahead of us. So, politely, if you are complaining about night glare on your GLB, you are looking for things to complain about.
Good fortune to you in finding your next car - enjoy the Telluride.
I thought the ride was nice, quiet, comfortable. So, I’ve ordered an EQB and I test drove that a few weeks ago. Even better.
MB will stand behind a problem like the catastrophic failure of a blown cylinder - that won’t continue to happen on the models after they realize the failure.
Software glitches are not restricted to MB - and Honda has their problems too.
I don’t think anyone who buys a Mercedes does so expecting higher reliability and lower cost than a Camry or Accord. They are buying in large measure in aesthetics and perceived comfort and luxury. Let’s face it, the seat is one of the most important things but you don’t read much talk about seats in car reviews in Car and Driver and other things. For me, the Toyota and Honda seats are not comfortable. The GLB is not as comfy as the E or S class. Or a Bentley. But it’s way more comfortable than a Malibu and way more comfortable than my 2011 328i
If all of the above complaints could not be perceived on test drive, then sell the car as it is not your car. That one is probably bogus. But a really good test drive should reveal to the discerning buyer these things.
Side mirrors: the glare from cars at night is almost impossible to avoid without making adjustments to mirrors. I don’t know when the industry is going to say, “ok! Too much bright is too much. It is like they are all trying to out LED and Laser the competition- we don’t need Phasers to clear the road ahead of us. So, politely, if you are complaining about night glare on your GLB, you are looking for things to complain about.
Good fortune to you in finding your next car - enjoy the Telluride.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
The OP (original poster, in social media talk) asked a simple, and reasonable, question. I though I gave rational information that could be used to help make a decision.
Then the haters jumped in. Some of them don’t even own a GLB. Some of them have thousands of posts because they reply to everything whether they have anything useful to offer or not. So goes social media.
I guess that we’ll hear next from Scotty “Never Buy A Mercedes” Kilmer.
This thread is dead.
Then the haters jumped in. Some of them don’t even own a GLB. Some of them have thousands of posts because they reply to everything whether they have anything useful to offer or not. So goes social media.
I guess that we’ll hear next from Scotty “Never Buy A Mercedes” Kilmer.
This thread is dead.
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C32x2 RIP, 2005 C55, 2020 GLB 250, 2014 E550
As I read thru this forum I read post after post on issues with GLB 250, I can understand that people with problems will be most vocal ones whereas one without any issues may not be posting much, but is 2022 GLB 250 really that bad compared to other MB ? I'm getting one soon and this makes me bit nervous if I should buy something else instead.
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Joined: Dec 2021
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E350 4matic Wagon
Talk to me about the seats
I purchased my GLB 250 brand new in 2020. The car has been reliable. We have not had any issues with the car. It’s a comfortable car and great for commuting. There is ample space in the second row but the third row is way too tight for anyone but children. I enjoy the seating position in the GLB, you feel pretty high off the road even for a compact SUV. The seats are “ok”. My E550 has much more comfortable seats. From a luxury standpoint, my E class is better. You do get more road/wind noise in the GLB but it’s not horrible. You get what you pay for. Overall I’m still happy with my decision to buy the GLB. I would recommend it.
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C32x2 RIP, 2005 C55, 2020 GLB 250, 2014 E550
You rated the seats ok. I had an E350 and the seats were awesome. I could drive 3 hours with almost no fatigue. I’ve driven the GLB several times and found it very comfortable for 1.5 hours. Have their been situations where you took a different car for a long drive specifically for the “ok” seat comfort? How tall or heavy are you or is that a factor
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E350 4matic Wagon
Thanks!
Thank you so much from a former E350 wagon owner!
I know what you mean about the back seats. They are stiffer to be sure, but with the sliding feature, very roomy. Your reply was super helpful as I sit and wait for an EQB while simultaneously reconsidering a slightly/new wagon (at a total ownership cost point that keeps me waiting for the EQB)
As with every purchase, there are tradeoffs!
I know what you mean about the back seats. They are stiffer to be sure, but with the sliding feature, very roomy. Your reply was super helpful as I sit and wait for an EQB while simultaneously reconsidering a slightly/new wagon (at a total ownership cost point that keeps me waiting for the EQB)
As with every purchase, there are tradeoffs!
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
E-Class vs GLB rear seats is an apples vs. oranges comparison.
E-Class is a step away from the most luxurious mainstream luxury sedan, the S-Class. GLB is a step away from the cheapest economy car MB produces.
E-Class is a step away from the most luxurious mainstream luxury sedan, the S-Class. GLB is a step away from the cheapest economy car MB produces.
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2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
It has nothing to do with GLB reliability, but again new GLE was the least reliable car by consumer reports and at the same time most coveted car due to its new model update... Even in German forums, they were posting Americans don't know how to build a car... I have 2 coworkers with new GLE's and asked about their feedback. Both doesn't have any issues with 48V system, but both complained about interior creaking noises. One of them left it at MB service to be fixed under warranty. Again hiccups happen with new product launches... If we can keep old cars, it might be better, but German cars are expensive to maintain also... My manager has 2 BMW 7 series cars. He likes the older model better, so he kept it. However, it is giving him lot of headaches with the maintenance/repair issues coming up and it is not cheap.... Another coworker traded his older X3 to a new X3 lease as he said it is not worth to own an older X3 that passed warranty period due to its repair issues... Each car model has its own issues...
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Okay, this is really my last post to this thread (at least until someone says something I want to reply to).
You mention BMW. Well, if there is some thing out there that makes a Mercedes look reliable, that's it. Our 335i cabriolet was clearly the most driver oriented car and the most fun to drive that we ever had. And it was a reliability nightmare. When it wasn't in the shop, it was great. But after warranty, everything broke: suspension, air induction system, emission controls, battery management system, interior controls and switches, folding roof mechanism. My grandson was so anxious to get rid of it that he swore off anything sporty and bought a 4WD American pickup. Two neighbors had 5 Series sedans. One now owns and Honda and the other a Toyota.
You mention BMW. Well, if there is some thing out there that makes a Mercedes look reliable, that's it. Our 335i cabriolet was clearly the most driver oriented car and the most fun to drive that we ever had. And it was a reliability nightmare. When it wasn't in the shop, it was great. But after warranty, everything broke: suspension, air induction system, emission controls, battery management system, interior controls and switches, folding roof mechanism. My grandson was so anxious to get rid of it that he swore off anything sporty and bought a 4WD American pickup. Two neighbors had 5 Series sedans. One now owns and Honda and the other a Toyota.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
While old BMWs may not have been reliable (I have no experience with them) today's BMWs are quite good. Specifically the latest X3 and X5 have above average reliability in my experience.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Point/Counterpoint
I suppose that BMW is a lot like MB on the reliability issue. All of the BMW cars I am referring to are 2010 or newer. If every MB I’ve had was like the E320 or the GLK350, I would think all detractors were just insane people. But I’ve had two with different I-4 engines that failed early. There is room for complaining. I’m just not over an E93 coupe that cost ½ it’s purchase price in maintenance before we gave up on it.
