2021 GLB 250 - Currently Leasing | Not sure if I should keep the car at lease end
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GLB250
2021 GLB 250 - Currently Leasing | Not sure if I should keep the car at lease end
Hi.
My lease is maturing in couple months and 1st I was thinking of just returning the car or doing a trade in for a '21/'22 GLE CPO. But now I'm thinking that maybe keeping the unit is the best option for me as the residual will be less than the GLE CPO and of course I'm the only owner on the GLB250. I'm at 35k miles and I haven't got the Cylinder Head issue yet... I know MB did an extended warranty extension on it for 15 years / 150k miles. I did got the Check Engine Light at 13k miles with code P019185 (Rail Pressure sensor malfunction) and P02FF02 (Frequency counter 'Downtime of drivetrain' has a malfunction). They installed all new 4 injectors, the fuel rail pressure sensor and the high pressure fuel pump. After that all good with the car so far.. no major issues... just minor stuff like the crappy USB-C port for Carplay that is very flaky and the rattle on the speaker in the front passenger side door.
I know that the cylinder head issues may popup any time. I like the car and it has some good MB packages on it. I reached out for a quote on ELW to have an idea on pricing and got the following numbers for my current 35k miles:
5YR/75k - 2020
6YR/75k - 2260
7YR/75k - 2630
7YR/100k - 3480
Also PPM 2 Services - 1630 and 3 Services - 2290.
I was thinking of getting the 7YR/100k ELW but not the PPM and find an indy shop in my area that can work on it. This is my 1st MB Car.. so trying to cover all bases.. and also trying to get some advise from other MB owners...
My lease is maturing in couple months and 1st I was thinking of just returning the car or doing a trade in for a '21/'22 GLE CPO. But now I'm thinking that maybe keeping the unit is the best option for me as the residual will be less than the GLE CPO and of course I'm the only owner on the GLB250. I'm at 35k miles and I haven't got the Cylinder Head issue yet... I know MB did an extended warranty extension on it for 15 years / 150k miles. I did got the Check Engine Light at 13k miles with code P019185 (Rail Pressure sensor malfunction) and P02FF02 (Frequency counter 'Downtime of drivetrain' has a malfunction). They installed all new 4 injectors, the fuel rail pressure sensor and the high pressure fuel pump. After that all good with the car so far.. no major issues... just minor stuff like the crappy USB-C port for Carplay that is very flaky and the rattle on the speaker in the front passenger side door.
I know that the cylinder head issues may popup any time. I like the car and it has some good MB packages on it. I reached out for a quote on ELW to have an idea on pricing and got the following numbers for my current 35k miles:
5YR/75k - 2020
6YR/75k - 2260
7YR/75k - 2630
7YR/100k - 3480
Also PPM 2 Services - 1630 and 3 Services - 2290.
I was thinking of getting the 7YR/100k ELW but not the PPM and find an indy shop in my area that can work on it. This is my 1st MB Car.. so trying to cover all bases.. and also trying to get some advise from other MB owners...
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Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
We have a ’21 GLB250 and a ‘21 GLA250. Both have the same engine and drive train and both have had the cylinder head replaced. Our ‘23 GLA250 is okay so far, but only 20k miles. Our service manager says that after the head is replaced it will not fail again because of design changes. The GLB250 now has ~65k miles, so time will tell.
The GLB250 carries a lot of passengers (7 seat model), gets a lot of hard use, some of it off-road, and has been very serviceable so far. We usually retire our MBs around 155k-190k miles but these are our first ones below the C-Class level, so they’re “new” to us.
Even if the cylinder head is replaced under the extended warranty, MBs are more expensive to fix than domestics even at indie shops, so factor in the cost of a good warranty.
I agree with using an indie German car shop for routine maintenance. Don’t forget to service that DCT at 60k miles - it has clutches that need fresh fluid to continue working properly for the life of the vehicle.
Also, get the dealer to replace that USB-C port in the console. It’s cover under the original warranty.
The GLB250 carries a lot of passengers (7 seat model), gets a lot of hard use, some of it off-road, and has been very serviceable so far. We usually retire our MBs around 155k-190k miles but these are our first ones below the C-Class level, so they’re “new” to us.
Even if the cylinder head is replaced under the extended warranty, MBs are more expensive to fix than domestics even at indie shops, so factor in the cost of a good warranty.
I agree with using an indie German car shop for routine maintenance. Don’t forget to service that DCT at 60k miles - it has clutches that need fresh fluid to continue working properly for the life of the vehicle.
Also, get the dealer to replace that USB-C port in the console. It’s cover under the original warranty.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; Jun 2, 2024 at 01:44 PM.
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GLB250
We have a ’21 GLB250 and a ‘21 GLA250. Both have the same engine and drive train and both have had the cylinder head replaced. Our ‘23 GLA250 is okay so far, but only 20k miles. Our service manager says that after the head is replaced it will not fail again because of design changes. The GLB250 now has ~65k miles, so time will tell.
The GLB250 carries a lot of passengers (7 seat model), gets a lot of hard use, some of it off-road, and has been very serviceable so far. We usually retire our MBs around 155k-190k miles but these are our first ones below the C-Class level, so they’re “new” to us.
Even if the cylinder head is replaced under the extended warranty, MBs are more expensive to fix than domestics even at indie shops, so factor in the cost of a good warranty.
I agree with using an indie German car shop for routine maintenance. Don’t forget to service that DCT at 60k miles - it has clutches that need fresh fluid to continue working properly for the life of the vehicle.
Also, get the dealer to replace that USB-C port in the console. It’s cover under the original warranty.
The GLB250 carries a lot of passengers (7 seat model), gets a lot of hard use, some of it off-road, and has been very serviceable so far. We usually retire our MBs around 155k-190k miles but these are our first ones below the C-Class level, so they’re “new” to us.
Even if the cylinder head is replaced under the extended warranty, MBs are more expensive to fix than domestics even at indie shops, so factor in the cost of a good warranty.
I agree with using an indie German car shop for routine maintenance. Don’t forget to service that DCT at 60k miles - it has clutches that need fresh fluid to continue working properly for the life of the vehicle.
Also, get the dealer to replace that USB-C port in the console. It’s cover under the original warranty.
DTC is listed on the service sheet at 60k and 120k. I do have the service sheet for the 2022 and not the 2021.. I'm unable to find the 2021 on the Web but they should be very similar.
On the USB-C port, It was replaced already but it is a piece of junk... I opted for connecting a wireless adapter for using CarPlay wirelessly and that way I don't need to touch that port.
I still have a few months on the lease.... I will continue looking for ELW quotes for comparison for when the time comes... There are 2 things I wish I have on the car.
1. The Automatic High Bean Control - Talked to RJ for coding it but I'm missing a windscreen camera
2. The Distronic Plus - I will do this later on with RJ Coding.. already did Start Stop Remember Last setting, AMG Menus, Driving Mode, etc.gh beam
control Automatic high beam control
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 692
2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
DTC is listed on the service sheet at 60k and 120k. I do have the service sheet for the 2022 and not the 2021.. I'm unable to find the 2021 on the Web but they should be very similar.
On the USB-C port, It was replaced already but it is a piece of junk... I opted for connecting a wireless adapter for using CarPlay wirelessly and that way I don't need to touch that port.
I still have a few months on the lease.... I will continue looking for ELW quotes for comparison for when the time comes... There are 2 things I wish I have on the car.
1. The Automatic High Bean Control - Talked to RJ for coding it but I'm missing a windscreen camera
2. The Distronic Plus - I will do this later on with RJ Coding.. already did Start Stop Remember Last setting, AMG Menus, Driving Mode, etc.gh b[size=33px]
On the USB-C port, It was replaced already but it is a piece of junk... I opted for connecting a wireless adapter for using CarPlay wirelessly and that way I don't need to touch that port.
I still have a few months on the lease.... I will continue looking for ELW quotes for comparison for when the time comes... There are 2 things I wish I have on the car.
1. The Automatic High Bean Control - Talked to RJ for coding it but I'm missing a windscreen camera
2. The Distronic Plus - I will do this later on with RJ Coding.. already did Start Stop Remember Last setting, AMG Menus, Driving Mode, etc.gh b[size=33px]
As far as I know, the service sheets for all the 247 chassis are essentially the same for 2020-2023.
Dealer got tired of replacing my USB-C port and stabilized it with RTV adhesive, with a note that it will be harder to replace if it breaks again.
For the DISTRONIC + I believe you’ll need to replace the steering wheel button panel. BTW - if you have the illuminated star, you’ll have to swap it to the standard one.
Start stop on mine is coded out completely. Button is inactive.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
GLB250
Just a quick update... After going back and forth .. I decided to returned my 2021 Lease and got into a 2024 GLB model. I've been driving the car for almost 3 weeks.. and here are the pro/cons so far.
Pros:
1. Much better ride (not sure if it is due to having 19 inch rims with Continental (MOE) tires vs the 20 inch rims with Bridgestone Alenza (MO) that I had on the 2021.But the ride is much smoother and the road noise is at a minimum.
2. Even though there is still lots of plastic on the cabin... it is much better than my 2021. Less rattle .
3. I got the Exclusive Trim with the "Advance Sound System" and let me tell you the difference to the base 2021 sound system is incredible.
4. Of course Wireless Carplay vs Wired as well as Carplay taking the entire screen.
5. Not having the trackpad is a non-issue for me.
6. Buit in DashCam/Navigation with Augmented Reality
7. Start/Stop Feature... is night and day compared to the 2021 implementation.. now it is seamless and you barely notice it. On my 2021 whenever it disengage the car was jerky... that is no longer the case with the 2024 models thanks to the 48V system / extra battery on the trunk.
Cons:
1. MBUX2 - I feel it is a step backwards not able to modify every dial on the instrument cluster like you can on NTG6. I hope that capability is included back in a later update.
2. Buttons on the steering wheel are very touchy. I have the SuperSport Steering Wheel... and I need to be carefull as I'm always touching the buttons
3. Miss the 360 Camera system I had on the 2021... only thing I miss.
Pros:
1. Much better ride (not sure if it is due to having 19 inch rims with Continental (MOE) tires vs the 20 inch rims with Bridgestone Alenza (MO) that I had on the 2021.But the ride is much smoother and the road noise is at a minimum.
2. Even though there is still lots of plastic on the cabin... it is much better than my 2021. Less rattle .
3. I got the Exclusive Trim with the "Advance Sound System" and let me tell you the difference to the base 2021 sound system is incredible.
4. Of course Wireless Carplay vs Wired as well as Carplay taking the entire screen.
5. Not having the trackpad is a non-issue for me.
6. Buit in DashCam/Navigation with Augmented Reality
7. Start/Stop Feature... is night and day compared to the 2021 implementation.. now it is seamless and you barely notice it. On my 2021 whenever it disengage the car was jerky... that is no longer the case with the 2024 models thanks to the 48V system / extra battery on the trunk.
Cons:
1. MBUX2 - I feel it is a step backwards not able to modify every dial on the instrument cluster like you can on NTG6. I hope that capability is included back in a later update.
2. Buttons on the steering wheel are very touchy. I have the SuperSport Steering Wheel... and I need to be carefull as I'm always touching the buttons
3. Miss the 360 Camera system I had on the 2021... only thing I miss.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,342
Likes: 6,318
Just a quick update... After going back and forth .. I decided to returned my 2021 Lease and got into a 2024 GLB model. I've been driving the car for almost 3 weeks.. and here are the pro/cons so far.
Pros:
1. Much better ride (not sure if it is due to having 19 inch rims with Continental (MOE) tires vs the 20 inch rims with Bridgestone Alenza (MO) that I had on the 2021.But the ride is much smoother and the road noise is at a minimum.
2. Even though there is still lots of plastic on the cabin... it is much better than my 2021. Less rattle .
3. I got the Exclusive Trim with the "Advance Sound System" and let me tell you the difference to the base 2021 sound system is incredible.
4. Of course Wireless Carplay vs Wired as well as Carplay taking the entire screen.
5. Not having the trackpad is a non-issue for me.
6. Buit in DashCam/Navigation with Augmented Reality
7. Start/Stop Feature... is night and day compared to the 2021 implementation.. now it is seamless and you barely notice it. On my 2021 whenever it disengage the car was jerky... that is no longer the case with the 2024 models thanks to the 48V system / extra battery on the trunk.
Cons:
1. MBUX2 - I feel it is a step backwards not able to modify every dial on the instrument cluster like you can on NTG6. I hope that capability is included back in a later update.
2. Buttons on the steering wheel are very touchy. I have the SuperSport Steering Wheel... and I need to be carefull as I'm always touching the buttons
3. Miss the 360 Camera system I had on the 2021... only thing I miss.
Pros:
1. Much better ride (not sure if it is due to having 19 inch rims with Continental (MOE) tires vs the 20 inch rims with Bridgestone Alenza (MO) that I had on the 2021.But the ride is much smoother and the road noise is at a minimum.
2. Even though there is still lots of plastic on the cabin... it is much better than my 2021. Less rattle .
3. I got the Exclusive Trim with the "Advance Sound System" and let me tell you the difference to the base 2021 sound system is incredible.
4. Of course Wireless Carplay vs Wired as well as Carplay taking the entire screen.
5. Not having the trackpad is a non-issue for me.
6. Buit in DashCam/Navigation with Augmented Reality
7. Start/Stop Feature... is night and day compared to the 2021 implementation.. now it is seamless and you barely notice it. On my 2021 whenever it disengage the car was jerky... that is no longer the case with the 2024 models thanks to the 48V system / extra battery on the trunk.
Cons:
1. MBUX2 - I feel it is a step backwards not able to modify every dial on the instrument cluster like you can on NTG6. I hope that capability is included back in a later update.
2. Buttons on the steering wheel are very touchy. I have the SuperSport Steering Wheel... and I need to be carefull as I'm always touching the buttons
3. Miss the 360 Camera system I had on the 2021... only thing I miss.
