The engine issues are causing me to not consider buying a GLC300
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Tesla Model S P100D
The engine issues are causing me to not consider buying a GLC300
We were going to buy a GLC 300 but all the engine defect reports are causing us to abandon the plan of buying a GLC 300.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
We were going to buy a GLC 300 but all the engine defect reports are causing us to abandon the plan of buying a GLC 300.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
When there is an issue, we however never know or hear anything about the vehicles history?
- Was it properly maintained?
- Was the correct gasoline with high octane used?
Many questions for me, which are never answered. Furthermore, with as many of these engines out there in the entire world, I would think that the failure rate is percentage wise pretty low.
I had a 2016 C300 with 104k miles when I sold it. Meticulously maintained and had the M274 engine. That car never missed a beat.
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engines aside, your "plan B" is a substantially larger and heavier vehicle; they really don't fill the same needs. I have both and they're vastly different.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
We were going to buy a GLC 300 but all the engine defect reports are causing us to abandon the plan of buying a GLC 300.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
2016-2019 3.0L TT and 3.5L NA V6 engines are the most reliable MB has produced in more than 10 years.
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Tesla Model S P100D
As far as I'm concerned, they are both well upholstered boxes with wheels I can carry stuff in and their size difference to me is negligible. Either would suffice my needs and we used to own an ML350 before. Also in the CPO market, the GLE350 is priced pretty close to the GLC, possibly making a CPO GLE a better value. We could go either way.
Back to my original question.
Unless I'm missing something, it seems I should not consider a CPO GLC, especially if I plan on keeping the vehicle longer than the CPO warranty period. A shame because we otherwise like the GLC 300 but don't want a vehicle with an engine that may self-destruct with a $10K repair. Seems like the GLE350 is a safer choice with a more proven 3.5L V6 engine.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; Jan 30, 2023 at 10:56 AM.
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2020 GLC300 touring version (but I miss my '93 300SE W140 tank)
I didn’t see the model year shown in your post. The 274 engine was changed for a slightly redesigned 264 engine; perhaps to address this LSPI fault. My 2020 GLC300 has the newer 264 engine. (Yes, the lower number is the newer engine).
I agree: GLE is very different from GLC in a bad way for us. 900 pounds heavier with the same engine anyway. GLE is necessarily louder because same engine is working harder to haul the extra 900 pounds around. We are small people and getting in and out of the GLE is more difficult. OTOH, you can get third row seating in GLE so, different strokes, etc.
I agree: GLE is very different from GLC in a bad way for us. 900 pounds heavier with the same engine anyway. GLE is necessarily louder because same engine is working harder to haul the extra 900 pounds around. We are small people and getting in and out of the GLE is more difficult. OTOH, you can get third row seating in GLE so, different strokes, etc.
Last edited by edpare; Jan 30, 2023 at 10:52 AM. Reason: caveat
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Tesla Model S P100D
Does the GLE400 have the 3L TT engine that you mentioned is also reliable?
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Tesla Model S P100D
I didn’t see the model year shown in your post. The 274 engine was changed for a slightly redesigned 264 engine; perhaps to address this LSPI fault. My 2020 GLC300 has the newer 264 engine. (Yes, the lower number is the newer engine).
I agree: GLE is very different from GLC in a bad way for us. 900 pounds heavier with the same engine anyway. GLE is necessarily louder because same engine is working harder to haul the extra 900 pounds around. We are small people and getting in and out of the GLE is more difficult. OTOH, you can get third row seating in GLE so, different strokes, etc.
I agree: GLE is very different from GLC in a bad way for us. 900 pounds heavier with the same engine anyway. GLE is necessarily louder because same engine is working harder to haul the extra 900 pounds around. We are small people and getting in and out of the GLE is more difficult. OTOH, you can get third row seating in GLE so, different strokes, etc.
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From: Arizona
2020 GLC300 touring version (but I miss my '93 300SE W140 tank)
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Tesla Model S P100D
It is amazing to me how many folks here constantly post about M274 Engine failures and how unreliable they are.
When there is an issue, we however never know or hear anything about the vehicles history?
- Was it properly maintained?
- Was the correct gasoline with high octane used?
Many questions for me, which are never answered. Furthermore, with as many of these engines out there in the entire world, I would think that the failure rate is percentage wise pretty low.
I had a 2016 C300 with 104k miles when I sold it. Meticulously maintained and had the M274 engine. That car never missed a beat.
When there is an issue, we however never know or hear anything about the vehicles history?
- Was it properly maintained?
- Was the correct gasoline with high octane used?
Many questions for me, which are never answered. Furthermore, with as many of these engines out there in the entire world, I would think that the failure rate is percentage wise pretty low.
I had a 2016 C300 with 104k miles when I sold it. Meticulously maintained and had the M274 engine. That car never missed a beat.
All I know is that the GLE does not seem to have any engine concerns to the extent of what I'm seeing with the GLC.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
haha let's agree to disagree that the GLE is "substantially" larger than the GLC. I don't consider the GLE to be that large of a vehicle. My car (not an SUV) weighs more than the GLE and it is also longer.
As far as I'm concerned, they are both well upholstered boxes with wheels I can carry stuff in and their size difference to me is negligible. Either would suffice my needs and we used to own an ML350 before. Also in the CPO market, the GLE350 is priced pretty close to the GLC, possibly making a CPO GLE a better value. We could go either way.
Back to my original question.
Unless I'm missing something, it seems I should not consider a CPO GLC, especially if I plan on keeping the vehicle longer than the CPO warranty period. A shame because we otherwise like the GLC 300 but don't want a vehicle with an engine that may self-destruct with a $10K repair. Seems like the GLE350 is a safer choice with a more proven 3.5L V6 engine.
As far as I'm concerned, they are both well upholstered boxes with wheels I can carry stuff in and their size difference to me is negligible. Either would suffice my needs and we used to own an ML350 before. Also in the CPO market, the GLE350 is priced pretty close to the GLC, possibly making a CPO GLE a better value. We could go either way.
Back to my original question.
Unless I'm missing something, it seems I should not consider a CPO GLC, especially if I plan on keeping the vehicle longer than the CPO warranty period. A shame because we otherwise like the GLC 300 but don't want a vehicle with an engine that may self-destruct with a $10K repair. Seems like the GLE350 is a safer choice with a more proven 3.5L V6 engine.
The 2.0 four in the new GLE handles the weight better than the V6.
I was afraid to merge with traffic or grab that gap in traffic. (Loaner cars. I couldn't find a reason to own the V6, but did own two ML Diesels.)
The GLE400 (3.0TT) was good, but I steered clear because of reliability reports. They may have been fake reports as well.
Don't get a Press Car.
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That V6 was a slug. The engine was inadequate for the car, and the diesel performed better.
The 2.0 four in the new GLE handles the weight better than the V6.
I was afraid to merge with traffic or grab that gap in traffic. (Loaner cars. I couldn't find a reason to own the V6, but did own two ML Diesels.)
The GLE400 (3.0TT) was good, but I steered clear because of reliability reports. They may have been fake reports as well.
Don't get a Press Car.
The 2.0 four in the new GLE handles the weight better than the V6.
I was afraid to merge with traffic or grab that gap in traffic. (Loaner cars. I couldn't find a reason to own the V6, but did own two ML Diesels.)
The GLE400 (3.0TT) was good, but I steered clear because of reliability reports. They may have been fake reports as well.
Don't get a Press Car.
We'll take it very easy whatever car we buy for use as a second vehicle. For now, it seems a GLE 350 is the safest bet for a reliable car with a proven engine.
A shame because the GLC300 would have been a great second car for us.
Incidentally we did own a 2007 E550 a long time ago and it did also have rumors of an engine issue and that compelled me to buy the extended CPO warranty and it saved us. That car needed to have the both the engine and transmission rebuilt and if not for the warranty would have cost us about $12-15K. Lesson learned to be careful with vehicles that have reports of engine issues.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; Jan 30, 2023 at 02:56 PM.
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me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
I don't know that your Model S length and weight add much to the comparison of two MB SUVs but if you were comparing sedans would you agree that an E-Class is substantially (or at least "measurably") larger than a C-Class, at 9.3" longer, 1.6" wider and an inch taller? (both smaller than your Model S, which I - and Elon Musk - would say compares more effectively to an S-Class)
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Yes, but when someone buys a car CPO, how on earth are you supposed to know the questions you asked? I guess CPO cars are supposed to have the maintenance history checked but there is no way to find out what type of fuel was used. Using a lower octane fuel should not necessarily cause the engine to self-destruct.
All I know is that the GLE does not seem to have any engine concerns to the extent of what I'm seeing with the GLC.
All I know is that the GLE does not seem to have any engine concerns to the extent of what I'm seeing with the GLC.
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Incidentally we did own a 2007 E550 a long time ago and it did also have rumors of an engine issue and that compelled me to buy the extended CPO warranty and it saved us. That car needed to have the both the engine and transmission rebuilt and if not for the warranty would have cost us about $12-15K. Lesson learned to be careful with vehicles that have reports of engine issues.
https://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-...y-vin-m272273/
Transmission rebuilt on a W211 was definitely not an issue as you describe as part of "the vehicle having engine issues. Did you do the transmission service as recommend by MB at the required intervals?
Last edited by S70Houston; Jan 30, 2023 at 05:46 PM.
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Tesla Model S P100D
The 2007 most likely had the well-known balance shaft issue. You can read up on that on the web, affected engine serial numbers are clearly stated. You must have purchased a car that fell into the range of affected engines.
https://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-...y-vin-m272273/
Transmission rebuilt on a W211 was definitely not an issue as you describe as part of "the vehicle having engine issues. Did you do the transmission service as recommend by MB at the required intervals?
https://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-...y-vin-m272273/
Transmission rebuilt on a W211 was definitely not an issue as you describe as part of "the vehicle having engine issues. Did you do the transmission service as recommend by MB at the required intervals?
That E550 was such a wonderful car though, but I'd have a totally different opinion of it if I had to pay $12K out of pocket!
That W211 E550 also had a well-known transmission issue that is separate from the engine issue. That rumor of a transmission defect also turned out to be true and again that CPO warranty extension saved me.
The lesson I learned is if I buy one of these cars used, always buy the car CPO and pay for the extra 2 years of warranty coverage.
My only concern is if I buy the GLC300. I'd need to sell it within 3 years whereas I could probably hold onto a GLE350 for longer time with less risk of a catastrophic engine issue.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; Jan 30, 2023 at 11:56 PM.
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I'm still open to a GLC300. It's really a perfect second car for us. Perfect size. Like the interior and I can buy CPO with the 2 extra years of coverage added for an additional $2K. Based on all the research I've done, it seems more than likely that there is some issue with the GLC 300 engine and I'm just trying to avoid being in a situation where the engine self-destructs on me costing $12K, as that has happened to other people on this forum..
People say if the car has been maintained and high-octane fuel used, there is nothing to worry about but how on earth can I verify that when buying a CPO car. Service records, yes, but no clue what fuel they have used...
Last edited by WEBSRFR; Jan 30, 2023 at 11:55 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I'm sorry if I came across as being ungrateful for other points of view. I posted my concern to see if there was any definite consensus on this matter but just being told not to worry about it doesn't really help me when I've already had a previous Mercedes with a well-known engine defect (W211 E550) that turned out to be true.
I'm still open to a GLC300. It's really a perfect second car for us. Perfect size. Like the interior and I can buy CPO with the 2 extra years of coverage added for an additional $2K. Based on all the research I've done, it seems more than likely that there is some issue with the GLC 300 engine and I'm just trying to avoid being in a situation where the engine self-destructs on me costing $12K, as that has happened to other people on this forum..
People say if the car has been maintained and high-octane fuel used, there is nothing to worry about but how on earth can I verify that when buying a CPO car. Service records, yes, but no clue what fuel they have used...
I'm still open to a GLC300. It's really a perfect second car for us. Perfect size. Like the interior and I can buy CPO with the 2 extra years of coverage added for an additional $2K. Based on all the research I've done, it seems more than likely that there is some issue with the GLC 300 engine and I'm just trying to avoid being in a situation where the engine self-destructs on me costing $12K, as that has happened to other people on this forum..
People say if the car has been maintained and high-octane fuel used, there is nothing to worry about but how on earth can I verify that when buying a CPO car. Service records, yes, but no clue what fuel they have used...
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I'm sorry if I came across as being ungrateful for other points of view. I posted my concern to see if there was any definite consensus on this matter but just being told not to worry about it doesn't really help me when I've already had a previous Mercedes with a well-known engine defect (W211 E550) that turned out to be true.
I'm still open to a GLC300. It's really a perfect second car for us. Perfect size. Like the interior and I can buy CPO with the 2 extra years of coverage added for an additional $2K. Based on all the research I've done, it seems more than likely that there is some issue with the GLC 300 engine and I'm just trying to avoid being in a situation where the engine self-destructs on me costing $12K, as that has happened to other people on this forum..
People say if the car has been maintained and high-octane fuel used, there is nothing to worry about but how on earth can I verify that when buying a CPO car. Service records, yes, but no clue what fuel they have used...
I'm still open to a GLC300. It's really a perfect second car for us. Perfect size. Like the interior and I can buy CPO with the 2 extra years of coverage added for an additional $2K. Based on all the research I've done, it seems more than likely that there is some issue with the GLC 300 engine and I'm just trying to avoid being in a situation where the engine self-destructs on me costing $12K, as that has happened to other people on this forum..
People say if the car has been maintained and high-octane fuel used, there is nothing to worry about but how on earth can I verify that when buying a CPO car. Service records, yes, but no clue what fuel they have used...
If not you could consider getting a GLC 43, it has the same tried and true M276 as the W166 GLE 350 you were looking at. That being said, I don't think you need the performance of the 43 or the sound might be too much for you, if so find one with the standard exhaust not the performance exhaust, many people prefer the PE on the GLC 43 so you might get a good price with one without the PE... but then the suspension will be less comfortable than the GLC 300, the facelift GLC 43 improved it but that is not the point is it, after all you were only looking at a GLC 300.
Another recommendation is to consider a GLK 350 with the M276 since you mentioned you didn't need the size of the GLE (but you did say you don't mind it) but I think that will be the last on your list as the newest model year will be a MY15 vehicle, I understand you want a newer vehicle and I think you wanted the GLC for other reasons as well.
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Mercedes C300 M274
Even if one never did a single oil change up to 100,000 km a piston failure should not occur. If I had to guess I would say too many owners of their m274's flog them before they get to operating temp and if you driving around in the city it can take my m274 15-20 mins to get to 96 degrees. Its a joke how long it takes this engine to get warm.
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Mercedes C300 M274
haha let's agree to disagree that the GLE is "substantially" larger than the GLC. I don't consider the GLE to be that large of a vehicle. My car (not an SUV) weighs more than the GLE and it is also longer.
As far as I'm concerned, they are both well upholstered boxes with wheels I can carry stuff in and their size difference to me is negligible. Either would suffice my needs and we used to own an ML350 before. Also in the CPO market, the GLE350 is priced pretty close to the GLC, possibly making a CPO GLE a better value. We could go either way.
Back to my original question.
Unless I'm missing something, it seems I should not consider a CPO GLC, especially if I plan on keeping the vehicle longer than the CPO warranty period. A shame because we otherwise like the GLC 300 but don't want a vehicle with an engine that may self-destruct with a $10K repair. Seems like the GLE350 is a safer choice with a more proven 3.5L V6 engine.
As far as I'm concerned, they are both well upholstered boxes with wheels I can carry stuff in and their size difference to me is negligible. Either would suffice my needs and we used to own an ML350 before. Also in the CPO market, the GLE350 is priced pretty close to the GLC, possibly making a CPO GLE a better value. We could go either way.
Back to my original question.
Unless I'm missing something, it seems I should not consider a CPO GLC, especially if I plan on keeping the vehicle longer than the CPO warranty period. A shame because we otherwise like the GLC 300 but don't want a vehicle with an engine that may self-destruct with a $10K repair. Seems like the GLE350 is a safer choice with a more proven 3.5L V6 engine.
GLC 43. Because it's the only model during my 2-year tenure with Mercedes that we never had any problems with as far as the engines.
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GLC300, C300
All this talk about getting a CPO vehicle...I think CPO program restricts vehicles to 3 model years or less going off memory. At this point it doesn't seem possible to get a GLC300 with the M274 engine as a CPO anyway. That's also going to affect choices in GLE models.
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
There are myriad of GLC300's with OVER 100k-150k mi. on Autotrader.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...tId=2225141853
Since many GLC300's ARE making it over 100k miles, logic dictates we have to wonder what the difference is....
I run 'top tier' supreme gasoline religiously on these cars. Piston/ring land failures such as you're seeing, are associated with detonation/pre/ignition and are common across MANY brands. I do regular oil changes, and have since switched to the latest SP rated oil's. According to literature, they claim to help with the low speed pre-ignition phenomenon which can destroy pistons (on any brand). I also make sure car is FULLY warmed up before any attempts to flog. My wife plans driving ours past at least 100k and so far has had with no issues. If you google piston failures you'll see just how prevalent this issue is across many brands as we are pushing power and efficiency envelopes on 4cyl engines. Toyota had an engine recall recently too. Only you can be the judge, but anything on the internet must be viewed with a "filter"
Good Luck!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...tId=2225141853
Since many GLC300's ARE making it over 100k miles, logic dictates we have to wonder what the difference is....
I run 'top tier' supreme gasoline religiously on these cars. Piston/ring land failures such as you're seeing, are associated with detonation/pre/ignition and are common across MANY brands. I do regular oil changes, and have since switched to the latest SP rated oil's. According to literature, they claim to help with the low speed pre-ignition phenomenon which can destroy pistons (on any brand). I also make sure car is FULLY warmed up before any attempts to flog. My wife plans driving ours past at least 100k and so far has had with no issues. If you google piston failures you'll see just how prevalent this issue is across many brands as we are pushing power and efficiency envelopes on 4cyl engines. Toyota had an engine recall recently too. Only you can be the judge, but anything on the internet must be viewed with a "filter"
Good Luck!
Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 7, 2023 at 11:59 AM.
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
There are myriad of GLC300's with OVER 100k-150k mi. on Autotrader.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...tId=2225141853
Since many GLC300's ARE making it over 100k miles, logic dictates we have to wonder what the difference is....
I run 'top tier' supreme gasoline religiously on these cars. Piston/ring land failures such as you're seeing, are associated with detonation/pre/ignition and are common across MANY brands. I do regular oil changes, and have since switched to the latest SP rated oil's. According to literature, they claim to help with the low speed pre-ignition phenomenon which can destroy pistons (on any brand). I also make sure car is FULLY warmed up before any attempts to flog. My wife plans driving ours past at least 100k and so far has had with no issues. If you google piston failures you'll see just how prevalent this issue is across many brands as we are pushing power and efficiency envelopes on 4cyl engines. Toyota had an engine recall recently too. Only you can be the judge, but anything on the internet must be viewed with a "filter"
Good Luck!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...tId=2225141853
Since many GLC300's ARE making it over 100k miles, logic dictates we have to wonder what the difference is....
I run 'top tier' supreme gasoline religiously on these cars. Piston/ring land failures such as you're seeing, are associated with detonation/pre/ignition and are common across MANY brands. I do regular oil changes, and have since switched to the latest SP rated oil's. According to literature, they claim to help with the low speed pre-ignition phenomenon which can destroy pistons (on any brand). I also make sure car is FULLY warmed up before any attempts to flog. My wife plans driving ours past at least 100k and so far has had with no issues. If you google piston failures you'll see just how prevalent this issue is across many brands as we are pushing power and efficiency envelopes on 4cyl engines. Toyota had an engine recall recently too. Only you can be the judge, but anything on the internet must be viewed with a "filter"
Good Luck!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 452
Likes: 151
2024 GLE, 2022 GLC , 2022 GLC
CPO GLC
We were going to buy a GLC 300 but all the engine defect reports are causing us to abandon the plan of buying a GLC 300.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
The plan was to buy a CPO GLC 300 with two additional years of CPO coverage but based on what I've gathered it's not wise to own a GLC 300 out of warranty and we should plan to sell the car before the 3 years of CPO coverage is up. We usually prefer to keep cars longer, but it seems like the engine is a ticking time bomb and the cost of the repair can approach the value of the car in about 3 years.
I feel like unless Mercedes does something reasonable to address this, GLC 300s will barely have no resale value after 3 more years.
Am I overreacting?
The other plan is to instead look for a GLE 350 or GLE 400 from 2016/2017 and hopefully it has a more robust engine.
BTW, IMHO, I would never own a MB that is not under warranty. The potential cost you may incur could be astronomical. Getting into situations where your repair is almost not worth doing based upon the rapidly declining value of the vehicle. On the other hand, I currently have a new GLC, and a 2021 GLE. Both vehicles have been reliable and enjoyable to own. I maintain them well, use only premium gasoline, however, I will get rid of them shortly before they come off warranty. Good luck
