bluenuys

Looking at used car listings (2016, 2017, 2018), there's a clear price differential for higher mileage. About $1000-$1500 per 10,000 miles. So for 2 otherwise identical vehicles, an extra 40,000 miles is about $5,000 cheaper.

After reading the "piston blow up" threads, it seems there's maybe merit in getting a GLC with > 60,000 miles, since it seems to have survived whatever ruined those other engines. Similar story with China Bob's 100k tourer.

But are there any commonly known "repair cliffs"? Or is it all just a linear expectation of repairs as the miles go up?

Peszter

Are you new to owning German vehicles? Maintenance is necessary and expensive. If you get a used one that's been maintained and continue to maintain it it's likely to be great for a long time. If it wasn't maintained or you don't keep up on it the thing turns into a time bomb.

Personally, I think the CPO vehicles are the way to go. You're starting out with warranty and you can extend it if the vehicle gives you reason to doubt it's longevity.

bluenuys

Plenty of stories on here of dealer-maintained engines literally falling apart. And plenty of stories of people getting high mileage with only basic maintenance.

That's the thing about used cars: you make your choice and take your chances...

Regardless, the question remains: is there a particular mileage range where these cars are reputed to have a jump in repair costs?

62bassman

If there was a person or a device that could provide early notification of remaining mileage to-failure I’d bet they’d make millions.
I’ve owned 3 Mercedes over the last 20 years, put around 150K on each, and have learned they’re the best made and safest mass produced vehicles while also among the most expensive to own past 100K miles. The extended warranty will cost several thousand for additional years and will not cover many things that can and will fail due to usage like suspension, belts, pulleys , solenoids, tires, brakes and exhaust which is where many replacements will become necessary through the 100+ miles.
I wouldn’t recommend buying any MB with over 100K unless you’re able to fully research it and getting a really good deal. CPO is definitely the way to go. Then save up and don’t expect it to be as inexpensive as a Toyota.
The M274 engine is currently running in hundreds of thousands of vehicles so parts and remanufactured short blocks will be available for a long time.

Highline-Autos.com

Reach out if you are zeroing in on something and would like to see extended warranty pricing from our two providers Fidelity and Freedom Warranty, both are accepted at all dealerships and licensed independents in the US/Canada. You can reach me at tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333 for questions, pricing and example contracts that explain coverage.

bluenuys

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I bought a 2017 w/ 53k miles.

S70Houston

Congrats!

vision0323

I am looking to buy a 2018 GLE 350. Would you mind share how much you paid for the 2017 one. Thanks.

bluenuys

$26,000 at Auto Nation in Los Angeles area. Pristine condition, 53,400 miles.

There were some better deals (similar mileage for less, higher mileage for MUCH less) ... but i caved in to the Auto Nation price because (a) perfect condition (b) color combination i demanded is rather rare (brilliant blue on black interior)

Another blue-on-black 2017 with 83,000 miles sold for $23,500 at the same time, near San Francisco.

Since it's been half a year, and since high interest rates are killing sales, and since it's winter doldrums, you should be able to get a much better deal on yours.

EDIT: just noticed you're asking about the GLE 350 .... i don't know how comparable those are to the GLC 300 .... i decided against the GLE because of fuel economy & older looks.

no_mulligan

What is your exit point? Is there a number of years and miles you want to put on? That can matter greatly.

charlesgreer64@

I Currently driving a 2011 ml350 with over 200000 miles on it and still running and drives like brand new long as you take care of them they will last a long time serving it later on today

Ghostdaddah

Related topic, I found YouTube user "schrauba" in Germany, replacing the rear axle wheel bearing (Radlager) at 702 000km / 436 200mi on his(?) GLC 4matic. My German is not that great, but hey I try to understand what he says. Maybe it´s a GLC Taxi? I just spotted one here in Norway, they probably have those in Germany too.

I just though that was pretty cool. Anyways, kudos to schrauba in Germany if you are reading this.

If you check the video at about 1:30 he shows the GLC odometer, and its at 702 000 km. I hope he can make another video at 1 000 000 km !

bluenuys

Does this guy have a blog? Whatever maintenance schedule he's performing, I want to follow it!

bluenuys

Sorry for the late reply. I was originally planning on keeping it for 2 years / 15,000 miles. But after a year, i'm now thinking 4 years / 30,000 miles.

My original plan was to hold out for a used EQB in a few years, but if they look good, I may stick it out for one of the new Hybrid GLCs should they arrive in the USA.

Ghostdaddah

Not sure if he has a blog but he has a YouTube channel, seems he works on lots of different German cars. It looks like he´s a professional mechanic perhaps, takes on different cars/projects.

I just liked seeing that number on the odometer.

Related to the topic - Is there a mileage to avoid?

My GLC has 216 000km / 134 200mi on it.

From the info I have available, my car seems to have had only the dealer required services, actually even the extended (25 000km / 15 500 mi) service intervals that were coded on the car from the factory.

The short story: Car runs and looks great even at this age/mileage (except it needs suspension work). It has the usual noisy injector noise from the M274 engine on cold-startup (scared me, until I researched it) and it has a somewhat "diesel" feel due to the high compression these engines use. But, remember you can cruise at highway speeds at like... 1,500 rpm with an inline 4. Thats quite amazing to a simple guy like me.

That said... I got my car diagnosed today and it has the dreaded P052E71 code stored -- but no CEL.
Not sure what to do, I have like two weeks of limited warranty left.

The original question: Is there a mileage to avoid? I have no clue. I am very new to the GLC world.

DanD.

Is it a diesel or gas? My biggest question.
Wish we can get diesels back in US.

chassis

There is no safe zone with MB 4-bangers as it relates to piston cracking or cylinder head failure.

All M274 and M264 2.0L 4-bangers are grenades, and the factory forgot to install the pin.

If you buy one of these, plan for engine or vehicle replacement sooner rather than later. Or better yet, don’t buy an MB 4-banger.