2020 GLE 450 issues list
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Boise
Posts: 3,377
Received 1,032 Likes
on
700 Posts
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
For the most part the OTA is false advertising at this point. I had one OTA map update last summer but nothing since. My dealer Shop Forman said there were no current plans to update Vehicle software OTA. You can check your software to see if you have the MBUX Fup2 but I don’t know about the update fixing the Camera/Radar that is a serious safety issue. The dealer can look up your car and see what updates have been made.
The following users liked this post:
davebarrie (02-11-2020)
#27
Problem: Stuck in snow
Last Friday we had a fairly important snow storm.
I had the bright idea of parking on th estreet next to the office. The snow plows pushed some snow under the car.
At the end of the day, I cleared some snow around the wheels and edges of the car and got in. Pop in Drive and... Nothing.
The car would not move at all. The wheels would not even spin. The RPM stayed at 600 RPM.
I tried going into ECO mode, to slow down the engine, no difference.
Next was Off-Road mode. Raised the car, and managed to move an inch, back and forth.
Decidedly, this car just did not want to do anything. Even turning off ESP, I could barely make the wheel slip.
Solution: DSR
By using the DSR Downhill Speed Reduction feature, I was able to force the transmission to crawl out of the not so high snow. Complete waste of 40 minutes trying to get out of the parking space, even while having people help out to push the car. I never had this problem with the 2016 GLE350d.
I'm not impressed the electronics prevented me from moving the car in snow that wasn't even that hard to get out of.
Last Friday we had a fairly important snow storm.
I had the bright idea of parking on th estreet next to the office. The snow plows pushed some snow under the car.
At the end of the day, I cleared some snow around the wheels and edges of the car and got in. Pop in Drive and... Nothing.
The car would not move at all. The wheels would not even spin. The RPM stayed at 600 RPM.
I tried going into ECO mode, to slow down the engine, no difference.
Next was Off-Road mode. Raised the car, and managed to move an inch, back and forth.
Decidedly, this car just did not want to do anything. Even turning off ESP, I could barely make the wheel slip.
Solution: DSR
By using the DSR Downhill Speed Reduction feature, I was able to force the transmission to crawl out of the not so high snow. Complete waste of 40 minutes trying to get out of the parking space, even while having people help out to push the car. I never had this problem with the 2016 GLE350d.
I'm not impressed the electronics prevented me from moving the car in snow that wasn't even that hard to get out of.
Yours is a 450? That’s surprising must have been a ton of snow?
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
For the most part the OTA is false advertising at this point. I had one OTA map update last summer but nothing since. My dealer Shop Forman said there were no current plans to update Vehicle software OTA. You can check your software to see if you have the MBUX Fup2 but I don’t know about the update fixing the Camera/Radar that is a serious safety issue. The dealer can look up your car and see what updates have been made.
The following users liked this post:
bad habit (02-11-2020)
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Montreal, QC
Posts: 446
Received 134 Likes
on
76 Posts
2020 GLE450 4Matic AMG-Line
That's the issue I have, the snow accumulation wasn't that bad. It's actually worse now a few days later with the plaows building large snow banks and such.
There's no reason the car should have been stopped dead in its tracks. The electronic nannies prevented the transmission from turning any of the drive wheels. DSR is what saved my marriage. I am not joking with that last sentence. I am seriously thinking of going to a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2 1/2 years when this lease is up. I can guarantee you that you won't get stuck with that.
There's no reason the car should have been stopped dead in its tracks. The electronic nannies prevented the transmission from turning any of the drive wheels. DSR is what saved my marriage. I am not joking with that last sentence. I am seriously thinking of going to a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2 1/2 years when this lease is up. I can guarantee you that you won't get stuck with that.
The following users liked this post:
Green450 (08-12-2020)
#30
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Posts: 6,607
Received 1,186 Likes
on
853 Posts
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Stuck?
That's the issue I have, the snow accumulation wasn't that bad. It's actually worse now a few days later with the plaows building large snow banks and such.
There's no reason the car should have been stopped dead in its tracks. The electronic nannies prevented the transmission from turning any of the drive wheels. DSR is what saved my marriage. I am not joking with that last sentence. I am seriously thinking of going to a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2 1/2 years when this lease is up. I can guarantee you that you won't get stuck with that.
There's no reason the car should have been stopped dead in its tracks. The electronic nannies prevented the transmission from turning any of the drive wheels. DSR is what saved my marriage. I am not joking with that last sentence. I am seriously thinking of going to a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2 1/2 years when this lease is up. I can guarantee you that you won't get stuck with that.
#31
Newbie
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'19 S560, '19 C63 Cab
I do have updates. I called service to explain the problem and dropped it off. Nothing was initially found besides test drive but the tech decided to as his supervisor and this person knew of updates and or where to check. I did have firmware updates needed and applied. Now my GLE 450 does not slam on the brakes at this railroad crossing, so that was my main problem solved.
It still try to stop but this is a gradual slow, at automated toll booths (there are no manned booths) and occasionally I will get beeps and a red triangle about a warning but no slow down. These occur when I am a lone vehicle, on divided roads so I do not know why it does this. They suggested my sensor could be dirty so I try to remember to clean it more often but I have never needed to remember this on other older models with distronic.
On the positive note, they are improving software and I feel they will continue to improve.
It still try to stop but this is a gradual slow, at automated toll booths (there are no manned booths) and occasionally I will get beeps and a red triangle about a warning but no slow down. These occur when I am a lone vehicle, on divided roads so I do not know why it does this. They suggested my sensor could be dirty so I try to remember to clean it more often but I have never needed to remember this on other older models with distronic.
On the positive note, they are improving software and I feel they will continue to improve.
#33
Junior Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE on ISSUES....
I've learned to live with and (mostly) ignore most of the nuisance issues and still love the car but yesterday it suddenly popped up a message "battery not connected" as I was driving in a rural area. Started blowing hot air, losing power....car immediately warned me to pull over and stop driving it as something was overheating also.
Had to wait 1.5 hours for a tow in the middle of rural Texas. Thankfully my mom's farm was close so I just had someone come get me from there but could have been dangerous in that heat if it had happened in a different situation. They towed me to the Houston dealer I got it from and put me in a loaner. Haven't heard from dealer since but when we dropped it off my service guy said these 2020s have some known issues and they are still working out the kinks. That's a pretty big kink for a car I took delivery on less than a year ago and pay a lot for.
Just saying. I'm getting a little less optimistic after this most recent experience. Really messed up my entire day and could have been dangerous. Also MB sos line hung up on me twice over the car speaker and once by phone and never once called to check on my status even though last they heard from me I was walking on black pavement in middle of nowhere in almost 100 degree heat. Don't appreciate that either.
P.S. My mom asked if I was ready yet to get a brand new Ford Explorer like hers. She was laughing the whole time. 86 years old and cackling. LOL.
I've learned to live with and (mostly) ignore most of the nuisance issues and still love the car but yesterday it suddenly popped up a message "battery not connected" as I was driving in a rural area. Started blowing hot air, losing power....car immediately warned me to pull over and stop driving it as something was overheating also.
Had to wait 1.5 hours for a tow in the middle of rural Texas. Thankfully my mom's farm was close so I just had someone come get me from there but could have been dangerous in that heat if it had happened in a different situation. They towed me to the Houston dealer I got it from and put me in a loaner. Haven't heard from dealer since but when we dropped it off my service guy said these 2020s have some known issues and they are still working out the kinks. That's a pretty big kink for a car I took delivery on less than a year ago and pay a lot for.
Just saying. I'm getting a little less optimistic after this most recent experience. Really messed up my entire day and could have been dangerous. Also MB sos line hung up on me twice over the car speaker and once by phone and never once called to check on my status even though last they heard from me I was walking on black pavement in middle of nowhere in almost 100 degree heat. Don't appreciate that either.
P.S. My mom asked if I was ready yet to get a brand new Ford Explorer like hers. She was laughing the whole time. 86 years old and cackling. LOL.
Last edited by tjobi; 08-11-2020 at 07:34 PM.
The following users liked this post:
jsa1983 (08-12-2020)
#34
Brake Noise
Has anybody had any issue with break noise ?
Not when applying , only when you are in a idle and you slowly roll forward with your foot slightly on the break the breaks make a very load noise
Only 7,011 Florida miles
2020 GLE 350
Not when applying , only when you are in a idle and you slowly roll forward with your foot slightly on the break the breaks make a very load noise
Only 7,011 Florida miles
2020 GLE 350
#36
![Post](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Give it a wash with Sonax 02304000 Wheel Cleaner Plus
#38
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Posts: 6,607
Received 1,186 Likes
on
853 Posts
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Air recirculation issue
So some of you have probably heard how smoky it is here in Portland and the surrounding areas currently because of the wildfires (AQI is 417 right now). I found you have to reset air recirculation mode on each time you start the car; okay, no big deal. But I also found it automatically resets to fresh air mode after about 5 minutes or so (manual says, "after some period of time"). Very annoying in the current conditions. My BMW stays where you set it unless you set it to Auto mode, which the GLE does not have.
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,950
Received 1,637 Likes
on
1,206 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
So some of you have probably heard how smoky it is here in Portland and the surrounding areas currently because of the wildfires (AQI is 417 right now). I found you have to reset air recirculation mode on each time you start the car; okay, no big deal. But I also found it automatically resets to fresh air mode after about 5 minutes or so (manual says, "after some period of time"). Very annoying in the current conditions. My BMW stays where you set it unless you set it to Auto mode, which the GLE does not have.
#40
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Posts: 6,607
Received 1,186 Likes
on
853 Posts
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Air recirculation
Our GLE has Auto mode, and it will switch back to fresh air UNLESS it smells smoke or maybe some other pollutants. Last week when it was really smokey here it would stay on Recirc. It's also suppose to switch automatically to recirc when needed, but I didn't wait for it.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/400x207/capture_21c099092efb5bfe6e0f6d62beeab1cfcb7eee8c.jpg)
#41
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,950
Received 1,637 Likes
on
1,206 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I agree that the manual makes no mention other than what you have posted. My recirc stayed on for a good half hour during last week's smokey episode, so I assumed it behaved like my W166 and W164 before, as I stated above.
The current manual, both printed and digital, are really poorly written/translated/applied to various markets. I wouldn't call it a definitive tome!
The current manual, both printed and digital, are really poorly written/translated/applied to various markets. I wouldn't call it a definitive tome!
#42
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Boise
Posts: 3,377
Received 1,032 Likes
on
700 Posts
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Just saw this info on the X5...surprising number of serious recall issues. I knew there were a lot of minor ones. Maybe the GLE’s not so bad.....
”A Consumer Report’s review sheds light on the uncertainty of the 2020 X5, which received a predicted reliability rating of just 20%. The BMW X5 nameplate has traditionally struggled in the category, earning negative results between 2011-2014. Things were trending up from 2015-2018 with either neutral or positive ratings. However, the luxury midsize SUV hasn’t performed well in this category since it was introduced.
The BMW X5’s recall history
Owner confidence may have dwindled as the 2020 BMW X5 already received five recalls – all of which may increase the risk of a crash.
The rack and pinion steering system was the first to receive a recall, as it could cause a loss of steering control. Later, the NHTSA issued a recall for the steering column after finding that a loose bearing plate could also affect vehicle control and handling.
The sensing system camera was recalled, which affected the back-up camera display. The starter assembly was recalled as it could cause the engine to stall.
Recalls were also issued for the starter assembly, which had potential engine stall concerns, and the headlights, which emitted a blue light that could confuse or distract oncoming drivers.”
”A Consumer Report’s review sheds light on the uncertainty of the 2020 X5, which received a predicted reliability rating of just 20%. The BMW X5 nameplate has traditionally struggled in the category, earning negative results between 2011-2014. Things were trending up from 2015-2018 with either neutral or positive ratings. However, the luxury midsize SUV hasn’t performed well in this category since it was introduced.
The BMW X5’s recall history
Owner confidence may have dwindled as the 2020 BMW X5 already received five recalls – all of which may increase the risk of a crash.
The rack and pinion steering system was the first to receive a recall, as it could cause a loss of steering control. Later, the NHTSA issued a recall for the steering column after finding that a loose bearing plate could also affect vehicle control and handling.
The sensing system camera was recalled, which affected the back-up camera display. The starter assembly was recalled as it could cause the engine to stall.
Recalls were also issued for the starter assembly, which had potential engine stall concerns, and the headlights, which emitted a blue light that could confuse or distract oncoming drivers.”
The following users liked this post:
bad habit (09-25-2020)
#43
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2017 GLA250 4MATIC, 2020 GLE450, 2021 GLE350, 2020 SL450, 2020 GLC300
![Exclamation](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon4.gif)
Had my GLE450 now since late 2019, only has 9500 or so miles on it (15000ish km for you Canadian folk), and has already had a slew of problems. Aside from all the recalls, which are more than understandable, we've had to have the entire computer system replaced, on top of a series of "mystery breakdowns" (mostly related to the electrical system). Now, only this far in, the alternator has entirely given out. Is anyone else having this issue? I know my GLE450 was one of the first GLEs imported to Canada (where the vehicle is located), and is interesting as my GLE350 back home in Florida hasn't had a single problem whatsoever with similar mileage. Just bad luck from early on in the production run?
#45
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Posts: 6,607
Received 1,186 Likes
on
853 Posts
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Problems?
Had my GLE450 now since late 2019, only has 9500 or so miles on it (15000ish km for you Canadian folk), and has already had a slew of problems. Aside from all the recalls, which are more than understandable, we've had to have the entire computer system replaced, on top of a series of "mystery breakdowns" (mostly related to the electrical system). Now, only this far in, the alternator has entirely given out. Is anyone else having this issue? I know my GLE450 was one of the first GLEs imported to Canada (where the vehicle is located), and is interesting as my GLE350 back home in Florida hasn't had a single problem whatsoever with similar mileage. Just bad luck from early on in the production run?
#46
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Boise
Posts: 3,377
Received 1,032 Likes
on
700 Posts
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Had my GLE450 now since late 2019, only has 9500 or so miles on it (15000ish km for you Canadian folk), and has already had a slew of problems. Aside from all the recalls, which are more than understandable, we've had to have the entire computer system replaced, on top of a series of "mystery breakdowns" (mostly related to the electrical system). Now, only this far in, the alternator has entirely given out. Is anyone else having this issue? I know my GLE450 was one of the first GLEs imported to Canada (where the vehicle is located), and is interesting as my GLE350 back home in Florida hasn't had a single problem whatsoever with similar mileage. Just bad luck from early on in the production run?
The following 2 users liked this post by Ron.s:
GregW / Oregon (01-28-2022),
mikapen (01-28-2022)
#47
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2017 GLA250 4MATIC, 2020 GLE450, 2021 GLE350, 2020 SL450, 2020 GLC300
I'm guessing it's the ISG then - service is only booked for Wednesday and had to self-analyze with an OBDII reader...either way neither battery will charge at all.
#48
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2017 GLA250 4MATIC, 2020 GLE450, 2021 GLE350, 2020 SL450, 2020 GLC300
Not at all. Woke up one day to find my wife left the lights on by accident and it's had problems since. Jumped and left it running for an hour four times now, the second the engine goes off the car goes completely dead. AAA said they think it's the alternator or ISG equivalent. It gives the low battery, please let it charge warning but never goes away.
#50
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,950
Received 1,637 Likes
on
1,206 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Not at all. Woke up one day to find my wife left the lights on by accident and it's had problems since. Jumped and left it running for an hour four times now, the second the engine goes off the car goes completely dead. AAA said they think it's the alternator or ISG equivalent. It gives the low battery, please let it charge warning but never goes away.
Those marker lights won't run your battery down overnight - IF the batteries are fully charged.
Letting it idle for an hour won't recharge fully, and you will be behind the charge curve forever.
You need to drive for several hours, rinse and repeat to get a full charge, but if you've not done that since new, you may have killed your battery or batteries.
The car does a lot of listening, looking for updates and sending locations, in the background.