Quick Update regarding Extended Limited Warranty: Jeff Jackson (MB Louisville) is THE MAN!

Fast turnaround, efficient communication, great pricing and knowledgeable about all the details.

Look no further! His email is: JJackson@MBLouisville.com

 

OK - so here is the update regarding my GLE350:

The car was with my local Mercedes dealership in Florida for almost 2 weeks, and they did a good job in addressing many of my concerns.

- Start-Stop feature got a software update, now it works with Air Flow settings 1 or 2
- A/C was updated/adjusted, fan is still noisy, but better than before
- Some visible misalignments/gaps were adjusted, some remained, especially around the wheel wells
- fuel-door boot replaced, now flush
- hissing sound from left outside mirror at higher speeds is gone
- the wipers work better, but the skipping is still somewhat present at lower wiper speeds.
- seat cover replaced
- spoiler replaced (broken seal)
- Start-Button replaced
- panoramic roof shade lubricated

So all in all, the car was in acceptable (but not "the best or nothing") condition. But again, the MB dealership did dig into the problems with a vengeance.

Unfortunately, it was too late for me to develop a "love" for the car, so I took advantage of the crazy trade-in values and sold the car.

I upgraded from a 2020 GLE350 with 13k miles to a 2021 GLE350 with 5k miles. Original MSRP was slightly higher due to better options.

Now, to be honest, the 2021 seems to have only a few of the problems persisting, overall, it is a very nice car and good build quality.
I am very happy with my decision.

 

Curious, is there a particular reason why you didn't go for the 450 with the inline 6? It is supposed to be smoother and at least you don't have that pedal hesitation when you turn left that you mentioned in your original post? That being said, it might be a right decision to stick with the 350 given the existence of 48V mild hybrid problems.
Good to hear that the newer car has less problems than the original one. Although I am surprised that you got the same SUV just a model year newer, do you want to share with us what led to such decision?

 

I'll gladly tell you the reasons: First, the dealer did not have a single 450 on the lot, and second, I wasn't going to pour significantly more cash into the whole issue. I like my cars, but in the end they are utilitarian items. Would I have liked to have a 450 ... of course. Would I have spent >$10k additionally on it, no.

And why did I stay with the same model? I have to say that I really like the interior of the car and the MBUX system. It's a great set up and coming from a 2014 E350, it feels like a whole new world. I drove the Genesis GV80 and a Lexus RX350 (?) in the meantime, and they don't give me the same "SUV-living-room"-feeling. So I guess what I am saying is, that the GLE is a great design, that - if implemented properly - convinces on many levels. (And I am a sucker for "the best" in any of my purchases.)

 

I see, I understand now thanks for answering my questions. Anyways, glad you end up with the car that you are happy with now and didn't let the bitter experience of the previous car drive you away. Another thing is the V167 came out in 2018 as MY19 so giving them yet an extra year (as in buying a 2021 compared to the 2020 you just let go) to work out the issues and refine the car was always a great decision of yours. No manufacturers are immune to first model year quality issues (and even second model year), MB is no exception.

 

To be honest, that is the real lesson I am taking away from this experience: I will only buy "established" models in the future to avoid becoming a customer beta-tester.

 

No worries, although most cars' first model year are prone to issues, some have way less than others and tolerable enough for those who want to try the newest (just unfortunately the GLE wasn't one of them). Only when these issues are a nuisance in everyday driving and that the car spends more time in the dealership than the owner's driveway is the problem (and especially if it is a safety issue) Enjoy your newer GLE!

 

Will do:


:

 

Looks good

 

Looks great. Congrats.

 

Thank you.

And just to complete the story: I purchased the 3 year / 75,000mi Extended Limited Warranty and the 4 year Prepaid Maintenance from Jeff Jackson.

If you are considering ELW/PPM, give him a call at MB of Louisville KY, you will not be disappointed.

 

For those of you who followed my quest for the more perfect GLE, here is a quick update.

Overall, the higher built quality is noticeable and the car performs as expected.
A couple of things (mostly already known) persist, but the list is much shorter:

- Start/Stop Eco Mode is a bit smoother, but I still switched it off for good. If anything, it works best with Air Flow settings 1. That also keeps the A/C noise down.
- Fewer misalignments, but my dealership will replace one of the rear doors (upper part), as it refuses to line up with the front door trim by >1/4 inch.
- hissing sound from left outside mirror at higher speeds (noticeable when you know what to listen for). Probably something for the first service.
- the wipers work better after the MB prescribed treatment, but the skipping is still somewhat present at lower wiper speeds. Dealership hopes for newly designed wipers by year-end.
- seat cover shows same cracking as the other one, but in the beginning stages. Will be replaced under warranty once it gets worse, hopefully with a strengthened material.

Other than that, it's good to drive. 24mpg city (Florida though), 27.5mpg highway. No rattles, great driving on the 21 inch 315 tires and overall a good looking car.
Special highlights: AR ... very cool, and wireles charging. Regrets: No pano roof, no cooled seats.

 

Where if FL did you find a dealer that was willing to do so much for you?

 

... I should probably take the Fifth ...

Actually, it has been several over the last 15 years: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers and Tampa.

I have learned that it is not so much the dealership, but the SA that is your friend. Mine have done wonders.

 

'thoughts' threads are almost as annoying as 'quick question' threads and just as useless and unproductive.

 

Thank you for your quick thought. Your insightful assessment, while arguably subjective, truly adds to the forum's productivity.

Thinking of a useful quick question for you now ... if you already find the thread's title annoying, why do you feel compelled to read on?