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The M260 (GLB) and M264 (GLC/GLE) are turbocharged inline-four engines produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2017. GLB M260 engine and transmission are made in Germany... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...60/M264_engine
Both M264 and M260 are descended from the ill-fated M274 of wrist pin failure and piston-cracking fame.
MB does not have a good 4 banger on the market today.
The inline 6 and 4.0TT V8 don't seem half bad if you can find them without the DOA 48V system. The 4.0 V8 has a problem with failed vapor separators leading to rear main seal failure, but you can roll the dice and proactively replace the separators (hopefully) before the RMS blows out. This means the replacing the separators is effectively a regular maintenance item, requiring intercooler removal to access the separators.
Yes, walk back to your service department and ask them. MB Canada just announced an extended warranty for the "useful life of the vehicle" for 15yrs/150k miles covering the cylinder head. I expect MBUSA to follow soon. 167 GLE's are also affected although not as common as the front wheel drive A,CLA, GLA, GLB and others.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; May 8, 2023 at 03:15 PM.
Our figure eight test is great for separating the performance car wheat from the huge horsepower chaff. It's relatively easy to add huge horsepower to a mall mobile. Getting said soccer schlepper to quickly corner, well, that's a higher order of engineering magnitude. I typically say that anything in the 24-second range is pretty damn good, whereas anything under 23 seconds can be thought of as possessing world-class handling. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S covers our 1,600-foot double circle in 25.0 seconds. That's almost pretty good. Compared to all the other super SUVs we're talking about, the AMG is toward back of the pack. The previous-generation GLE 63 S Coupe (we never tested the non-Coupe for whatever reason) could do a 25.2.
In comparison GLB35 achieved max lateral grip of 0.95 g and a figure-eight time of 25.2 seconds at 0.73 average g. Once again, that's nearly identical to the 2019 Porsche Cayenne we tested.
Originally Posted by E55Greasemonkey
front tires scuffing while accelerating into a turn
@equaloutcome how is the decision process coming along?
I test-drived a GLB. It run alright but it did feel cheaply made. I'm going to test drive a GLE next. One of my listings that I'm looking into is this GLE from CARMAX which only has a 21k miles. I think I'll either end up with a GLE 350 or 450.
I test-drived a GLB. It run alright but it did feel cheaply made. I'm going to test drive a GLE next. One of my listings that I'm looking into is this GLE from CARMAX which only has a 21k miles. I think I'll either end up with a GLE 350 or 450.
That car has 19" wheels, and while they work, the tires are undersized and just look wrong. Try to get 20" if possible.
The article doesn't mention some other significant changes, such as entirely different lube system (hollow crank etc.).
New pistons, rings, crank, con rods, liners. Almost no parts are interchangeable.
The article doesn't mention some other significant changes, such as entirely different lube system (hollow crank etc.).
New pistons, rings, crank, con rods, liners. Almost no parts are interchangeable.
I think I read it doesn't use liners anymore, and the cylinders are flared at the bottom.
EPC users will find cam, crank and many other components shared between the problem-ridden four bangers from MB. Specifically the M274 and M264. Bad genes have been passed from the M274 directly to the M264 and for this reason the M264 should be avoided. It’s not a good engine.
EPC users will find cam, crank and many other components shared between the problem-ridden four bangers from MB. Specifically the M274 and M264. Bad genes have been passed from the M274 directly to the M264 and for this reason the M264 should be avoided. It’s not a good engine.
The OP is also considering the unreliable GLB which is seeing a rash of failed cylinder heads. There is no safe haven with MB as it relates to reliability.
GLB is an east-west powertrain economy car and the GLE is a mid-size SUV. Apples and oranges, the only things they have in common are three rows of seating and MB unreliability.
Are you still here and complaining? I mean, seriously. Why don’t you just go buy a Kia and post on those forums.
Op - our ‘21 GLE has been wonderfully reliable. We actually ordered a GLB but canceled and later the same year bought the GLE. No regrets even though it was quite a bit more expensive. The reason we cancelled the GLB was because we had a GLK at the time and the GLB in reality offered nothing that the GLK didn’t already have, whereas the GLE is roomier and much more comfortable on a road trip. The extra luggage space is a real bonus when carting luggage.
I would not touch an MB 4-cylinder gasoline engine produced in the last 10 years. Let us review their track record: M111 - 1992->2003 (11 years run) M271 - 2002->2015 (13 years run) M274 - 2011-> Present (12 year run) and a piece of junk with wrist pin issue, broken piston, etc. Lawsuit in progress. M264 - 2018-> Present (6 years run) transition engine towards electrification from M274->M254->xxx. Casually came out around when all the issues of the M274 started to pop up worldwide. M254 - 2020 -> Present (3 years run) includes electrification with a 48V battery. Hope you have read the horror stories with the initial 48V vehicles.
It seems to me MB is sending out technology-in-progress engines, and customers are their QA department and supporting ($$$) the transition. Would we be able to find parts for the engine with a short run? Will the independent be able to learn enough on how to fix these engines since there will not be many of them out there.
I would stick to the established V6/V8 generations, though not perfect until the recent versions stabilize a bit more.
In the software industry, the theme is to never buy/install the latest version, wait for the service pack. It applies to MB as well. Wait for the facelift, kr revised versions
I would not touch an MB 4-cylinder gasoline engine produced in the last 10 years. Let us review their track record: M111 - 1992->2003 (11 years run) M271 - 2002->2015 (13 years run) M274 - 2011-> Present (12 year run) and a piece of junk with wrist pin issue, broken piston, etc. Lawsuit in progress. M264 - 2018-> Present (6 years run) transition engine towards electrification from M274->M254->xxx. Casually came out around when all the issues of the M274 started to pop up worldwide. M254 - 2020 -> Present (3 years run) includes electrification with a 48V battery. Hope you have read the horror stories with the initial 48V vehicles.
It seems to me MB is sending out technology-in-progress engines, and customers are their QA department and supporting ($$$) the transition. Would we be able to find parts for the engine with a short run? Will the independent be able to learn enough on how to fix these engines since there will not be many of them out there.
I would stick to the established V6/V8 generations, though not perfect until the recent versions stabilize a bit more.
In the software industry, the theme is to never buy/install the latest version, wait for the service pack. It applies to MB as well. Wait for the facelift, kr revised versions
Great summary, well done. Adding that the M264 had an unusually short appearance as MB attempts to run from the crime scene which is the M274. M254 is the next contender to see if MB got it right. With the cylinder head issues the answer seems to be: no.
GLE shares 95% of the interior with the GLS. It's really refined and luxurious. While the GLB looks great (mini GLS exterior), it feels very econo car inside. That said I like the GLB for what it is, a very practical small car with style and luxury name plate.
Great summary, well done. Adding that the M264 had an unusually short appearance as MB attempts to run from the crime scene which is the M274. M254 is the next contender to see if MB got it right. With the cylinder head issues the answer seems to be: no.
I am currently in the market for a new 3-row family SUV and have narrowed my options down to the Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLE models. I would appreciate any insight or advice you all can provide to help me make an informed decision.
My priorities are:
3rd-row and trunk usability
Reliability and longevity (I'm selling my 2014 BMW X5, which has been surprisingly reliable with 150,000 miles and counting)
I understand that the GLB is more compact and affordable, while the GLE offers more luxury and advanced features. However, my main concern is reliability. I would like to hear about your personal experiences with these models, and which one you think would better suit my needs.
Please share your thoughts on:
The overall reliability of the GLB and GLE
Long-term maintenance costs and any common issues
Practicality of the third-row seating and the trunk
Thank you in advance for your valuable input. I look forward to learning from your experiences and making an informed decision on my next family SUV.
I have driven both vehicles extensively. The GLE is a much bigger and more luxurious SUV. My daughter is trading in her GLB and was not interested in getting another one. She will buy the new GLC instead. Buy the GLE, I’ve had no issues with mine. If reliability , customer service , and resale value, are of utmost importance you would be better off with a Lexus.
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