Is the 2021 GLE reliable to keep longterm?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Is the 2021 GLE reliable to keep longterm?
Hey everyone, question here regarding the 2021 GLE 350. I have my lease coming to an end in a few months and I currently have 31,000 miles on the car. Still have about 7 months of MB warranty remaining.
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,231
Likes: 6,284
Hey everyone, question here regarding the 2021 GLE 350. I have my lease coming to an end in a few months and I currently have 31,000 miles on the car. Still have about 7 months of MB warranty remaining.
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Is it the m254 4 cylinder engine?
not sure if the cracked pistons issue is resolved since 2017; this guy had issues at 32,000 miles it seems
https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...32k-miles.html
not sure if the cracked pistons issue is resolved since 2017; this guy had issues at 32,000 miles it seems
https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...32k-miles.html
Last edited by PeterUbers; Nov 9, 2024 at 05:47 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,231
Likes: 6,284
Is it the m254 4 cylinder engine?
not sure if the cracked pistons issue is resolved since 2017; this guy had issues at 32,000 miles it seems
https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...32k-miles.html
not sure if the cracked pistons issue is resolved since 2017; this guy had issues at 32,000 miles it seems
https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...32k-miles.html
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
2022 GLE 350 & 2024 E 450
We have a 2022 GLE 350 and we just bought out the lease last month. We have had very little problems with it other than a couple minor recalls and the MBtex tearing in both front seats, which was replaced for free. Even though Consumer Reports named it one of the more unreliable SUVs, we haven’t really seen anything that warrants that. Overall, we have been happy with the car so we decided to purchase it.
Regarding long term ownership, my experience is that a private mechanic can mitigate some of the costs but MB usually leans on the more expensive side once you reach 70,000-80,000 miles and there’s a need to replace parts such as the struts and/or mounts. I’ve sold Mercedes at around that mileage to avoid those costs but if my plan was to drive it to 150,000, I would just repair/replace it and live with the cost of driving a luxury car.
Regarding long term ownership, my experience is that a private mechanic can mitigate some of the costs but MB usually leans on the more expensive side once you reach 70,000-80,000 miles and there’s a need to replace parts such as the struts and/or mounts. I’ve sold Mercedes at around that mileage to avoid those costs but if my plan was to drive it to 150,000, I would just repair/replace it and live with the cost of driving a luxury car.
Last edited by jahsiao; Nov 9, 2024 at 06:13 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 72
2024 GLE 450e
Hey everyone, question here regarding the 2021 GLE 350. I have my lease coming to an end in a few months and I currently have 31,000 miles on the car. Still have about 7 months of MB warranty remaining.
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
This is my first mercedes and since I have low residual, I was planning on buying out the car and keeping it for as long as I can. Over the last couple years, I've had a few electrical issues fixed at the dealer, the battery replaced, and a couple of other minor things fixed. I feel like most of the issues that were going to go wrong with the car have already come up. Its been smooth sailing over the last year.
I am debating now if I should return the car and get a new one or just keep it. I do have a private mechanic that does german cars so maintenance isn't too bad but I am still curious to hear from longterm MB car owners what they think?
If you like the car and are looking for a cost effective way of getting a few more risk free years, consider a MB extended warranty.
Handing back the lease and buying a new vehicle is the most expensive option.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 47
2019 s-class coupe 2025 GLS 580 SUV2017 S-class cabriolet
2018 GLE 350
I have a 2018 GLE 350 with 40,000 miles and have had zero problems, save a battery replacement.
Anecdotally, I have found them to be a very reliable vehicle.
Anecdotally, I have found them to be a very reliable vehicle.
Trending Topics
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,231
Likes: 6,284
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 60
Likes: 27
From: Portland, OR
2021 GLE450 / 2008 C300
Love my 2021 GLE 450
No question in my mind but to keep my 2021 450 for a long time (current mileage: 46,000). Very few problems, mostly electronic/software glitches that have erratically occurred (and not uncommon to any electronic device you own), but nothing major or distressing.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 4,570
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
450 has the inline 6 and therefore irrelevant to the OP.
Under no circumstances own an MB 4-banger without a warranty.
Search terms: M254, M264, M274, cracked, failed, cylinder head, piston
Under no circumstances own an MB 4-banger without a warranty.
Search terms: M254, M264, M274, cracked, failed, cylinder head, piston
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 40
2021 GLE350 and 2021 E450
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 4,570
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The sky is the limit. I haven't seen too many out of pocket repair reports on this site.
Cylinder head $5k-$10k or more, at an MB dealer. New engine ~$20k. The point is, dealers don't want to repair your broken car. They want you to buy a new one, for you to trade in your broken car which they will repair for pennies on the quoted dollar, and resell. MB is out of this because the scenario under discussion is post-warranty period. Therefore there are no reasonable parties in the deal, for one to appeal to.
$9k for an in depth diagnosis: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-engine-2.html
$43k for a V8 replacement. Half the cylinders, so half the price, right?
.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...000-miles.html
Cylinder head $5k-$10k or more, at an MB dealer. New engine ~$20k. The point is, dealers don't want to repair your broken car. They want you to buy a new one, for you to trade in your broken car which they will repair for pennies on the quoted dollar, and resell. MB is out of this because the scenario under discussion is post-warranty period. Therefore there are no reasonable parties in the deal, for one to appeal to.
$9k for an in depth diagnosis: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-engine-2.html
$43k for a V8 replacement. Half the cylinders, so half the price, right?
.https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...000-miles.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The sky is the limit. I haven't seen too many out of pocket repair reports on this site.
Cylinder head $5k-$10k or more, at an MB dealer. New engine ~$20k. The point is, dealers don't want to repair your broken car. They want you to buy a new one, for you to trade in your broken car which they will repair for pennies on the quoted dollar, and resell. MB is out of this because the scenario under discussion is post-warranty period. Therefore there are no reasonable parties in the deal, for one to appeal to.
$9k for an in depth diagnosis: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-engine-2.html
$43k for a V8 replacement. Half the cylinders, so half the price, right?.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...000-miles.html
Cylinder head $5k-$10k or more, at an MB dealer. New engine ~$20k. The point is, dealers don't want to repair your broken car. They want you to buy a new one, for you to trade in your broken car which they will repair for pennies on the quoted dollar, and resell. MB is out of this because the scenario under discussion is post-warranty period. Therefore there are no reasonable parties in the deal, for one to appeal to.
$9k for an in depth diagnosis: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-engine-2.html
$43k for a V8 replacement. Half the cylinders, so half the price, right?
.https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...000-miles.html
The threads are Anecdotal and situation dependent.
Consult with your Dealer, not a noted MB Sceptic (chassis).
As far as long term reliability, I wouldn't own ANY 21st Century car without some kind of Extended Service Contract or Warranty. Even Ford window winders will put a crimp in your pocketbook.
Last edited by mikapen; Nov 17, 2024 at 12:16 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 231
2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
It would be great to see actual data on OCIs, oil weights, and failures. Personally I suspect the extended OCIs and thinner engine oils are the issue and I suspect they are a side effect of regulations on emissions and fuel economy. I have an M176 and plan to keep it as long as I can. I'm already doing OCIs at 7k rather than 10k and may shorten that to 5k. Will also be switching to a 5w40 oil to match the AMG and 2025 manual oil specs. Other than that I don't think there is a lot we consumers can do other than make friends with an engine builder.
chassis is right about one thing, dealers & MB do not want to do engine replacements, they want to sell new cars. Thus the crazy price tags for engine replacements. That's the "We don't want to do that" price.
chassis is right about one thing, dealers & MB do not want to do engine replacements, they want to sell new cars. Thus the crazy price tags for engine replacements. That's the "We don't want to do that" price.
Last edited by jkaetz; Nov 19, 2024 at 05:35 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,231
Likes: 6,284
It would be great to see actual data on OCIs, oil weights, and failures. Personally I suspect the extended OCIs and thinner engine oils are the issue and I suspect they are a side effect of regulations on emissions and fuel economy. I have an M176 and plan to keep it as long as I can. I'm already doing OCIs at 7k rather than 10k and may shorten that to 5k. Will also be switching to a 5w40 oil to match the AMG and 2025 manual oil specs. Other than that I don't think there is a lot we consumers can do other than make friends with an engine builder.
chassis is right about one thing, dealers & MB do not want to do engine replacements, they want to sell new cars. Thus the crazy price tags for engine replacements. That's the "We don't want to do that" price.
chassis is right about one thing, dealers & MB do not want to do engine replacements, they want to sell new cars. Thus the crazy price tags for engine replacements. That's the "We don't want to do that" price.
