GLE350 Engine Failure
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GLE350
GLE350 Engine Failure
I own a 2020 MB GLE350. The check engine light was on.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- On 2/21, I took it to the dealership. Due to the P06DA00 code, they recommended oil pump valve and harness change. As the cost was expensive, I was shopping around for a specialist shop.
- On 3/3, I dropped by the repair shop.
- On 3/6, I went to pick the car. Right there, the check engine light was on. It was not a good sign but they cleared the code and I drove away.
- On 3/7, the light was back on. They asked me to come back after the weekend.
- On 3/8, I was driving in freeway and the car broke down. I noticed the engine sound was off since I picked it up. Before the car broke down, a reduced oil level sign came, cruise control was not maintaining, smoke came from the hood when hood pulled over.
- On 3/10, they report that the engine has seized. There is a hole in the block between the 2 and 3 cylinders.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- I want a neutral party to assess what caused the breakdown. So far, couple I spoke to think its not possible. Is it that hard to identify if the repair shop contribute to the failure?
- What recourse I have against the repair shop?
- Replacing the engine will cost ~15K. Thats a big amount. Should I go for it or what other options?
Last edited by arouncoumar; Mar 12, 2025 at 02:18 AM.
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I own a 2020 MB GLE350. The check engine light was on.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- On 2/21, I took it to the dealership. Due to the P06DA00 code, they recommended oil pump valve and harness change. As the cost was expensive, I was shopping around for a specialist shop.
- On 3/3, I dropped by the repair shop.
- On 3/6, I went to pick the car. Right there, the check engine light was on. It was not a good sign but they cleared the code and I drove away.
- On 3/7, the light was back on. They asked me to come back after the weekend.
- On 3/8, I was driving in freeway and the car broke down. I noticed the engine sound was off since I picked it up. Before the car broke down, a reduced oil level sign came, cruise control was not maintaining, smoke came from the hood when hood pulled over.
- On 3/10, they report that the engine has seized. There is a hole in the block between the 2 and 3 cylinders.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- I want a neutral party to assess what caused the breakdown. So far, couple I spoke to think its not possible. Is it that hard to identify if the repair shop contribute to the failure?
- What recourse I have against the repair shop?
- Replacing the engine will cost ~15K. Thats a big amount. Should I go for it or what other options?
Right now you need to probably hire an attorney and see if there is anything you can do.
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From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
You didn't describe what work the repair shop did. Was the check engine light on steady or flashing? Did the repair shop use new Mercedes OEM parts? You need to have the car taken to a qualified shop and pay them to determine the cause of the failure. Dealership would be best for any legal action. Should be a ton of codes stored in the vehicle computer. Don't let the shop that did the work have further access to the vehicle.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
You didn't describe what work the repair shop did. Was the check engine light on steady or flashing? Did the repair shop use new Mercedes OEM parts? You need to have the car taken to a qualified shop and pay them to determine the cause of the failure. Dealership would be best for any legal action. Should be a ton of codes stored in the vehicle computer. Don't let the shop that did the work have further access to the vehicle.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2023
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GLE350
You didn't describe what work the repair shop did. Was the check engine light on steady or flashing? Did the repair shop use new Mercedes OEM parts? You need to have the car taken to a qualified shop and pay them to determine the cause of the failure. Dealership would be best for any legal action. Should be a ton of codes stored in the vehicle computer. Don't let the shop that did the work have further access to the vehicle.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
The GLE 350 has a history of engine failure. The shop will use this in their defense if you can't conclusively prove negligence on their part.
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The repair shop took the pan out (10h labor), replaced the oil pump valve and harness. They checked if the CEL didn't come on but did not test if the valve is functioning properly. When pressed on why they didnt test, they said thats not a job they would do and code clearance is what they were after. Even the code clearance wasn't done when I picked up from the lot.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I own a 2020 MB GLE350. The check engine light was on.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- On 2/21, I took it to the dealership. Due to the P06DA00 code, they recommended oil pump valve and harness change. As the cost was expensive, I was shopping around for a specialist shop.
- On 3/3, I dropped by the repair shop.
- On 3/6, I went to pick the car. Right there, the check engine light was on. It was not a good sign but they cleared the code and I drove away.
- On 3/7, the light was back on. They asked me to come back after the weekend.
- On 3/8, I was driving in freeway and the car broke down. I noticed the engine sound was off since I picked it up. Before the car broke down, a reduced oil level sign came, cruise control was not maintaining, smoke came from the hood when hood pulled over.
- On 3/10, they report that the engine has seized. There is a hole in the block between the 2 and 3 cylinders.
That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,
- I want a neutral party to assess what caused the breakdown. So far, couple I spoke to think its not possible. Is it that hard to identify if the repair shop contribute to the failure?
- What recourse I have against the repair shop?
- Replacing the engine will cost ~15K. Thats a big amount. Should I go for it or what other options?
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GLE350
I took it back to the dealer for a neutral opinion. This is what they came back with pictures / video
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
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Posts: 33,405
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I took it back to the dealer for a neutral opinion. This is what they came back with pictures / video
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
Super Member
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
This. I'm not even sure I would allow #2 unless they've already agreed to pay for the dealer to do the repair pending inspection of the vehicle as it sits.
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I took it back to the dealer for a neutral opinion. This is what they came back with pictures / video
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"
Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.
Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?
Thats a question you need answered. Those don’t just fall off, the previous shop screwed up big time.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Nevermind this whole situation would have been avoided if Mercedes would just install an oil pressure sensor like most other manufacturers. It would have been dead obvious from the first start that there was an oil delivery problem and not to drive it away or even idle it for long.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Nevermind this whole situation would have been avoided if Mercedes would just install an oil pressure sensor like most other manufacturers. It would have been dead obvious from the first start that there was an oil delivery problem and not to drive it away or even idle it for long.
That's why the warning light was on.
A bit of history:
The reason that manufacturers started using Idiot Lights in the 60's wasn't cost-saving; rather it was because owners didn't know how to read gauges (oil warmed up, cold, actual low pressure) and they were continually bringing their cars to the Service Department because their neighbor's Chevy gauge read differently. Lots of time spent 'splaining and saying "not to worry," which angered some, and made them look/feel foolish.
Or they didn't notice they were out of oil. Back then, you checked the oil at every fill-up.
Hence the warning lights, and the moniker Idiot Lights.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I'd check with that lawyer about the Indy's access to the car without supervision.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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For OP's M264, it might indeed have the same solenoid as the M274.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Such a thing exists.
That's why the warning light was on.
A bit of history:
The reason that manufacturers started using Idiot Lights in the 60's wasn't cost-saving; rather it was because owners didn't know how to read gauges (oil warmed up, cold, actual low pressure) and they were continually bringing their cars to the Service Department because their neighbor's Chevy gauge read differently. Lots of time spent 'splaining and saying "not to worry," which angered some, and made them look/feel foolish.
Or they didn't notice they were out of oil. Back then, you checked the oil at every fill-up.
Hence the warning lights, and the moniker Idiot Lights.
That's why the warning light was on.
A bit of history:
The reason that manufacturers started using Idiot Lights in the 60's wasn't cost-saving; rather it was because owners didn't know how to read gauges (oil warmed up, cold, actual low pressure) and they were continually bringing their cars to the Service Department because their neighbor's Chevy gauge read differently. Lots of time spent 'splaining and saying "not to worry," which angered some, and made them look/feel foolish.
Or they didn't notice they were out of oil. Back then, you checked the oil at every fill-up.
Hence the warning lights, and the moniker Idiot Lights.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 7,073
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Did this change with the current engines? I'm aware most manufacturers went away from a gauge so they didn't have to deal with service appointments related to normal fluctuations but based on what I'd seen about the two stage oil pump MB has omitted a true pressure sensor for a while. I don't think I've even seen an oil pressure PID in my diagnostic tools. I will have to look again.
So we have two problems here: failure to notice a warning light, and an incompetent independent shop.
I don't even know that there's a two-stage oil pump in this engine. Do you have any info about that?
I should do a code investigation sometime soon, after my MBUX head replacement.
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I'm just assuming that since the warning light was on, there was a sensor that told it to turn on.
So we have two problems here: failure to notice a warning light, and an incompetent independent shop.
I don't even know that there's a two-stage oil pump in this engine. Do you have any info about that?
I should do a code investigation sometime soon, after my MBUX head replacement.
So we have two problems here: failure to notice a warning light, and an incompetent independent shop.
I don't even know that there's a two-stage oil pump in this engine. Do you have any info about that?
I should do a code investigation sometime soon, after my MBUX head replacement.
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https://en.mercedesassistance.com/m264-engine-mercedes/
Here are two more:
https://mymotorlist.com/engines/mercedes/m264/
https://listserv.hlth.gov.bc.ca/form...ler_Global.pdf
https://yoursforthetaking.aston.ac.uk/fetch.php/scholarship/Mercedes_Benz_Four_Cylinder_Engine_M264_Daimler_Gl obal.pdf
https://paymentportal.achievers.edu....ler_Global.pdf
https://classroom.edopoly.edu.ng/boo...ler_Global.pdf
https://ir.uenr.edu.gh/default.aspx/browse/A05171/Mercedes_Benz_Four_Cylinder_Engine_M264_Daimler_Gl obal.pdf
Interesting that they are PDFs used in a University, I don't know how to download it without being a student.
Here are two more:
https://mymotorlist.com/engines/mercedes/m264/
https://listserv.hlth.gov.bc.ca/form...ler_Global.pdf
https://yoursforthetaking.aston.ac.uk/fetch.php/scholarship/Mercedes_Benz_Four_Cylinder_Engine_M264_Daimler_Gl obal.pdf
https://paymentportal.achievers.edu....ler_Global.pdf
https://classroom.edopoly.edu.ng/boo...ler_Global.pdf
https://ir.uenr.edu.gh/default.aspx/browse/A05171/Mercedes_Benz_Four_Cylinder_Engine_M264_Daimler_Gl obal.pdf
Interesting that they are PDFs used in a University, I don't know how to download it without being a student.
