Looking to replace my W-166 with V-167...need help..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
Looking to replace my W-166 with V-167...need help..
I'm in the market for a new car after my 2017 GLE 350 was totalled.
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 602
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
1) Personally, I’d avoid the 350 unless you intend on holding an iron clad warranty for most of your period of ownership. At that point, you’d be within budget for the 450. Are there good high mile 350s out there? I’m sure there are, but the prevalence of a common fail point is concerning.
Do a little research on the “M264 cylinder head failure” and you’ll realize the turbocharger is the least of your worries.
2) airmatic, if you look at the struts you’ll see airbags vs traditional struts and spring, additionally the console will have an image of vehicle with an arrow going up if equipped with airmatic. Airmatic is a nice feature and pretty reliable these days.
3) 19in to 22in are available factory wheel options for the GLE.
4) Factory hitch is helpful to expand storage with a cheap rack.
5) what else to look for? If you have your heart set on the 350 and it’s m264 engine, research if and when the issue was resolved and seek that model year/build date.
6) lastvin
Do a little research on the “M264 cylinder head failure” and you’ll realize the turbocharger is the least of your worries.
2) airmatic, if you look at the struts you’ll see airbags vs traditional struts and spring, additionally the console will have an image of vehicle with an arrow going up if equipped with airmatic. Airmatic is a nice feature and pretty reliable these days.
3) 19in to 22in are available factory wheel options for the GLE.
4) Factory hitch is helpful to expand storage with a cheap rack.
5) what else to look for? If you have your heart set on the 350 and it’s m264 engine, research if and when the issue was resolved and seek that model year/build date.
6) lastvin
Last edited by vincheung; Apr 8, 2026 at 10:07 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
Likes: 58
From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
2. Airmatic - look at center console. If you see a big toggle in the center behind the touchpad palm rest - it’s airmatic. If it’s a little cubby/bin, it’s steel sprung. If you see three toggles, it’s likely eABC (air/hydraulic) though it’s rare.
3. I pulled off 21s and went to 20s. Be careful of wheel offsets - front and rear don’t rotate due to different offsets at the wheels, which wasn’t the case for W166.
Otherwise, test drive and find one that makes you happy with solid maintenance records. I strongly prefer the inline 6 - it’s been a peach.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,062
Likes: 4,565
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I would highly recommend that you drive a GLE350 and a 450 back to back. I just got out of a GLE350 loaner and I hate the 4 cyl, the 450 feels like an entirely different level of vehicle.
In fact, I would rather have a GLC300 vs a GLE350 because the 4 feels better paired to that vehicle.
In fact, I would rather have a GLC300 vs a GLE350 because the 4 feels better paired to that vehicle.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
I would highly recommend that you drive a GLE350 and a 450 back to back. I just got out of a GLE350 loaner and I hate the 4 cyl, the 450 feels like an entirely different level of vehicle.
In fact, I would rather have a GLC300 vs a GLE350 because the 4 feels better paired to that vehicle.
In fact, I would rather have a GLC300 vs a GLE350 because the 4 feels better paired to that vehicle.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
1. Not aware of turbo issues. 4cyl have gasket issues. 6cyl have crumbling spark plug wiring around 50k mi that need replacing. Also check the a/c evaporator - quite a few evap replacements for early years. I don’t think the mileage difference is worth choosing a 350. Grab a 450 - still around 22-25mpg hwy depending on speed. There were early issues with 48v systems (improper grounding and battery replacements). Should be resolved now.
2. Airmatic - look at center console. If you see a big toggle in the center behind the touchpad palm rest - it’s airmatic. If it’s a little cubby/bin, it’s steel sprung. If you see three toggles, it’s likely eABC (air/hydraulic) though it’s rare.
3. I pulled off 21s and went to 20s. Be careful of wheel offsets - front and rear don’t rotate due to different offsets at the wheels, which wasn’t the case for W166.
Otherwise, test drive and find one that makes you happy with solid maintenance records. I strongly prefer the inline 6 - it’s been a peach.
2. Airmatic - look at center console. If you see a big toggle in the center behind the touchpad palm rest - it’s airmatic. If it’s a little cubby/bin, it’s steel sprung. If you see three toggles, it’s likely eABC (air/hydraulic) though it’s rare.
3. I pulled off 21s and went to 20s. Be careful of wheel offsets - front and rear don’t rotate due to different offsets at the wheels, which wasn’t the case for W166.
Otherwise, test drive and find one that makes you happy with solid maintenance records. I strongly prefer the inline 6 - it’s been a peach.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
1) Personally, I’d avoid the 350 unless you intend on holding an iron clad warranty for most of your period of ownership. At that point, you’d be within budget for the 450. Are there good high mile 350s out there? I’m sure there are, but the prevalence of a common fail point is concerning.
Do a little research on the “M264 cylinder head failure” and you’ll realize the turbocharger is the least of your worries.
2) airmatic, if you look at the struts you’ll see airbags vs traditional struts and spring, additionally the console will have an image of vehicle with an arrow going up if equipped with airmatic. Airmatic is a nice feature and pretty reliable these days.
3) 19in to 22in are available factory wheel options for the GLE.
4) Factory hitch is helpful to expand storage with a cheap rack.
5) what else to look for? If you have your heart set on the 350 and it’s m264 engine, research if and when the issue was resolved and seek that model year/build date.
6) lastvin
Do a little research on the “M264 cylinder head failure” and you’ll realize the turbocharger is the least of your worries.
2) airmatic, if you look at the struts you’ll see airbags vs traditional struts and spring, additionally the console will have an image of vehicle with an arrow going up if equipped with airmatic. Airmatic is a nice feature and pretty reliable these days.
3) 19in to 22in are available factory wheel options for the GLE.
4) Factory hitch is helpful to expand storage with a cheap rack.
5) what else to look for? If you have your heart set on the 350 and it’s m264 engine, research if and when the issue was resolved and seek that model year/build date.
6) lastvin
Trending Topics
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I'm in the market for a new car after my 2017 GLE 350 was totalled.
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,062
Likes: 4,565
From: Maryland
2024 S580
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
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
Member
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 103
Likes: 12
Replacing your W-166 with a V-167 is a big step up, the new GLS is a beast of a vehicle, but you gotta consider the cost difference and the fuel consumption, it's definitely worth it if you're looking for more power and luxury. Which trim are you looking at, the AMG53 or the standard 580?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 602
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
Replacing your W-166 with a V-167 is a big step up, the new GLS is a beast of a vehicle, but you gotta consider the cost difference and the fuel consumption, it's definitely worth it if you're looking for more power and luxury. Which trim are you looking at, the AMG53 or the standard 580?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 592
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 1,513
From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
v167 350 is an underpowered dog, especially worse with the 4matic.If you're a lethargic driver who doesn't need passing power, or never intends to tow anything, the newly released extended warranty on cylinder heads makes it an "ok" purchase. 6 cylinders have cracked wiring harness that tend to burn the ecu if let go too long, and are now showing up with valvetrain issues on higher mileage "outside of warranty" units. 8 cylinder is fun, has issues with oil leaks and misfires and very expensive to repair outside of warranty. They all have air conditioning issues. The 167 platform was, and still is, a reliability disaster from Mercedes Benz. The newer model you can afford, the better, as some, but not all issues have been addressed as production continues. Just don't expect it to be as reliable as your w166 and you won't face disappointment. A warranty, even if 3rd party, is highly recommended.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Apr 10, 2026 at 11:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
is 2020 GLE 450 a good Option to 2021 GLE 350
I'm in the market for a new car after my 2017 GLE 350 was totalled.
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
I'm going to stretch my budget for a 2021 to avoid the new body style hickups of the 2020.
I know I definitely want the Driver Assistance Package, 4Matic, Premium package is preferred but not a deal breaker (especially love Panorama roof). NO Airmatic,
I do a lot of driving with my profession, so I'm leaning towards the GLE 350 for better gas mileage.
My questions are:
1. How reliable are the turbos in the 2.0 engines?
2. How do I identify if the vehicle has Airmatic?
3. If the car comes with 19-inch wheels, can I easily upgrade to 20-inch wheels? These cars seem too big for a 19in.
4. What else would you recommend?
5. What should I be on the lookout for?
6. Any recommended VIN decoder site?
Thanks in advance
2. I love the look of the AMG Package on the GLE 350 % 450. Are they a good package?
Last edited by d2Benz; Apr 10, 2026 at 11:54 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 1,201
GLE 580
If MPGs are important, definitely don't get the 580. I still love mine but I don't drive it much so I'm not bothered by the pump prices.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,062
Likes: 4,565
From: Maryland
2024 S580
No reason not to get the AMG package, its just a styling package with no mechanical differences.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 784
Likes: 403
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Yes, the only thing I regret in life (and there are many things I would have liked to have been different), it is buying my 2020 GLE 350...It is BYFAR the WORST vehicle I have ever owned....BUT... I did promise her I would be nicer, so I will say, she is so pretty and I love all of her looks, but she has a lot of issues on the inside.
If you are set on this vehicle; I would do a lot of research, get it independently evaluated, and get a warranty. If you're open to other options...check out Lexus...or an AMG.
**I thought I would try to be a little lighthearted with my post this time 😁
If you are set on this vehicle; I would do a lot of research, get it independently evaluated, and get a warranty. If you're open to other options...check out Lexus...or an AMG.
**I thought I would try to be a little lighthearted with my post this time 😁
Last edited by chassis; Apr 11, 2026 at 12:43 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Harness issues?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 592
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
The reality is he had a w166 and with a V6 gas model they are amazing and reliable and he still hates MB. Guy just hates the company I guess? I have a W166 and it’s been amazing.
