wcmbgle

I picked up my new GLE350 4Matic last week. Since day1 I've noticed a low-tone humming muffler sound from rear when driving. It happens between gears (doesn't do it when it's about to shift up or right after shifting). MB says it's normal but I am not completed convinced. Are other GLE350 owners experiencing the same? Thanks!

phoenixone

Yup. Noticed it too. Exactly as you said...in between gears.

wcmbgle

Thanks phoenixone! Hard to believe this muffler/exhaust sound was by design. So far I've given rides to a couple of friends that they both asked "what was that sound? you sure there's nothing wrong with your new car?" Not exactly what you want to hear on the new Mercedes you just bought. :-(

phoenixone

You're welcome. We lease our ML's/GLE's so when there is an annoyance...we only deal with it for 2 1/2 years. I wonder if they gave the GLE's a beefier sound? Or it's a resonance/vibration thing.

wcmbgle

Yeah my sales says it's by design as MB wants to attract more younger buyers... I don't think he made it up, but I just can't get used to this humming muffler/exhaust sound myself. It doesn't feel (or sound) like a resonance/vibrating issue to me (at least I hope not). I've read on another forum that someone went back and test drove a few (yeah a few) GLE and GLE 4Matic and apparently all of them have the same sound. :-) I had originally intended to buy it out after 3 year lease but am now definitely having 2nd thoughts. :-)

phoenixone

I'm already used to it. It also kinda makes me feel like it sounds like a poor man's AMG. (LOL!!!...yeah, i know).
We also used to say that we were going to buy out our lease as well. That was back during our 2nd lease ('09 ML). But when they keep improving and adding more features that make you go.."Oooo, I want that!". You find yourself in a new lease. We're now on our 4th lease.

It's a vicious cycle.

Gersh320

I'm really bothered by this sound. Is there any work around to silence it. ML was perfect, my GL diesel was perfect, and now just got into this GLE and absolutely hate the sound. Any suggestions?
It is by design by the way

pjw1967

Check out this complaint from my Durango buddies. Sounds like the same problem. BTW, I don't have the problem in my 2013 Durango R/T or my 2014 ML350. Seems it happens with the Durango's during aggressive throttle. Could just be a coincidence.
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-...-question.html

hutch300

My new gas GLE makes the sound too. I am not a fan but hope I just get used to it.

Yomibro

I have the same muffler sound on mine, my old 4Runner with 230K miles actually runs quieter.