Buying dilemma....help
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 61
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Past: 2017 GLE350; Present: 2024 GLE450
Buying dilemma....help
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2017 new GLE but ran into an issue that I'm reconsidering. Any input would be much appreciated.
- During test-driving I found that whenever I turn the AC off, it would give out a loud squeak. The sales person took it to the service guys and was told it would take couple days to fix it -- they have to remove the whole dashboard to add grease to the AC "fan door" which cannot be easily reached. I read somewhere that dashboard removal is very painful and if the re-install is not done properly it will create rattles and squeaks. Salesperson reassured me the techs do this all the time and it's not a problem. Question is should I be concerned about this dashboard removal-reinstall? Is there a way to check or test if they did a good job? Or should I find another vehicle on the lot? The next vehicle that meets my criteria has an extra 4K price tag.
- During test-driving I found that whenever I turn the AC off, it would give out a loud squeak. The sales person took it to the service guys and was told it would take couple days to fix it -- they have to remove the whole dashboard to add grease to the AC "fan door" which cannot be easily reached. I read somewhere that dashboard removal is very painful and if the re-install is not done properly it will create rattles and squeaks. Salesperson reassured me the techs do this all the time and it's not a problem. Question is should I be concerned about this dashboard removal-reinstall? Is there a way to check or test if they did a good job? Or should I find another vehicle on the lot? The next vehicle that meets my criteria has an extra 4K price tag.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: North Carolina
AMG GLE43 Coupe
I second that. You don't want to have the dash disassembled if you can avoid it. The process can create new squeaks and rattles. It's hit or miss. I've seen failures and successes. The one thing that's sure is that it's a gamble.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 61
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Past: 2017 GLE350; Present: 2024 GLE450
Thanks guys for the input 
Does anyone know to get to the AC "fan door", does the whole dashboard have to be removed completely or only partially?
The dealership is definitely trying to do their due diligence to fix the problem before the sale but at the same time I don't know how good their service techs are at putting everything properly back in place.
Does anyone know to get to the AC "fan door", does the whole dashboard have to be removed completely or only partially? The dealership is definitely trying to do their due diligence to fix the problem before the sale but at the same time I don't know how good their service techs are at putting everything properly back in place.
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Soon: 2020 G63 Currently: 2016 GLE63 SUV + 97 F250HD, Before: 2013 G550, Range Rover Sport, 1984 CJ7
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 61
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Past: 2017 GLE350; Present: 2024 GLE450
thought I update everyone since I started a thread on this topic.... I take everything with a grain of salt with what the salesperson told me but this is what they said they did to fix the noise.... at first the service tech thought they would have to change the AC motor and that would entail removing the dashboard. But all they had to do was to grease the AC re-circulation fan doors which they can reach from the engine side through some access points on the firewall. That removed the squeak when turning the AC off. They did not have to do anything on the inside of the vehicle, or the dashboard. Sounds legit?
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 61
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Past: 2017 GLE350; Present: 2024 GLE450
Here's my plan when I head back to the dealership:
- Ask for an official service statement detailing what was actually performed.
- Thoroughly test-drive and check the vehicle.
- Backup plan for another vehicle on the lot. The backup vehicle has the upgraded headlights.
- Ask for an official service statement detailing what was actually performed.
- Thoroughly test-drive and check the vehicle.
- Backup plan for another vehicle on the lot. The backup vehicle has the upgraded headlights.
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From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights. Get the lights.
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2017 GLE350 4Matic
Here's my plan when I head back to the dealership:
- Ask for an official service statement detailing what was actually performed.
- Thoroughly test-drive and check the vehicle.
- Backup plan for another vehicle on the lot. The backup vehicle has the upgraded headlights.
- Ask for an official service statement detailing what was actually performed.
- Thoroughly test-drive and check the vehicle.
- Backup plan for another vehicle on the lot. The backup vehicle has the upgraded headlights.
But again, if it was me, I'd go for the backup vehicle. The upgraded lights are worth it, believe me.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: SOUTHWEST OHIO
2016 E350 2015 ML250 2002 Z06 CORVETTE
It's just my opinion, but if they already had to fix something on a new vehicle, it would bother me. I always thoroughly check out the cars I buy and never take something that already has problems. That said, if you truly want that car, I'd make it known that the A/C fix is bothering you. Make them sweat it out a bit and maybe you'll get a better deal.
But again, if it was me, I'd go for the backup vehicle. The upgraded lights are worth it, believe me.
But again, if it was me, I'd go for the backup vehicle. The upgraded lights are worth it, believe me.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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2017 GLE350 4Matic
If you spent your time around a dealership of any manufacturer, you would never buy another car! Seldom do you see a delivered vehicle that does not have some problem right off the truck. Normally this will be a very small problem such as the OP described or occasionally it will be a major repair. Typically these are all corrected before the retail buyer sees the vehicle.
I understand what you're saying but I don't agree. It's a mechanical thing that was built from scratch. Built properly and the squeak wouldn't exist.
Do things need to be given the once over after build? Of course. But it shouldn't be the customer doing that job. It's kind of the point when buying a new vs. used item.
And if you re-read the original post, that minor squeak couldn't be fixed quickly since it required the whole dash being removed. IMO, I don't consider that a "small problem" and I wouldn't buy a brand new car that already needed to have the dash removed.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 342
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From: SOUTHWEST OHIO
2016 E350 2015 ML250 2002 Z06 CORVETTE
Not sure why you're making this about me, but I'll bite. According to your reasoning, it would be perfectly okay to accept a new house whose front door didn't close. Or perhaps a new watch whose stuck second hand would start working after a bit of tweaking.
I understand what you're saying but I don't agree. It's a mechanical thing that was built from scratch. Built properly and the squeak wouldn't exist.
Do things need to be given the once over after build? Of course. But it shouldn't be the customer doing that job. It's kind of the point when buying a new vs. used item.
And if you re-read the original post, that minor squeak couldn't be fixed quickly since it required the whole dash being removed. IMO, I don't consider that a "small problem" and I wouldn't buy a brand new car that already needed to have the dash removed.
I understand what you're saying but I don't agree. It's a mechanical thing that was built from scratch. Built properly and the squeak wouldn't exist.
Do things need to be given the once over after build? Of course. But it shouldn't be the customer doing that job. It's kind of the point when buying a new vs. used item.
And if you re-read the original post, that minor squeak couldn't be fixed quickly since it required the whole dash being removed. IMO, I don't consider that a "small problem" and I wouldn't buy a brand new car that already needed to have the dash removed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 61
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Past: 2017 GLE350; Present: 2024 GLE450
Thank you all for the input. This is my first time buying a new MB and this forum has been a life savior For those following this thread, the issue originally identified has been fixed when I went back to the dealership. Test-driven it, checked it over again, and pulled the trigger.
Deliberated getting the other one with upgraded lights but it's 4k more and I wanted to stick to my budget. Prior to this I have been driving around a 2016 GLE for about a month and the standard headlights seem adequate..... probably buyers remorse down the road. Appreciate those who strongly recommended getting this option which will be worthwhile if within budget.
Here are some final numbers for those looking to compare:
Standard GLE350 (white outside; beige/espresso inside)
MSRP: 58,240
Final price before taxes: 50,000
4 year PPM: 1,400
Offered but did not take it: 7-year extended warranty (100k miles) for 3,560
For those following this thread, the issue originally identified has been fixed when I went back to the dealership. Test-driven it, checked it over again, and pulled the trigger. Deliberated getting the other one with upgraded lights but it's 4k more and I wanted to stick to my budget. Prior to this I have been driving around a 2016 GLE for about a month and the standard headlights seem adequate..... probably buyers remorse down the road. Appreciate those who strongly recommended getting this option which will be worthwhile if within budget.
Here are some final numbers for those looking to compare:
Standard GLE350 (white outside; beige/espresso inside)
MSRP: 58,240
Final price before taxes: 50,000
4 year PPM: 1,400
Offered but did not take it: 7-year extended warranty (100k miles) for 3,560
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 224
Likes: 28
From: Western Europe
2017 GLS 350d
Congrats on the new buy! However Im sure you will be posting in the "halogen to led conversion" threads we see all over this forum in the coming weeks. I would have gone for the led light, it does make a massive difference, much more to me than leather vs MB Tex or HK and BO over standard sound system. Anyway I am glad you are happy with your buy, and welcome to MB!
