lissailor

Hi Guys,

Potential first-time MB owner here. I am looking for a like-new GLE for the wife. We are deciding between a 2016 350/400 or a 2017 350. Both would be 4matic. It appears that a GLE400 is a great possibility as most of the used 2016/2017s are minimally equipped, but also cheaper. The 400 with the turbo, leather, and LED lights are very nice to have. I also love the AMG bumpers.

I wanted to ask you all if its worth going slightly older (2016 vs 2017) to get the 400 instead of the 350? If the torque difference noticeable? We really wanted Carplay and I am having trouble determining if we can have that added. The selling dealer says no. The VIN is A2468203800 and was delivered in August of 2015. So it's an early one. There are two USB ports in the armrest so I am hoping I can possibly add Carplay.

A few questions:
Is the NAV the same from 2016 to 2018 outside of Carplay? My wife wants the latest tech.
Are the LED lights much better than the standard? It's very dark where we live at night.
Is there a substantial difference in power between the 400 and 350? Besides what's stated on paper?
If any problems were resolved between MY 2016, 2017, or2018 please let me know!

This is one of the first cars we are trying to keep long-term. I appreciate any help!

Leo17

Welcome to the forum!

Based on my knowledge, Everything that was manufacture after February of 2016 has Carplay equipped. Mine when I ordered mine, the SA told me that I was lucky that based on the production date it has Carplay equipped as standard.

I had a 350. I would think for sure that 400 with turbo engine you will get a nice pull off the line. Probably not as significant as the newer AMG 43 engine but definitely quicker than the NA 3.5L. Either way, after test driving multiple Benz, I felt like unless you go after the AMG line, if not power is not a significant factor. Benz are a bit more smooth in their driving dynamic and transmission programming.

NAV system and hardware is the same, Benz after MY2016 do come with 3 year free map update. However, you need to ask the dealer for it, not many dealer will offer it unless you ask. Because it does not generate money for them.

LED light is a must!!!! it elevates the car all around especially at night. Visibility is way better than the standard halogen. Also the LED comes with Auto high beam. you could search the forum and see how many people have issues with the halogen light and regret not getting the upgraded lighting package.

A few recall here and there, but nothing too major. I did brought the car back twice for Collision Prevention system malfunction, but all it need is a program reset.

Chefcct

Hi Lissailor,
I own a gle 350 4matic that I ordered made to my specs from the factory. I can add a few things to this conversation...

I would not consider a 16 or 17 gle without the LED lights. EVERYONE says the standard lights are really, really, really bad! The LED lights are magnificent! Best lights on a car I have ever owned.
Mine was made in April of 2016 and I have apple carplay.
Though I don't use it...
I ordered the light tan leather and I like it a lot but I keep it pretty clean at all times. I ordered the lunar blue exterior because almost EVERYBODY has silver, white or black. It is a little different --but still classy.
I ordered the distronic along with all the parking packages. I use them all and really appreciate the added technology of them all.
My 350 has a good amount of torque and pickup. I have owned a few sports cars and this is not amazingly quick, but very still very nice...
The 4-matic is superb. I live outside Chicago. Winters can be pretty snowy here. The last snowstorm we had there was about 10 inches of snow and drove 20 miles in it with absolutely no problems at all. (Before the snowplows arrived)
I believe the Nav is not changed.
I have 42,000 miles as of now and have not had any problems outside of the replacing of the leather seat bottoms (under warranty) because they were a little loose.
I hope this helps somewhat..
Be well.
Chris

lissailor

Thanks for your replies. I think the light upgrade is special and I should definitely shoot for those, no matter the engine choice.

lissailor

Hey Guys,

Thought I would circle back and let you all know I ended up with a loaded 2016 GLE350. It is $74k MSRP build. I got it with 37k miles for $42.5k. I think I did OK. Really looking forward to getting it home. It has AMG exterior and interior pack with napa leather, driver assistance plus, LEDs (my must have), lighted running boards, pano roof, dynamic cruise, basically everything I can think of. It arrives in a few days and I think it will serve us well for the next many years. I was trying to get off the leased car carrossel. In the past, we would typically lease a car for around $800/month. After 36 months and an outlay of almost $30k, I think it makes much more sense to buy CPO and keep it for more than 3yrs. My breakeven on this car is only 4yrs. My wife drives about 12k/yr, so this car should serve us to 109k miles for the next 6yrs. I think that is a very fair lifetime use expectation. Anyone care to let me know if not? The car comes with 2yrs more warranty and I can buy 2 more years for the whopping sum of $3,800. I almost would rather self warranty. Thoughts? FWIW, I felt much more comfortable with the N/A 3.5L over the 3.0 Turbo in the 400 model.

Last question, the 350 engine it relatively bulletproof or did I miss something in my research?

Thanks for reading my ramblings. This place is sorta slow compared to the forums I came from.......

lissailor

Leo17

Congrats! You won't regret with the selection! especially that LED, pano roof and the illuminated side step. I custom ordered mine and those are the three non-negotiable that's a MUST. BTW. I also got mine from Rallye! great service and friendly staff.

asualum

Congrats! That's my build almost exactly and I love it. I've owned it since new and have been really impressed with the car.

pjw1967

While I can't speak from experience, $3,800 for the add'l 2 yrs of CPO seems high. At least I hope so. There are many threads here about this.
https://mbworld.org/forums/extended-...extension.html

Don't get mixed up. There are also threads about extended warranties. These are for folks who bought new and want to extend. Not the same as a CPO extension.