My 2016 GLE350d Transmission Issue
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
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Mercedes GLE350d 2016
My 2016 GLE350d Transmission Issue
I have a 2016 GLE350d. In D8, the car has a humming noise and steering wheel vibrates as if some parts were grinding each other inside the power train. The issue started from day one when I purchased the car 3 years ago.
I have a very frustrating experience trying to have the issue fixed. Dealers were always saying they can't reproduced the issue until 2 months ago, they finally figured out there was an electro hydraulic controller unit failure and they replaced it.
After that, the noise/vibration got improved but still there if I drive the car long enough (over 20 km).
I suffered from the issue for over 3 years since I bought the car brand new.
I am in desperate need of your advice what I should do next. I don't think it's fair to have the issue passed this way unnoticed without any further attention from Mercedes.
I heard from an Mercedes thread that the 9G Tronic does not pair well to the high torque diesel engine used on GLE305d. If that's the case, this issue could be common to other users, but haven't found any complaints from other users.
Your advice is really appreciated.
I have a very frustrating experience trying to have the issue fixed. Dealers were always saying they can't reproduced the issue until 2 months ago, they finally figured out there was an electro hydraulic controller unit failure and they replaced it.
After that, the noise/vibration got improved but still there if I drive the car long enough (over 20 km).
I suffered from the issue for over 3 years since I bought the car brand new.
I am in desperate need of your advice what I should do next. I don't think it's fair to have the issue passed this way unnoticed without any further attention from Mercedes.
I heard from an Mercedes thread that the 9G Tronic does not pair well to the high torque diesel engine used on GLE305d. If that's the case, this issue could be common to other users, but haven't found any complaints from other users.
Your advice is really appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 11
From: San Antonio, TX
‘23 EQS 450+ 4matic
Try getting the transmission serviced. If the gears were grinding there should be metal filings in the fluid/filter. This was how MB diagnosed my diesel sprinter van tranny issue.
I have a 2016 GLE350d. In D8, the car has a humming noise and steering wheel vibrates as if some parts were grinding each other inside the power train. The issue started from day one when I purchased the car 3 years ago.
I have a very frustrating experience trying to have the issue fixed. Dealers were always saying they can't reproduced the issue until 2 months ago, they finally figured out there was an electro hydraulic controller unit failure and they replaced it.
After that, the noise/vibration got improved but still there if I drive the car long enough (over 20 km).
I suffered from the issue for over 3 years since I bought the car brand new.
I am in desperate need of your advice what I should do next. I don't think it's fair to have the issue passed this way unnoticed without any further attention from Mercedes.
I heard from an Mercedes thread that the 9G Tronic does not pair well to the high torque diesel engine used on GLE305d. If that's the case, this issue could be common to other users, but haven't found any complaints from other users.
Your advice is really appreciated.
I have a very frustrating experience trying to have the issue fixed. Dealers were always saying they can't reproduced the issue until 2 months ago, they finally figured out there was an electro hydraulic controller unit failure and they replaced it.
After that, the noise/vibration got improved but still there if I drive the car long enough (over 20 km).
I suffered from the issue for over 3 years since I bought the car brand new.
I am in desperate need of your advice what I should do next. I don't think it's fair to have the issue passed this way unnoticed without any further attention from Mercedes.
I heard from an Mercedes thread that the 9G Tronic does not pair well to the high torque diesel engine used on GLE305d. If that's the case, this issue could be common to other users, but haven't found any complaints from other users.
Your advice is really appreciated.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Mercedes GLE350d 2016
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Need more information. Does the problem appear or get better worse with:
low vehicle speed
high vehicle speed
heavy throttle pedal
Light throttle pedal
when the brakes are applied
on rough roads
on smooth roads
when turning
when driving straight ahead
when stationary in a car park with the engine idling in P
when stationary with the engine idling in N and in D
low vehicle speed
high vehicle speed
heavy throttle pedal
Light throttle pedal
when the brakes are applied
on rough roads
on smooth roads
when turning
when driving straight ahead
when stationary in a car park with the engine idling in P
when stationary with the engine idling in N and in D
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Mercedes GLE350d 2016
Need more information. Does the problem appear or get better worse with:
low vehicle speed
high vehicle speed
heavy throttle pedal
Light throttle pedal
when the brakes are applied
on rough roads
on smooth roads
when turning
when driving straight ahead
when stationary in a car park with the engine idling in P
when stationary with the engine idling in N and in D
low vehicle speed
high vehicle speed
heavy throttle pedal
Light throttle pedal
when the brakes are applied
on rough roads
on smooth roads
when turning
when driving straight ahead
when stationary in a car park with the engine idling in P
when stationary with the engine idling in N and in D
high vehicle speed - Only observable between 100-120km/h with D8
heavy throttle pedal - worse, but only with D8.
Light throttle pedal - better or disappear
when the brakes are applied - better or disappear
on rough roads - not relevant
on smooth roads - not relevant
when turning - worse and can get grinding noise in a curve. Only with D8 and speed 100-120km/h. Same with going uphill.
when driving straight ahead - not better or worse
when stationary in a car park with the engine idling in P - No issue
when stationary with the engine idling in N and in D - No issue
Another observation is before the electrohydraulic controller unit was replaced, the noise and vibration was happening (or more pronounced) between 115-120km/h. After the replacement, the noise is improved and but still obvious between 100-110km/h and less obvious between 110-120km/h. And the grinding noise is not as frequent as before. It was observable though when uphill or in a curve.
Really appreciate your help!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Worse noise and grinding while turning makes it sound like something in the front differential or center differential (transfer case). Try suggesting these things to the repair shop and see what they say.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
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Mercedes GLE350d 2016
If something is wrong in the front differential or center differential, in what case can it be related to certain gear such as D8?
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
That's what isn't clear. Maybe there is a resonance created by the tire or driveshaft (propshaft) frequency at 100kmh in 8th gear. The relationship with steering needs to be explored further.
Is the vibration or sound worse when turning left, or when turning right? A wheel bearing could be something else to think about.
Is the vibration or sound worse when turning left, or when turning right? A wheel bearing could be something else to think about.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Mercedes GLE350d 2016
That's what isn't clear. Maybe there is a resonance created by the tire or driveshaft (propshaft) frequency at 100kmh in 8th gear. The relationship with steering needs to be explored further.
Is the vibration or sound worse when turning left, or when turning right? A wheel bearing could be something else to think about.
Is the vibration or sound worse when turning left, or when turning right? A wheel bearing could be something else to think about.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
It sounds driveline related from your description. Suggest the front axle, transfer case, propshaft and engine mounts to your shop.
do you have any oil dripping on the ground or oil weeping from the front axle or transfer car? Need to get down on your hands and knees with a bright flash light to check.
do you have any oil dripping on the ground or oil weeping from the front axle or transfer car? Need to get down on your hands and knees with a bright flash light to check.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 334
Likes: 10
From: Northern California
2016 GLE300d 4Matic
I have a 2016 GLE 300d and it has the Mercedes built 7G Tronic transmission which I thought all these cars had in them so your comment about 8th gear is puzzling. Your driving comments seem to suggest the problem is in the U-joints or Flex plates on the prop shafts for the front wheels - not the transmission. If my car was doing this, I would take it to my independent Mercedes repair shop and not the dealer. I find their repair history with the dealer, though good, is uneven and they miss problems. Sounds like you have a similar experience. Find a well recommended shop in your area specializing in Mercedes and this problem could soon be in your rear view mirror. And, bonus, they typically charge less. And, yes, they can do warranty work most of the time.In any event this isn't a terribly expensive job.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
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Mercedes GLE350d 2016
I have a 2016 GLE 300d and it has the Mercedes built 7G Tronic transmission which I thought all these cars had in them so your comment about 8th gear is puzzling. Your driving comments seem to suggest the problem is in the U-joints or Flex plates on the prop shafts for the front wheels - not the transmission. If my car was doing this, I would take it to my independent Mercedes repair shop and not the dealer. I find their repair history with the dealer, though good, is uneven and they miss problems. Sounds like you have a similar experience. Find a well recommended shop in your area specializing in Mercedes and this problem could soon be in your rear view mirror. And, bonus, they typically charge less. And, yes, they can do warranty work most of the time.In any event this isn't a terribly expensive job.
I still think the issue is related to the transmission, as I mentioned earlier, they have found the failed electrohydraulic controller unit in the transmission and replaced it. And after that, the noise is improved. So now it is even harder to convince them that the issue is not completely fixed as you have to drive fairly long time to get the noise which the dealer is not willing to do.
As the car is still under warranty, I don't want to go to a local garage as that may void the warranty and I have to pay myself, which is not acceptable.
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
E220 W213
No, regardless of turning left or right, the vibration/grinding noise can be felt/heard when the car is in a curve. If driving straight on a good road, only the humming noise is heard. Even the humming noise can't be heard during the first 10-20 minutes from engine start. It's more obvious afterwards especially with heavy throttle pedal. The grinding noise/vibration can be heard/felt only when humming noise is getting worse, when the car is turning, climbing a hill or running against wind.
Mercedes are telling me it has not been found and that there is nothing wrong..
Please tell me you got it fixed eventually?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Humming at speed means main propshaft(s) or wheel bearings.
Humming under throttle only means propshaft joints or support bearing.
Humming under both throttle and no throttle means wheel bearing.
Humming under throttle only means propshaft joints or support bearing.
Humming under both throttle and no throttle means wheel bearing.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Mercedes GLE350d 2016
Dude I have the exact same problem with my car. Have you got it fixed yet? I have an e220d w213 2016 model at 40k mileage, and I hear humming noises at motorway speed. As you've said, the heavier the throttle the more the noises occur. In addition, I feel like the vibration is on the steering wheel also.
Mercedes are telling me it has not been found and that there is nothing wrong..
Please tell me you got it fixed eventually?
Mercedes are telling me it has not been found and that there is nothing wrong..
Please tell me you got it fixed eventually?
I may have to take legal action if they don't do anything.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Helllo,
I wonder did this ever get fixed?
I'm pretty sure the X166 uses similar bearings as the earlier X164 in the front diff.
This was a huge common problem and sounds very similar to what is described here.
Has anyone here had their front differntial or transfer case replaced or repaired for this or similar issue?
I wonder did this ever get fixed?
I'm pretty sure the X166 uses similar bearings as the earlier X164 in the front diff.
This was a huge common problem and sounds very similar to what is described here.
Has anyone here had their front differntial or transfer case replaced or repaired for this or similar issue?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 137
From: Washington D.C. area
16 GLE400 4matic
What is the mileage on the vehicle?
I would inspect the drive shaft or universal joint. I'm not sure if it could be the Flexible Disc that is mounted on the drive shaft.
I would inspect the drive shaft or universal joint. I'm not sure if it could be the Flexible Disc that is mounted on the drive shaft.
Last edited by amusa; Apr 23, 2025 at 04:08 AM.
