KA8

Looking at 2017/2018 GLE350. I'm familiar with ML's as I had many previously. These cars appear to be solid. But how is the reliability on these? Will be getting one at carmax with around 35k miles. I maintain all of my cars but undecided if extended warranty is worth it. How do these hold up at higher mileage?

BlownV8

Nice Z! Dependability is subjective and dependent on the engine choice. The search feature is your friend and will give you all the information you need.

KA8

Thank you!

Chefcct

KA8,
Mine is a 2016 gle 350 with the V6 engine and has been very reliable. I am at 78,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule.
some highlights so far:
* I have only replaced the rear brakes and rotors. Fronts are still original.
* oil changes every 10 K - still no oil loss in-between changes.
* I got about 50K out of the original tires.
* 1 alignment so far and it still is running straight on level roads.
* still original battery
Great Automobile!

chassis

Reliability is a relative term. Mercedes in general has abysmal reliability. The W166 GLE has far better than average reliability, for Mercedes. Especially with the gasoline V6 GLE 350.

Follow all of the scheduled and recommended service, and this gives you the best chance for a relatively pain free ownership experience. The only dissatisfying experience for me so far is engine oil leaks in several places (M276 3.5L NA V6), that were noticed before 40k miles. I brought this to the dealer's attention and the response was "it's normal". After three times insisting, they fixed the easier leaks, and left the other one (rear main seal). Turns out these are common oil leak areas: front cylinder head cover near cam magnets/servos and rear main crankshaft seal. The rear main seal seems to be a very slow weep or sweating of oil, thankfully.

Transmission and brakes are average. Axles, suspension (steel coil base suspension) and steering are good. Seats, carpet, HVAC and hk stereo are good. Fuel economy is bad (20mpg) for the modern era. Overall utility which means space and the ability to use it is very good. I tow a 3,500lb boat and put two adult bikes on a roof rack and the vehicle is solid as a rock.

The 4MATIC system exceeds my expectations. It's pretty awesome, even in the base GLE 350 4MATIC. Combined with 4ETS, the 4MATIC is an above-average capability vehicle. We have taken it up steep, rutted and rock strewn mountain roads in Colorado with no problem.

Highline-Autos.com

If you're feeling unsure, I can provide a free Freedom Warranty quote for the Mercedes-Benz that is accepted by all Mercedes-Benz dealers in North America. 5yrs / 100,000 miles and transferable with the sale of the vehicle, for more information you can text me at (602) 909-9216 or send me an email at tgibson@highline-autos.com

thammel

I do all my on maintenance and repairs. However, I purchased a 2017 GLE350 CPO last year and did opt for an extra 3 years of warranty. These cars are so complex and parts are so expensive, I thought it was worth spending the money for peace of mind. It's always a risk tradeoff.

KA8

Thanks all for your input. I will probably not get the warranty. I do maintain and do repairs on all my vehicles including 03 CL55k so I'm confident in my ability to maintain the GLE and the one I'm looking at still has factory warranty for a year or so.

Bill Baird

I've had ML's, a '17GLE43, and now an '18 GLE350. Zero problems. 40K miles and I have the oil changed every 5K. I've tried to justify buying a '21 GLE and can't do it. I've looked at BMW X3's, X5's, Acura RDX, and Land Rovers. None are as good and most of them not as reliable. I did buy a new '19 RDX, had it for three months but the radio and backup camera drove me crazy.