GLE Class (W166) Produced 2015-2019

Buying a used 18/19 GLE350/400, need some advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 20, 2024 | 09:26 PM
  #1  
zjm220's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLE350
Buying a used 18/19 GLE350/400, need some advice

I am buying a 2018 GLE350 or 2019 GLE400 with 50-70k mileage. I checked some information that the 3.5L engine for 350 is very reliable but the 7G tronic transmission is kind of sensitive to maintenance. I found the 2019 gle400 has the newer 9G tronic transmission but a 3.0L turbo charge engine. Hope to get some advice on the reliability of the 3.0 turbo engine and the transmission. not sure which one is a better choice.
2019 is the last model year of this generation. So I guess the reliability should be ok? But they canceled the 3.5L engine on that year..
Thanks in advance.

Last edited by zjm220; Mar 20, 2024 at 09:29 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2024 | 09:28 PM
  #2  
zjm220's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLE350
2019 is the last model year of this generation. So I guess the reliability should be ok? But they canceled the 3.5L engine on that year..
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2024 | 07:35 AM
  #3  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 350 will be more reliable and less costly to maintain over the long haul while the 400 will give you better MPG's and more power. Both are fine engines. I've had no issues with my 2019 GLS with the 3.0L but it has less than 60k miles. The engine has V8 power and torque with the MPG's of a 6. It's not as fun to drive as my 63 but it is acceptable and a great long distance comfortable cruiser.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2024 | 08:50 PM
  #4  
chassis's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
MBWorld Ambassador

5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,678
Likes: 4,578
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
^agree^
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2024 | 11:19 AM
  #5  
ZX81's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: Toronto
GLE 400
Originally Posted by zjm220
I am buying a 2018 GLE350 or 2019 GLE400 with 50-70k mileage. I checked some information that the 3.5L engine for 350 is very reliable but the 7G tronic transmission is kind of sensitive to maintenance. I found the 2019 gle400 has the newer 9G tronic transmission but a 3.0L turbo charge engine. Hope to get some advice on the reliability of the 3.0 turbo engine and the transmission. not sure which one is a better choice.
2019 is the last model year of this generation. So I guess the reliability should be ok? But they canceled the 3.5L engine on that year..
Thanks in advance.
I have a 2018 GLE 400. Had an issue with one of the sensor switch and it got replaced under warranty. Other than that absolutely zero problem. I am at 78K Km so not very high mileage. However reading through the forums the 2018/19 are considered solid machine and excellent cruiser.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2024 | 10:53 PM
  #6  
shotgun_banjo's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Find a GLE 43 amg (non-coupe) with a trailer pack instead. Best bang for buck on a used w166 IMHO.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2024 | 06:31 AM
  #7  
Chefcct's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 343
Likes: 86
From: Chicago, U.S.A.
2016 GLE 350 4-Matic
My 2016 GLE 350 has been rock solid. I’m at 108,000 miles… I had the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 and will again at 120,000. I’m not sure what you mean by “sensitive”. Just follow the maintenance schedule.

Last edited by Chefcct; Mar 27, 2024 at 06:33 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2024 | 11:14 AM
  #8  
ZX81's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: Toronto
GLE 400
Originally Posted by Chefcct
My 2016 GLE 350 has been rock solid. I’m at 108,000 miles… I had the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 and will again at 120,000. I’m not sure what you mean by “sensitive”. Just follow the maintenance schedule.
Did you do the transmission fluid change at the dealership?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 27, 2024 | 11:25 AM
  #9  
Chefcct's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 343
Likes: 86
From: Chicago, U.S.A.
2016 GLE 350 4-Matic
ZX81,
i have it done at my local independent Mercedes mechanic.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2024 | 11:29 AM
  #10  
ZX81's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: Toronto
GLE 400
Originally Posted by Chefcct
ZX81,
i have it done at my local independent Mercedes mechanic.
Thank you
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2024 | 11:36 AM
  #11  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
My 2016 diesel seems to be bulletproof. Not only 4M was excelent on 18" of snow, but due to bad circumstances, the car spend 7 months covered in snow. This is the picture taken in May, last year when I could see it again. After reconnecting the battery, it started on its own power and drove away. Only had to recharge aux battery.
Actually there was another problem. Due to high heat from sun at high elevation, the rear door badges melted the glue and float down on the ground.



Reply
Old Mar 30, 2024 | 02:13 AM
  #12  
shotgun_banjo's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Originally Posted by kajtek1
My 2016 diesel seems to be bulletproof. Not only 4M was excelent on 18" of snow, but due to bad circumstances, the car spend 7 months covered in snow. This is the picture taken in May, last year when I could see it again. After reconnecting the battery, it started on its own power and drove away. Only had to recharge aux battery.
Actually there was another problem. Due to high heat from sun at high elevation, the rear door badges melted the glue and float down on the ground.

what on earth! did you dig it out or just let the snow melt by it's own? that is crazy LOL! Looks like avalanche happened.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2024 | 10:37 AM
  #13  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Originally Posted by shotgun_banjo
what on earth! did you dig it out or just let the snow melt by it's own? that is crazy LOL! Looks like avalanche happened.
No, not avalanche, just 30 ft of snow in last year. in UT. It seems to be only 5-6 this year.
I had to wait for the snow to melt, as even I could clear the car, I still had 6 miles of unplowed forest roads to the highway.



Here is my solution for deep snow



Last edited by kajtek1; Mar 30, 2024 at 02:00 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:42 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE