GLE 53 Coupe - Clunk sound from start - Need Feedback Pleasek
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Joined: Mar 2024
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GLE 450
I was just told by the shop that it’s the Rear Differential Actuator. Again, they call the sound normal and dismissed it. I can feel it and hear it more often now since picking it up from service. Maybe it will get so bad that they’ll have to do something. Maybe they know the fix is very expensive and are hoping we all learn to live with this flaw. I’ve said a few times on this thread that this was my first Mercedes and likely my last.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
No...mine remains as is I have just learned to live with it, as the rest of the car experience is (to me) amazing plus, I am comforted that so many others experience the same issue. So while annoying at times, I know it’s a design flaw, and not that my car is broken. Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
@TaterTex question… what is the rattle you get from the sunroof/headliner? Is it in the driver side only? If you press the headliner does it kind of squeak? Just wondering if it’s the same as mine
It’s back ordered and there is no known expected arrival date. They say months!
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Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Los Angeles
2024 GLE63s, 2021 E63s, 2018 GLC43
I have the clunk too. Noticed it after I stopped driving with the exhaust on loud after novelty of the new car wore off (around 5000 mi) . Happens when shifting gears up and down between 2 and 3, mostly noticeable in parking lots. It sound also aligns with the display showing engagement "charge/power" regenerative breaking.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
I have the clunk too. Noticed it after I stopped driving with the exhaust on loud after novelty of the new car wore off (around 5000 mi) . Happens when shifting gears up and down between 2 and 3, mostly noticeable in parking lots. It sound also aligns with the display showing engagement "charge/power" regenerative breaking.
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2024 GLE53 AMG
My 2024 53 has his same exact issue. Sometimes from a complete stop, sometimes just getting back on the throttle when already moving at slower speeds. Sounds like a thud in a plastic bucket under the rear floor. It’s driving me crazy. I have 2,500 miles.
I also have a terrible downshift from 2-1 when rolling to a stop if on any incline at all and it makes the same noise as the thud this thread is about.
Then I have a horrible rattle from my headliner in the rear passenger area. I cut up a sock and stuffed it up in there for now. Fixed it lol
I also have a terrible downshift from 2-1 when rolling to a stop if on any incline at all and it makes the same noise as the thud this thread is about.
Then I have a horrible rattle from my headliner in the rear passenger area. I cut up a sock and stuffed it up in there for now. Fixed it lol
Last edited by sickk23; Nov 2, 2024 at 09:16 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
My 2024 53 has his same exact issue. Sometimes from a complete stop, sometimes just getting back on the throttle when already moving at slower speeds. Sounds like a thud in a plastic bucket under the rear floor. It’s driving me crazy. I have 2,500 miles.
I also have a terrible downshift from 2-1 when rolling to a stop if on any incline at all and it makes the same noise as the thud this thread is about.
Then I have a horrible rattle from my headliner in the rear passenger area. I cut up a sock and stuffed it up in there for now. Fixed it lol
I also have a terrible downshift from 2-1 when rolling to a stop if on any incline at all and it makes the same noise as the thud this thread is about.
Then I have a horrible rattle from my headliner in the rear passenger area. I cut up a sock and stuffed it up in there for now. Fixed it lol
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2024 GLE53 AMG
I drove 8 hours to buy my GLE. I didn’t have time to test drive it. I had to turn straight around to head home so I wasn’t able to head back to the dealer for the rattle. And at home, my nearest dealer is 3 hours away so I have to wait to have my issues addressed.
Compared to my 23 X5, this feels like it was built on a hungover Monday or a drunken Friday.
Last edited by sickk23; Nov 2, 2024 at 10:56 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
Hahaha unfortunately we have the same car! So I took a thick sock and cut it into strips. I stuffed them (it took about 3) between the headliner and the frame of the sunroof just above the front passenger seatbelt. Maybe a bit back from it, but just a little. The rattle is completely gone and yes I am able to open shade and sunroof.
I drove 8 hours to buy my GLE. I didn’t have time to test drive it. I had to turn straight around to head home so I wasn’t able to head back to the dealer for the rattle. And at home, my nearest dealer is 3 hours away so I have to wait to have my issues addressed.
Compared to my 23 X5, this feels like it was built on a hungover Monday or a drunken Friday.
I drove 8 hours to buy my GLE. I didn’t have time to test drive it. I had to turn straight around to head home so I wasn’t able to head back to the dealer for the rattle. And at home, my nearest dealer is 3 hours away so I have to wait to have my issues addressed.
Compared to my 23 X5, this feels like it was built on a hungover Monday or a drunken Friday.
I know what you mean about a trip back to the dealer. It can be a real *****. If I hit a red light on the way it may make my trip be six minutes and not five. (Haha…sorry)
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
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hi All...In my '24 GLE Coupe, a few weeks ago I noticed (likely because the radio was off... 
) a "clunk" sound from the rear of the car when I am starting off from a stop. It's not crazy loud, but nonetheless, I thought it was unusual. So, I brought it in, and they had the car for a week. They did a bunch of tests, and also a transmission adaptation (no idea what that is). Anyway, I was advised to pick up the car today, and was told that all is normal. I spoke with the shop Foreman and he indicated he has driven two other GLE53’s that were there on property and found similar “clunks,” which he feels may simply be driveline slack with the all wheel drive system. So, they are classifying this as mostly nature of the beast after all the extended testing. Other than this sound, the car has performed brilliantly, and I am at 2,200 miles.
So, the question is....any other GLE 53 coupe owners experiencing the same thing, just to put my mind to rest? Thanks much
) a "clunk" sound from the rear of the car when I am starting off from a stop. It's not crazy loud, but nonetheless, I thought it was unusual. So, I brought it in, and they had the car for a week. They did a bunch of tests, and also a transmission adaptation (no idea what that is). Anyway, I was advised to pick up the car today, and was told that all is normal. I spoke with the shop Foreman and he indicated he has driven two other GLE53’s that were there on property and found similar “clunks,” which he feels may simply be driveline slack with the all wheel drive system. So, they are classifying this as mostly nature of the beast after all the extended testing. Other than this sound, the car has performed brilliantly, and I am at 2,200 miles.So, the question is....any other GLE 53 coupe owners experiencing the same thing, just to put my mind to rest? Thanks much
I had a BMW 330i a few years ago, 3500 miles and it did the exact same thing. For that vehicle i was told it was the rear differential.
I am going to wait a little before taking it in or questioning it, I don't feel like dealing with it yet...
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Joined: Mar 2024
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GLE 450
I just purchased a 25 GLA 53 coupe, currently less than 50 miles on it and I have noticed a slight "clunk" in the rear when giving it gas from a stop. It's almost every single time.
I had a BMW 330i a few years ago, 3500 miles and it did the exact same thing. For that vehicle i was told it was the rear differential.
I am going to wait a little before taking it in or questioning it, I don't feel like dealing with it yet...
I had a BMW 330i a few years ago, 3500 miles and it did the exact same thing. For that vehicle i was told it was the rear differential.
I am going to wait a little before taking it in or questioning it, I don't feel like dealing with it yet...
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2024 GLE53 AMG
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Junior Member
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GLE 450
driving it, it’s very noticeable and stands out completely. Sometimes I feel like you can actually feel it as well. This has to be fixable. But my patience is wearing thin on waiting for a technician to look at this problem.
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Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
I would think it could be, tho I’m not sure how noticeable it would be on a recording.
driving it, it’s very noticeable and stands out completely. Sometimes I feel like you can actually feel it as well. This has to be fixable. But my patience is wearing thin on waiting for a technician to look at this problem.
driving it, it’s very noticeable and stands out completely. Sometimes I feel like you can actually feel it as well. This has to be fixable. But my patience is wearing thin on waiting for a technician to look at this problem.
Unimpressed with “The Best or Nothing” and this is my first and last Mercedes. MB is a massively overrated brand.
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GLE 450
that’s supremely frustrating. And for all the money spent I honestly feel bamboozled if that’s the case. I’ll be switching to bmw.
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I would think it could be, tho I’m not sure how noticeable it would be on a recording.
driving it, it’s very noticeable and stands out completely. Sometimes I feel like you can actually feel it as well. This has to be fixable. But my patience is wearing thin on waiting for a technician to look at this problem.
driving it, it’s very noticeable and stands out completely. Sometimes I feel like you can actually feel it as well. This has to be fixable. But my patience is wearing thin on waiting for a technician to look at this problem.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
Ya, I don’t feel good about it either. I was forewarned about Mercedes, but didn’t listen. My next move will probably be to go back to Porsche.
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GLE 450
Finally got it in service…shop foreman says he is going to grease the drive spindles. Thinks there may be a service bulletin for this issue. I’ll let you guys know what happens when I get the car back.
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Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
The DRIVE SPINDLES!!! Why didn’t I think of those?!?! I don’t know what a drive spindle is. Haha. BUT! I’m damn sure interested in whether or not this works! I can’t wait to hear cuz I hate this “normal” sound.
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GLE 450
It didn’t help that the sound wouldn’t appear for the foreman like it does for me when I’m driving all the time. Thinking I’ll just bite the bullet and get and x5. The sound is just too annoying.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
So what they did, did not help. In the order sheet they simply tightened the driveline to the subframe. So not even a greasing.
It didn’t help that the sound wouldn’t appear for the foreman like it does for me when I’m driving all the time. Thinking I’ll just bite the bullet and get and x5. The sound is just too annoying.
It didn’t help that the sound wouldn’t appear for the foreman like it does for me when I’m driving all the time. Thinking I’ll just bite the bullet and get and x5. The sound is just too annoying.
I think every Mercedes shop is required to have a set.
Did you go on a test drive with them?
I'd have the service manager drive or ride with you.
Good luck.
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GLE 450
anyhow, not sure what else they used to diagnose but that’s what happened. Guess I can try another place now…lol
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 34
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From: Frisco, Texas
AMG GLE 53 Coupe
the shop foreman did ride with me. Like I said, the sound wasn’t presenting like normal. I have no idea why but it was frustrating. Maybe I drove differently with him the car?
anyhow, not sure what else they used to diagnose but that’s what happened. Guess I can try another place now…lol
anyhow, not sure what else they used to diagnose but that’s what happened. Guess I can try another place now…lol
When I first took the car in it was difficult to replicate the sound, but it did happen. Now it happens every time from a start and a little more loudly.
