2018/2019 GLE 43 AMG
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
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2012 ML350
2018/2019 GLE 43 AMG
Hi everyone,
I was hoping to get some insight for a vehicle I am looking to purchase. I currently have a 2023 GLE 450 coupe as a daily driver and love it. I haven't had any issues. We have a 2012 ML 350 with 225 000 kms that we use as a family vehicle to tow a boat and for our 3 dogs. It is time to swap it for another vehicle due to the mileage. I live in Canada and want to get a 2018/2019 GLE since I don't want a new gen because I already have the GLE 450 coupe. I really like the older style W166 it has held up well. I live in Canada and we have the GLE 400 and the GLE 43 AMG. I am not looking for performance but the extra power is welcome for towing our 18' fishing boat. The ML did very well and I know this vehicle would do better. The issue is that there are more GLE 43s on the market than GLE 400. My preference would be a 400 for our use but I am wanting to know about the reliability of the 43s and if and when something goes wrong the AMG is a lot more expensive to work on? Would it be better for our use to wait for a 400 or is the 43 a better and more reliable choice? My main concern is the cost of parts and maintenance since we will be towing with it.
Thank you
Dave
I was hoping to get some insight for a vehicle I am looking to purchase. I currently have a 2023 GLE 450 coupe as a daily driver and love it. I haven't had any issues. We have a 2012 ML 350 with 225 000 kms that we use as a family vehicle to tow a boat and for our 3 dogs. It is time to swap it for another vehicle due to the mileage. I live in Canada and want to get a 2018/2019 GLE since I don't want a new gen because I already have the GLE 450 coupe. I really like the older style W166 it has held up well. I live in Canada and we have the GLE 400 and the GLE 43 AMG. I am not looking for performance but the extra power is welcome for towing our 18' fishing boat. The ML did very well and I know this vehicle would do better. The issue is that there are more GLE 43s on the market than GLE 400. My preference would be a 400 for our use but I am wanting to know about the reliability of the 43s and if and when something goes wrong the AMG is a lot more expensive to work on? Would it be better for our use to wait for a 400 or is the 43 a better and more reliable choice? My main concern is the cost of parts and maintenance since we will be towing with it.
Thank you
Dave
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
M276 3.0TTV6 is reliable. Transmission is fairly reliable, for Mercedes.
If the GLE43 has air suspension this would need to be kept in mind as air springs need replacing if the vehicle is kept to 150k miles or more. Air spring replacement at 100k miles is no unheard of.
Core W166 platform (suspension, steering, brakes, body, interior, entertainment) is solid as a rock and reliable.
If the GLE43 has air suspension this would need to be kept in mind as air springs need replacing if the vehicle is kept to 150k miles or more. Air spring replacement at 100k miles is no unheard of.
Core W166 platform (suspension, steering, brakes, body, interior, entertainment) is solid as a rock and reliable.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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M276 3.0TTV6 is reliable. Transmission is fairly reliable, for Mercedes.
If the GLE43 has air suspension this would need to be kept in mind as air springs need replacing if the vehicle is kept to 150k miles or more. Air spring replacement at 100k miles is no unheard of.
Core W166 platform (suspension, steering, brakes, body, interior, entertainment) is solid as a rock and reliable.
If the GLE43 has air suspension this would need to be kept in mind as air springs need replacing if the vehicle is kept to 150k miles or more. Air spring replacement at 100k miles is no unheard of.
Core W166 platform (suspension, steering, brakes, body, interior, entertainment) is solid as a rock and reliable.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
2012 ML350
Thank you for your replies. In terms of the 43 vs 400 is it mainly the engine that is different? Do they otherwise share suspension and other parts? In terms of towing a relatively large boat would you recommend to go with air suspension or the regular suspension in terms of being able to handle a heavier load?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,679
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
400 and 43 use the same 3.0TTV6 engine. 43 has approx 30hp more power, or 10% more power. Not a huge difference. 43 has the AMG body kit which I think could be optioned on 400.
Towing with steel suspension is fine - I did it with a W166 GLE350 and it was a solid towing platform, as are all the German midsize SUVs.
I tow with an air suspension Cayenne and it is excellent, better than steel suspension because of leveling.
No difference in tow rating/weight between steel or air suspension.
Towing with steel suspension is fine - I did it with a W166 GLE350 and it was a solid towing platform, as are all the German midsize SUVs.
I tow with an air suspension Cayenne and it is excellent, better than steel suspension because of leveling.
No difference in tow rating/weight between steel or air suspension.
Last edited by chassis; Mar 9, 2025 at 10:12 AM.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
All 43s are equipped with air suspensions. 43s have "AMG" tuned suspensions (for noticeably better/sportier handling) and have much stiffer ride than 400s, unless the 43 is equipped with Active Curve (very rare option for 43s, not available for 400s).
