2020 GLS 450 Front Axel Issue
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Another reason to not own a 167. I am trying to find a way back to the brand but there are no reasons to do so and only reasons not to.
These are baby transfer case lite units, similar to “sedan type” t/cases used for years on C-, E-, and S-Class 4MATIC. Not a proper chain-sprocket device like G-Wagen, 166, 164, 163, F-150, etc. Porsche uses the same junk design concept. Clear cost cutting by the carmakers.
BMW for whatever reason has been successful with a lighter duty t/case in xDrive. The design details are different than the junk MB and Porsche are using.
The MB and Porsche baby lite t/cases are not up to the task of a medium sized SUV. The units use wet multiplate clutch devices wherein the clutch plates are slipping against each other 100% of the time. Terrible design. It’s another throwaway component.
These are baby transfer case lite units, similar to “sedan type” t/cases used for years on C-, E-, and S-Class 4MATIC. Not a proper chain-sprocket device like G-Wagen, 166, 164, 163, F-150, etc. Porsche uses the same junk design concept. Clear cost cutting by the carmakers.
BMW for whatever reason has been successful with a lighter duty t/case in xDrive. The design details are different than the junk MB and Porsche are using.
The MB and Porsche baby lite t/cases are not up to the task of a medium sized SUV. The units use wet multiplate clutch devices wherein the clutch plates are slipping against each other 100% of the time. Terrible design. It’s another throwaway component.
Last edited by chassis; Dec 11, 2024 at 06:01 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
That's bad, but good that it's fixed.
What was the cost of the repair? Did you have an Extended Warranty or Service Policy? Mileage?
Unlike you, I abuse my AWD at the track and off road, and I'll be facing a "Keep, with Service Policy or Replace" decision when my warranty expires next March. I'm watching 2020 & 2021 issues as the cars gain miles.
What was the cost of the repair? Did you have an Extended Warranty or Service Policy? Mileage?
Unlike you, I abuse my AWD at the track and off road, and I'll be facing a "Keep, with Service Policy or Replace" decision when my warranty expires next March. I'm watching 2020 & 2021 issues as the cars gain miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Aren't these the first transfer two case failures we've seen on the 167 forums?
Last edited by mikapen; Dec 11, 2024 at 06:18 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 16
Likes: 6
w461/w463
I'm a gwagen fanatic and I'll stay that way. While the GLS was in the shop we added a G55 for my wife to drive. It's a little more refined than my Europa G500 and certainly light years beyond my Puch 250GD. We will probably sell the GLS and stick with Gwagens.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Another reason to not own a 167. I am trying to find a way back to the brand but there are no reasons to do so and only reasons not to.
These are baby transfer case lite units, similar to “sedan type” t/cases used for years on C-, E-, and S-Class 4MATIC. Not a proper chain-sprocket device like G-Wagen, 166, 164, 163, F-150, etc. Porsche uses the same junk design concept. Clear cost cutting by the carmakers.
BMW for whatever reason has been successful with a lighter duty t/case in xDrive. The design details are different than the junk MB and Porsche are using.
The MB and Porsche baby lite t/cases are not up to the task of a medium sized SUV. The units use wet multiplate clutch devices wherein the clutch plates are slipping against each other 100% of the time. Terrible design. It’s another throwaway component.
These are baby transfer case lite units, similar to “sedan type” t/cases used for years on C-, E-, and S-Class 4MATIC. Not a proper chain-sprocket device like G-Wagen, 166, 164, 163, F-150, etc. Porsche uses the same junk design concept. Clear cost cutting by the carmakers.
BMW for whatever reason has been successful with a lighter duty t/case in xDrive. The design details are different than the junk MB and Porsche are using.
The MB and Porsche baby lite t/cases are not up to the task of a medium sized SUV. The units use wet multiplate clutch devices wherein the clutch plates are slipping against each other 100% of the time. Terrible design. It’s another throwaway component.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The German brand engineering crews all hang out at the same technical conferences and went to the same engineering universities. The gene pool is shallow.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
No statement that the t/cases are the same but rather use the same working principal of multiplate wet clutch device. Someone just posted a W205 C63 M177 pdf and it shows good views of the torque coupling. The 167 uses the latest iteration. Light duty technology that obviously has a short lifespan in 167. MB and Porsche use almost identical technologies. BMW uses similar technologies as MB and Porsche but BMW goes farther afield, generally for the better from a reliability point of view.
The German brand engineering crews all hang out at the same technical conferences and went to the same engineering universities. The gene pool is shallow.
The German brand engineering crews all hang out at the same technical conferences and went to the same engineering universities. The gene pool is shallow.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
GL550, GLS63 AMG
Well, Freedom Warranty says there is nothing wrong with it. Dealership tech says the front transfer case is bad and the Freedom inspector disagrees. We just replaced a tie rod, and the car still has a strong bumping noise when turning at low speed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
What level of Freedom do you have? Did their Inspector visit the shop or just review documents?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
GL550, GLS63 AMG
I’m told he came to the shop and inspected it. I am not convinced the message was delivered properly. The freedom inspector said just because the diff is louder than normal, doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. The original problem still exists, knocking sound in front end while turning. They did replace a tie rod end that had play.
As for the level, I have no idea. I am covered up to 125 miles or 4 years.
As for the level, I have no idea. I am covered up to 125 miles or 4 years.
