GLC300 Cracked Piston Cylinder 2
#1
GLC300 Cracked Piston Cylinder 2
Have a 2017 (purchased in 2016) GLC300 with 23K miles with a 4 year/50K warranty that expired ~6 months ago. Diagnosis is Cylinder 2 Piston Cracked. Received a quote from dealer $5300. Reading other posts, this may be a known issue with MB. Looking for feedback on other experiences. I have a case opened with MB corporate to cover the costs. Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by Steve Ekblad; 05-21-2021 at 08:09 PM.
#2
Sorry to hear about the experience. This does indeed seem to be an evolving situation with the 2.0L turbo 4 cylinder M274 engine used on C300, E300 and GLC300 vehicles. Several model years seem affected across the several vehicle models.
Possibly it's a production run of defective quality pistons, or a marginal design by MB, or both.
Possibly it's a production run of defective quality pistons, or a marginal design by MB, or both.
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Steve Ekblad (05-18-2021)
#3
Have a 2017 (purchased in 2016) GLC300 with 23K miles with a 4 year/50K warranty that expired ~6 months ago. Diagnosis is Cylinder 2 Piston Cracked. Received a quote from dealer $5300. Reading other posts, this may be a known issue with MB. Looking for feedback on other experiences, this is completely nauseating. I have a case opened with MB corporate to cover the costs. Any input is appreciated.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 155
From: Melbourne, Australia
2016 GLC 250d AMG pack, 2017 GLC Coupe 250d AMG pack , 2002 BMW 330Ci convertible, 2021 BMX X1 sD20i
‘ This does indeed seem to be an evolving situation with the 2.0L turbo 4 cylinder M274 engine used on C300, E300 and GLC300 vehicles. Several model years seem affected across the several vehicle model “
Check the UK MB Forums for any issues, they have diesel and petrol models sold there and in high numbers.
Hopefully they can help with petrol examples and if MB UK provided extended goodwill warranty support.
Check the UK MB Forums for any issues, they have diesel and petrol models sold there and in high numbers.
Hopefully they can help with petrol examples and if MB UK provided extended goodwill warranty support.
#6
I have noticed with mine even with 91 it knocks. The mid range they tuned into this thing is pretty aggressive, much more so than the newer model. I would think calming down the mid range boost pressure and or timing would help a bunch. I wonder if Mercedes has an update which helps with this.
#7
I don't want to get deep into gas quality, but I heard MB cant develop too many issues if runs on bad gas, not just low octane.
I personally use Chevron 99% of time, would use Shell if they build one close to me.
I do avoid Costco, Safeway or similar, even know there are so many discussions on this.
I personally use Chevron 99% of time, would use Shell if they build one close to me.
I do avoid Costco, Safeway or similar, even know there are so many discussions on this.
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#8
I don't want to get deep into gas quality, but I heard MB cant develop too many issues if runs on bad gas, not just low octane.
I personally use Chevron 99% of time, would use Shell if they build one close to me.
I do avoid Costco, Safeway or similar, even know there are so many discussions on this.
I personally use Chevron 99% of time, would use Shell if they build one close to me.
I do avoid Costco, Safeway or similar, even know there are so many discussions on this.
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edpare (01-23-2023)
#9
Have a 2017 (purchased in 2016) GLC300 with 23K miles with a 4 year/50K warranty that expired ~6 months ago. Diagnosis is Cylinder 2 Piston Cracked. Received a quote from dealer $5300. Reading other posts, this may be a known issue with MB. Looking for feedback on other experiences, this is completely nauseating. I have a case opened with MB corporate to cover the costs. Any input is appreciated.
Keep us updated on your case with MB corporate. It seems like these design flaws are popping up with alarming frequency with the 2016/2017 model years, wouldn't be bad if they weren't such incredibly expensive repairs. One step closer to getting rid of this car, its a shame because I love it.
#10
2018 GLC300 Cracked Piston
I purchased a 2018 GLC300 with about 38k miles from MB Marin in NorCal and to date it has spent over 50 days in service, almost half the time of short ownership period. The first issue came up about 5/1/21 and was indicated by the check engine light. I brought it back to the dealer, disappointed and it was determined to be an air intake hose. It made me doubt the process of an apparently ' certified pre - owned ' vehicle. On 7/28/21, I had a major mechanical failure, the engine stalled and sputtered to a stop, the check engine light went on again and the vehicle was disabled. I had it towed back to the dealer service department and after a week of diagnostic work, it was discovered there was a cracked piston. They recommended a full engine replacement. Retail cost for a service of this type would have been in excess of $20K. But it once again, went under warranty.
I was blown away that the vehicle would need a service of this magnitude. It totally shattered my confidence in the reliability of the car - It seems a factory defect to me and the opinion of many trusted friends with whom I've discussed the issue with, including one who is a professional formula one driver. There is no margin for another mechanical failure here with legal / lemon law recourse, it seems to me.
I let MB Marin proceed with the service, I'm being patient with them for now but I am in discussion with MBUSA manufacturing to explore my options for buyback and replacement with the same make/model. At the very least, I will pursue an extended warranty at dealership cost as there is less than 18 months left on the existing. The dealership was just acquired by a large auto group and I'll make sure that the senior leadership of the organization knows about this failure. Very concerned. - Nicola
#12
I would stay away from the M274.
#13
I purchased a 2018 GLC300 with about 38k miles from MB Marin in NorCal and to date it has spent over 50 days in service, almost half the time of short ownership period. The first issue came up about 5/1/21 and was indicated by the check engine light. I brought it back to the dealer, disappointed and it was determined to be an air intake hose. It made me doubt the process of an apparently ' certified pre - owned ' vehicle. On 7/28/21, I had a major mechanical failure, the engine stalled and sputtered to a stop, the check engine light went on again and the vehicle was disabled. I had it towed back to the dealer service department and after a week of diagnostic work, it was discovered there was a cracked piston. They recommended a full engine replacement. Retail cost for a service of this type would have been in excess of $20K. But it once again, went under warranty.
I was blown away that the vehicle would need a service of this magnitude. It totally shattered my confidence in the reliability of the car - It seems a factory defect to me and the opinion of many trusted friends with whom I've discussed the issue with, including one who is a professional formula one driver. There is no margin for another mechanical failure here with legal / lemon law recourse, it seems to me.
I let MB Marin proceed with the service, I'm being patient with them for now but I am in discussion with MBUSA manufacturing to explore my options for buyback and replacement with the same make/model. At the very least, I will pursue an extended warranty at dealership cost as there is less than 18 months left on the existing. The dealership was just acquired by a large auto group and I'll make sure that the senior leadership of the organization knows about this failure. Very concerned. - Nicola
I was blown away that the vehicle would need a service of this magnitude. It totally shattered my confidence in the reliability of the car - It seems a factory defect to me and the opinion of many trusted friends with whom I've discussed the issue with, including one who is a professional formula one driver. There is no margin for another mechanical failure here with legal / lemon law recourse, it seems to me.
I let MB Marin proceed with the service, I'm being patient with them for now but I am in discussion with MBUSA manufacturing to explore my options for buyback and replacement with the same make/model. At the very least, I will pursue an extended warranty at dealership cost as there is less than 18 months left on the existing. The dealership was just acquired by a large auto group and I'll make sure that the senior leadership of the organization knows about this failure. Very concerned. - Nicola
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,089
Likes: 1,671
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Lots of owners disregard that warning, and IMO are "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish."
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crconsulting (01-13-2023)
#15
I operate a specialty shop in Kansas City (Royal Autowerks) and just bought a 2016 C300 with 68K on it from a client with the loss of compression on cylinder #1 and will perform the detailed teardown (and rebuild ultimately). My client has registered for this class action lawsuit. I recommend that anyone that has had the same concern, reach out to the CA law firm that is pursuing the class-action suit.
https://www.classaction.org/news/mer...ng-m274-engine
I am a former Ford engineer and MIT mechanical engineering graduate (Masters and Bachelors) and 39 years as a mechanic. I have engaged the law firm and will likely end up being the engineering and mechanical expert on this case.
I encourage you to get registered for the suit if you have suffered a loss. Do this before you dispose of the vehicle.
- Jason
https://www.classaction.org/news/mer...ng-m274-engine
I am a former Ford engineer and MIT mechanical engineering graduate (Masters and Bachelors) and 39 years as a mechanic. I have engaged the law firm and will likely end up being the engineering and mechanical expert on this case.
I encourage you to get registered for the suit if you have suffered a loss. Do this before you dispose of the vehicle.
- Jason
Last edited by trygve11; 01-07-2023 at 10:01 PM.
#16
It seems highly likely that the problem is not specific to MB but is common to all small displacement, turbocharged, direct injection engines. The cause is probably not faulty pistons or manufacturing defects but Low Speed Pre-ignition (LSPI). This obviously does not abdicate MB from all responsibility as they should have used more stringent long-term testing procedures before releasing these engines on an unsuspecting public. The following videos explain the problem and suggest solutions much better than than I can. Hopefully they help.
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#17
After a bit of additional research I've found some more info. Problem is that things seem a bit more tricky than I had hoped.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
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crconsulting (01-11-2023),
Mike0Ryan (01-11-2023)
#18
After a bit of additional research I've found some more info. Problem is that things seem a bit more tricky than I had hoped.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
I believe Pennzoil Synthetic Euro 0W40 meets the new API SP specs. Good price at Walmart.
#19
After a bit of additional research I've found some more info. Problem is that things seem a bit more tricky than I had hoped.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
From the facts contained in the above videos, using API SP oil seems the way to go in order to minimize the damaging effects of LSPI. I searched for the oils recommended for a GLC300 on the Mobil1 and Castrol websites. Mobil1 recommends either 0W40 or 5W40 both of which are API SN which means that they don't address LSPI, in fact they have the highest concentration of Calcium (seemingly a major cause of LSPI). Castrol recommends 0W30 which is even worse with an API of SL.
The closest SAE grades with an API of SP to the ones recommended are 5W30 for both brands. Several web sites list 5W30 as an acceptable substitute to the recommended grades. I've been using Mobil1 0W40 (bad choice!) on my GLC since new but I'll be switching to M1 5W30 API SP as soon as possible and keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't incurred any appreciable engine damage.
I used all 5W40:
Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
OEM Mercedes Benz Geo 229.5 5W40
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40
You can see oil analysis below, oil changes every 3K miles, but viscosity isn't perfect.
#20
The Pennzoil web site says that their 0W40 and 5W40 are both rated at API SN PLUS.
Looking at your PDFs, the Calcium content measures an average of 2700 which is huge. The magnesium content averages only 15. According to the info presented in the videos, Calcium is a major contributor to LSPI and magnesium is the substitute to combat this problem so your oil is the exact inverse of the API SP spec. Maybe ask yourself why API SP was developed (no doubt at great cost) just at the point when small-displacement, direct injection, turbocharged engines are out there in sufficient numbers and with sufficient mileages to encounter increasing instances of piston failure.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
#21
The Pennzoil web site says that their 0W40 and 5W40 are both rated at API SN PLUS.
Looking at your PDFs, the Calcium content measures an average of 2700 which is huge. The magnesium content averages only 15. According to the info presented in the videos, Calcium is a major contributor to LSPI and magnesium is the substitute to combat this problem so your oil is the exact inverse of the API SP spec. Maybe ask yourself why API SP was developed (no doubt at great cost) just at the point when small-displacement, direct injection, turbocharged engines are out there in sufficient numbers and with sufficient mileages to encounter increasing instances of piston failure.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
Looking at your PDFs, the Calcium content measures an average of 2700 which is huge. The magnesium content averages only 15. According to the info presented in the videos, Calcium is a major contributor to LSPI and magnesium is the substitute to combat this problem so your oil is the exact inverse of the API SP spec. Maybe ask yourself why API SP was developed (no doubt at great cost) just at the point when small-displacement, direct injection, turbocharged engines are out there in sufficient numbers and with sufficient mileages to encounter increasing instances of piston failure.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
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karmikan (01-12-2023)
#23
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,089
Likes: 1,671
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
The Pennzoil web site says that their 0W40 and 5W40 are both rated at API SN PLUS.
Looking at your PDFs, the Calcium content measures an average of 2700 which is huge. The magnesium content averages only 15. According to the info presented in the videos, Calcium is a major contributor to LSPI and magnesium is the substitute to combat this problem so your oil is the exact inverse of the API SP spec. Maybe ask yourself why API SP was developed (no doubt at great cost) just at the point when small-displacement, direct injection, turbocharged engines are out there in sufficient numbers and with sufficient mileages to encounter increasing instances of piston failure.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
Looking at your PDFs, the Calcium content measures an average of 2700 which is huge. The magnesium content averages only 15. According to the info presented in the videos, Calcium is a major contributor to LSPI and magnesium is the substitute to combat this problem so your oil is the exact inverse of the API SP spec. Maybe ask yourself why API SP was developed (no doubt at great cost) just at the point when small-displacement, direct injection, turbocharged engines are out there in sufficient numbers and with sufficient mileages to encounter increasing instances of piston failure.
My guess is that MB will eventually come out with a new oil spec for their turbo, direct-injected 4 cyl engines when a 0W40 oil meeting API SP is developed. Until then they will continue to specify oils containing high levels of potentially engine-destroying calcium. Unless of course bad publicity and lawsuits force their hand. Pity.
I find that hard to believe, unless it's in the 2 liter 476 hp AMG version (recently announced). Which I'll bet has a combustion chamber designed for its high pressures and a progressive flame front.
I'd like to learn from your sources. Please share.
#25
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 968
Likes: 451
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Perhaps some enterprising tuner should start selling “De-Tunes” (for crappy gas spec). 🤨
Last edited by crconsulting; 01-13-2023 at 04:24 PM.