2026 GLE 450 issues/questions
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 4
Glc 300
2026 GLE 450 issues/questions
I leased a 2026 GLE 450 a few months ago. Turned in a 2023 GLE 450 at lease end and re-upped to another GLE. I noticed right away a rear-end noise, like something is sliding around in the back, a small ka-thunk-type sound, most noticeable when coming to a stop. Took the vehicle in to the dealer and was informed this is normal, something about cameras activating/deactivating (??). Is this a thing? New to me, it's very noticeable, and I find it pretty irritating in a car of this class. My 2023 GLE did not do this.
Next, I went to a car wash recently and tried to activate car wash mode like I did on my 2023. Nowhere to be found, did this go completely away?
I thought the '26 would have some upgrades and improvements over the '23, so far I'm underwhelmed.
Next, I went to a car wash recently and tried to activate car wash mode like I did on my 2023. Nowhere to be found, did this go completely away?
I thought the '26 would have some upgrades and improvements over the '23, so far I'm underwhelmed.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,012
Likes: 6,537
I leased a 2026 GLE 450 a few months ago. Turned in a 2023 GLE 450 at lease end and re-upped to another GLE. I noticed right away a rear-end noise, like something is sliding around in the back, a small ka-thunk-type sound, most noticeable when coming to a stop. Took the vehicle in to the dealer and was informed this is normal, something about cameras activating/deactivating (??). Is this a thing? New to me, it's very noticeable, and I find it pretty irritating in a car of this class. My 2023 GLE did not do this.
Next, I went to a car wash recently and tried to activate car wash mode like I did on my 2023. Nowhere to be found, did this go completely away?
I thought the '26 would have some upgrades and improvements over the '23, so far I'm underwhelmed.
Next, I went to a car wash recently and tried to activate car wash mode like I did on my 2023. Nowhere to be found, did this go completely away?
I thought the '26 would have some upgrades and improvements over the '23, so far I'm underwhelmed.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 4
2026 GLE53
I find the easiest way to access wash mode is after logging in to your account touch the top of the screen which will open another menu with the car icon. Click the car icon and it is on the first page. Of course there might be an easier way, lol.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,012
Likes: 6,537
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 13
From: MA
2026 GLE350
From the 2026 GLE manual:
The outside mirrors are folded in.
To prevent the windshield washer system from starting up automatically, the rain sensor is
deactivated.
The rear window wiper is deactivated.
The air conditioning system is set to air-recirculation mode.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated.
Vehicles with surround view camera: the front image is activated aer approx. eight seconds.
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: the vehicle is raised to the maximum possible chassis
level
The outside mirrors are folded in.
To prevent the windshield washer system from starting up automatically, the rain sensor is
deactivated.
The rear window wiper is deactivated.
The air conditioning system is set to air-recirculation mode.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated.
Vehicles with surround view camera: the front image is activated aer approx. eight seconds.
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: the vehicle is raised to the maximum possible chassis
level
Last edited by bancroftdg; Jun 10, 2026 at 09:12 AM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,012
Likes: 6,537
Set a Routine to automatically activate car wash mode under preset conditons: https://www.mercedes-benz.ca/en/owne...on-on-routines
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 13
From: MA
2026 GLE350
My 2026 GLE350 has car wash mode. The salesman showed me how to get to it but I have since forgot. a quick search of the manual says go to Home, Settings, Quick Access.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 800
Likes: 415
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
On my 2024 GLE450, I just hit the quick access button on the center console (the one above the star button with the car on it). The choices that appear on the screen include car wash mode.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,012
Likes: 6,537
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 20
Likes: 12
From: Colorado
