2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (W166) offered a blend of luxury, performance, and utility. The GLE300d, equipped with a 2.1-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine, producing 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, was designed for fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery. Other engine options available included a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.0-liter biturbo V6, a 4.7-liter biturbo V8, and a 5.5-liter biturbo V8. Transmission options were primarily the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic and later the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the GLE for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and available technology. Common complaints revolved around electronic glitches, higher repair costs compared to other SUVs, and some engine reliability concerns.

Engine

2.1L Inline-4 Turbodiesel (GLE300d)

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the DPF, leading to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and warning lights on the dashboard. This is often due to short trips where the DPF cannot regenerate properly.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration by a mechanic, replacement of the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve causing rough idling, poor acceleration, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-Speed Automatic (Most GLE300d models)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, indicating potential torque converter failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly, often associated with the valve body.
  • Solution: Valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks (Airmatic System - if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height, hissing sounds from the suspension, and a warning light indicating Airmatic malfunction.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,200+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent dead batteries, especially after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing parasitic drains, often related to faulty modules or aftermarket accessories. May require diagnostic testing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or malfunctioning of the COMAND infotainment system, including navigation, audio, and climate controls.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof mechanism, repairing or replacing damaged components (motor, tracks, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d offers a refined driving experience but is not without its potential issues. The most concerning problems relate to the diesel engine’s emissions system (DPF, EGR) and the transmission, which can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical issues, particularly battery drain and COMAND system glitches, are also relatively common. Suspension issues are prevalent on vehicles equipped with the Airmatic system. Overall, while the GLE300d provides luxury and performance, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs, which can be higher than average.