2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350d

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350d is a luxury SUV offering a blend of comfort, capability, and style. While the GLE350d boasts a robust diesel engine, buyers should be aware of potential issues. Other engine options available for the 2016 GLE include the gasoline powered GLE350 with a 3.5L V6, the GLE400 with a 3.0L Turbocharged V6, GLE550e with a 3.0L Turbocharged V6 Plug-in-Hybrid, GLE63 AMG with a 5.5L Turbocharged V8, and GLE63 S AMG with a 5.5L Turbocharged V8. All engine options are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The GLE350d features a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine producing 255 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally appreciate the vehicle’s luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and strong fuel economy with the diesel engine. However, some common complaints include electronic glitches and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

3.0L Turbodiesel V6 (OM642)

• Oil Cooler Seal Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the engine area, often noticed as oil drips on the ground. Burning oil smell may be present. The oil cooler seals on the OM642 engine are prone to failure, causing oil to leak.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler seals. The intake manifold may need to be removed for access.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light illuminated, accompanied by a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the AdBlue heater. This can occur in cold weather, as the heater is designed to prevent the AdBlue fluid from freezing.
  • Solution: Replace the AdBlue heater.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in a gear, or failure to shift at all. Check Engine Light may be illuminated. The conductor plate houses the transmission control unit (TCU) and sensors.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate and reprogram the TCU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during acceleration. Stalling may also occur.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Flushing the transmission is recommended during this replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height malfunction, “Visit Workshop” warning light related to the suspension. Failure of the air struts or air compressor are common issues.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air strut(s) or the air suspension compressor. Leaks in the air lines may also need to be addressed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut; $800 - $1500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery repeatedly dying, requiring frequent jump starts. The issue can be caused by a parasitic draw, where an electrical component continues to draw power even when the vehicle is off.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve troubleshooting various electrical modules and components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the draw)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or unresponsiveness of the COMAND infotainment system. Bluetooth connectivity issues or navigation problems may also occur.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the solution)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panorama Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof getting stuck, making grinding noises when opening or closing, or failing to close completely. This is often caused by debris in the track or failure of the sunroof motor.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks. If the motor is faulty, it needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350d offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of potential maintenance issues. The most common concerns revolve around the engine (oil leaks, AdBlue heater), transmission (conductor plate, torque converter), and air suspension (if equipped). Electrical issues such as battery drain and COMAND system malfunctions can also occur. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be costly. Addressing these potential issues proactively can help ensure a more reliable ownership experience.