2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE500

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE500 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The GLE500 comes equipped with a 4.7L Twin Turbo V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2017 GLE include a 3.5L V6 (GLE350), a 3.0L Turbo V6 (GLE400), and a 5.5L Turbo V8 (GLE63 AMG). Transmission options include a 7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus) and a 9-speed automatic (9G-Tronic). Owners generally appreciate the GLE500’s powerful engine, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. Common complaints revolve around the complicated infotainment system and occasional electrical glitches.

Engine

4.7L Twin Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers on the 4.7L V8 can experience issues such as failure or reduced performance. Symptoms include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the turbochargers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+

Transmission

7G-Tronic Plus (7-Speed Automatic)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can also manifest as hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,500+
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during light acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension, if equipped, can experience issues such as sagging, failure to maintain ride height, or compressor malfunctions. This can result in a rough ride or uneven stance.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can be prone to glitches, including freezing, rebooting, or displaying error messages.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those related to the parking assist system or the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), can fail, triggering warning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck while opening or closing
  • Solution: Resetting the sunroof system or replacing the sunroof motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE500, while luxurious and powerful, can present owners with several potential issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger problems represent potentially significant costs. Transmission problems such as rough shifting can be expensive to fix as well. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and suspension issues can also add to the ownership costs. It’s crucial to have the vehicle inspected thoroughly before purchase, especially checking for signs of oil leaks, transmission smoothness, and suspension functionality. While many issues are moderate in severity, the potential cost of repairs can be high due to the high costs of Mercedes-Benz parts.