Mercedes-Benz GLB X247
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Mercedes GLB X247 (from 2019) is a clever concept: compact SUV with optional third row on the A-Class platform. Built in Mexico and China, with an engine range spanning Renault co-development to AMG. Overall quality is solid — What Car? awards 96% in reliability ratings.
Petrol: The M282 1.3 turbo in the GLB 200 is a joint development with Renault (also used as HR13DDT). 120 kW is enough for daily use, the engine is rated for 250,000+ km potential. Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection and occasional timing chain issues are the maintenance points. The M260 2.0 turbo in the GLB 250 is Mercedes' own engine — more powerful and less troublesome. The M260-AMG35">M260-AMG35 with 225 kW is the sporty crown — solid engineering with AMG premium.
Diesel: The OM608 1.5 diesel in the GLB 180d is rare on the market. The OM654 2.0 diesel (GLB 200d/220d) is the long-distance favourite — powerful, economical, and fundamentally robust. Note: there was a crankshaft recall (KBA 011460, 149 vehicles worldwide, production July–December 2020). Check status at the dealer.
Whole car: The 7G-DCT dual-clutch can judder during pull-away on early models — software update usually helps. MBUX infotainment occasionally shows black screens or reboots. Build quality (panel gaps, interior rattles) is the most common criticism — cosmetic rather than technical. Front axle corrosion protection was a recall topic.
Test-drive checklist: 7G-DCT: pull away gently and manoeuvre — any judder? MBUX: start touchscreen, pair Bluetooth. Check panel gaps at tailgate and doors. Check coolant level (OM654). If 7-seater: try the third row — tight but usable for children.
Market 2026: GLB 200 petrol from $27,500 (2020, 80,000 km), GLB 220d from $31,000, AMG GLB 35 from $44,000. Insider pick: GLB 200d facelift (from 2022), under 50,000 km for $35,000–42,000 — best compromise of efficiency, space and Mercedes residual value stability.
306 PS
AMG GLB 35 · Benzin
GLB 35 AMG — Power Meets People-Carrier
Decent109–163 PS
1.3L Turbo Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good ChoiceEngine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 is available with 6 engine variants — from 90 to 306 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Renault-based small diesel, new generation. Economical with SCR catalyst, but still with little power reserve. Automatic only.
- !! Timing belt maintenance obligation from 120,000 km
Like its Renault counterpart, the OM608 uses a timing belt. Prescribed change every 120,000 km or 6 years -- frequently forgotten as Mercedes buyers are accustomed to timing chains.
Symptoms: No warning on snap -- sudden engine failure and severe engine damage - !! Timing belt change critical from 120,000 km
The OM608 (Renault K9K base) uses a timing belt. Mercedes specifies 200,000 km change interval; Renault prescribes 120,000 km for the same engine. A snap causes immediate total damage on this interference engine.
Symptoms: No noticeable warning before snap; beforehand: faint squealing, occasionally starting difficulties - !! Increased oil consumption / turbo shaft seal from 100,000 km
The Renault-based OM608 1.5 CDI sometimes shows increased oil consumption from early on due to a leaking turbocharger shaft seal. Oil mist in the intake tract behind the turbo.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil mist or blue smoke from exhaust, oil in air filter housing behind turbo
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Completely new aluminium diesel with NANOSLIDE coating and integrated particulate filter. Noticeably quieter and cleaner than the OM651. Few typical faults known to date.
- !! Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear from 80,000 km
Known weak point: the narrow camshaft lobes and rocker arms in the OM654 wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. Mercedes issued TSBs.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from engine bay, misfires, rough running, engine warning light - !! Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall
Over 800,000 Mercedes diesel vehicles with OM654/OM656 were recalled due to a leaking electric coolant pump. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant warning light, engine temperature rises - !! NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit from 90,000 km
NOx sensors wear out from soot particles and deliver erroneous readings. Consequence: incorrect AdBlue injection, CEL illumination; if unaddressed, an engine start inhibit may follow. Both sensors can be affected.
Symptoms: CEL, AdBlue warning, fault code P20EE or P204F, message 'No start after X km', rough idle
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Completely new aluminium diesel with NANOSLIDE coating and integrated particulate filter. Noticeably quieter and cleaner than the OM651. Few typical faults known to date.
- !! Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear from 80,000 km
Known weak point: the narrow camshaft lobes and rocker arms in the OM654 wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. Mercedes issued TSBs.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from engine bay, misfires, rough running, engine warning light - !! Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall
Over 800,000 Mercedes diesel vehicles with OM654/OM656 were recalled due to a leaking electric coolant pump. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant warning light, engine temperature rises - !! NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit from 90,000 km
NOx sensors wear out from soot particles and deliver erroneous readings. Consequence: incorrect AdBlue injection, CEL illumination; if unaddressed, an engine start inhibit may follow. Both sensors can be affected.
Symptoms: CEL, AdBlue warning, fault code P20EE or P204F, message 'No start after X km', rough idle
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Completely new aluminium diesel with NANOSLIDE coating and integrated particulate filter. Noticeably quieter and cleaner than the OM651. Few typical faults known to date.
- !! Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear from 80,000 km
Known weak point: the narrow camshaft lobes and rocker arms in the OM654 wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. Mercedes issued TSBs.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from engine bay, misfires, rough running, engine warning light - !! Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall
Over 800,000 Mercedes diesel vehicles with OM654/OM656 were recalled due to a leaking electric coolant pump. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant warning light, engine temperature rises - !! NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit from 90,000 km
NOx sensors wear out from soot particles and deliver erroneous readings. Consequence: incorrect AdBlue injection, CEL illumination; if unaddressed, an engine start inhibit may follow. Both sensors can be affected.
Symptoms: CEL, AdBlue warning, fault code P20EE or P204F, message 'No start after X km', rough idle
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
AMG version of the M260 with 306 hp. 7G-DCT and 4MATIC standard. Independent tuning with reinforced bottom end. Good balance of everyday usability and performance.
- !! Cylinder Head Exhaust Valves Worn from 35,000 km
Same production defect as in the standard M260: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely causing engine misfires. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years.
Symptoms: Heavy vibration, misfires (MIL with misfire faults P030x), noticeable power loss - !! Valve Seat Insert Wears — Cylinder Head Damage from 50,000 km
Known production issue on early M260 engines: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely. Mercedes Canada extended warranty to 15 years/241,000 km.
Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, power loss, compression test shows drop, MIL illuminated - !! Turbocharger Wear Under AMG Load from 90,000 km
The higher-boosted M260 shows premature turbocharger wear with spirited driving. Inadequate cool-down periods accelerate bearing damage.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power drop at high rpm, oil mist in intake tract
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).
- !! Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km
Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating - !! Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear from 60,000 km
Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.
Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust - !! Boost pressure loss from turbo or charge air hose from 120,000 km
The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.
Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Powerful two-litre turbo from the new compact platform. 7G-DCT or 8G-DCT standard. Strong everyday engine with few known weaknesses.
- !! Exhaust Valve Seat Insert Wear / Cylinder Head from 40,000 km
Known production deficiency: exhaust valve seat inserts and valve guides wear prematurely, leading to leaking combustion chambers. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years / 241,000 km for model years 2019–2022.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, misfires (faults P0300–P0304), check engine light, power loss, vibration - !! Timing Chain Rattles on Cold Start from 90,000 km
On the M260 timing chain and tensioner can wear prematurely, especially with long oil change intervals. Affected vehicles show rattling on cold start.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling after cold start, check engine light, camshaft position fault codes - !! Wastegate Actuator Causes Boost Pressure Loss from 100,000 km
The wastegate actuator on the M260 can open prematurely from spring wear, leading to underboost. Diagnosis possible by pressure-testing the actuator.
Symptoms: Power deficiency under load, P0299 fault code, whistling on acceleration
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: front axle subframe corrosion affects steering On 70,534 GLB X247 and A-Class W177 vehicles (production 2019–2020, Mexican manufacture only) the corrosion protection on the front axle subframe was inadequate. Symptoms: No visible driver symptom — corrosion progresses gradually and is only discovered during inspection | Low | |
| Recall: water enters footwell and damages control units On early production GLB X247 the body in the area of the front wheel arches was not correctly sealed. Water could enter the front footwell and damage control units. Symptoms: Damp footwell, electrical system failures, short circuits, vehicle fails to start | Medium | |
| Recall: rear spoiler can detach On GLB X247 model years 2019–2020 the lateral spoiler elements on the tailgate could detach at high speed and endanger following traffic. Symptoms: Rear spoiler vibrates at motorway speed, visible detachment at adhesive points | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
The GLB X247 achieves above-average results at main inspection as a newer model and shows few faults.
2023-11Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Fiat 600e 600
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Hyundai Kona SX2
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Smart #1 HX11
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Volvo EX30 I
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Alfa Romeo Tonale 965
Compact SUV (2022–2024)
BMW X1 U11
Compact SUV (2022–2026)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 (2019–2025) — 31 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Interior, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: M282 (1.3L Turbo).
GLB (OM608, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Timing belt maintenance obligation, Timing belt change critical, Increased oil consumption / turbo shaft seal. Power: 116 PS.
GLB (OM654, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 150 PS.
GLB (OM654, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 190 PS.
GLB (OM654, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 116 PS.
GLB (M260, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Exhaust Valve Seat Insert Wear / Cylinder Head, Timing Chain Rattles on Cold Start, Wastegate Actuator Causes Boost Pressure Loss. Power: 224 PS.
GLB (M260-AMG35, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Cylinder Head Exhaust Valves Worn, Valve Seat Insert Wears — Cylinder Head Damage, Turbocharger Wear Under AMG Load. Power: 306 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLB? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLB X247? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB X247 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLB X247? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee