Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35
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.
GLB 35 AMG — Power Meets People-Carrier
225 kW in the 7-seat GLB: the power is there, but the weight and van character of the GLB significantly dampen the AMG fun.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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
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
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
Wastegate problems on the M260-AMG35 turbocharger have been documented. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect values leading to boost pressure fluctuations.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, uneven boost build-up, check engine light with boost pressure fault
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon deposits typically form on intake valves. In AMG operation at high rpm this can manifest as rough running.
Symptoms: Slight rough running at low rpm, minimal elevated fuel consumption, occasional cold-start hesitation
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
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.
On GLB X247 model years 2019–2020 the lateral spoiler elements on the tailgate could detach at high speed and endanger following traffic.
The GLB X247 suffers from poor panel gaps, rattling interior trim and detaching panels. Early production 2019–2021 particularly affected.
Condensation moisture inside the headlight housing has been reported on GLB X247 models. Prolonged moisture can damage the LED unit over time.
Many GLB owners criticise poor panel gaps, rattling noises from the interior and loose trim. Quality level is below expectations.
The GLB reversing camera fails when reverse gear is selected or shows a delayed image. Restarting helps temporarily but the problem returns.
Reports & Tests
75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Other (17), Body Structure (15), Electrical (11).