Mercedes-Benz GLB 200
Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).
GLB — Practicality Wins
120 kW in the seven-seat GLB: the heaviest and largest in the class — the engine is too weak for genuine driving pleasure, but respectable for a seven-seater.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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
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
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)
The M282 1.3T (co-developed with Renault) shows similar thermostat problems to the predecessor M270 family. A simple replacement often does not resolve the issue permanently.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature reliably, temperature gauge fluctuates, increased fuel consumption
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, the M282 lacks the cleaning action of fuel on the intake valves. Carbon deposits can impair gas flow from around 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, slight power loss, occasional misfires on cold start
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).