Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
571 hp full-size SUV — sensible GLE AMG entry
Enormous range between Sport and Comfort — from family cruiser to 571 hp projectile via the mode selector. The EQ Boost mild hybrid partially bridges the turbo lag but gives the V8 a more technical character. Sound more subdued than in smaller M177 models — the SUV mass swallows a lot. At 2,400 kg the V8 fights against physics. For those who want V8 power in a full-size SUV without the S model premium.
Engine Weaknesses 8
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage
The camshaft cover gaskets on the M177 AMG V8 become brittle from the high heat exposure in the hot-V. Oil escapes onto turbochargers and exhaust system.
Symptoms: Oil smell on hot engine, oil film on turbochargers, smoke from engine bay
The M177 has several electric auxiliary coolant pumps for charge air cooling. These fail and lead to elevated charge air temperatures with power reduction.
Symptoms: Power reduction during spirited driving, cooling system fault codes, elevated charge air temperature
The camshaft adjuster solenoids on the M177 can leak internally or stick. Fault codes for camshaft position and rough running are the result.
Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, camshaft position fault codes, power loss in the lower rev range
Vehicles with M177/M178 engines built between Jan. and Nov. 2015 had faulty ignition coils that caused misfires. Mercedes replaced affected parts under a recall.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, check engine light, occasional limp mode
The wastegate flaps of the BiTurbo system clatter briefly after cold start. Normally disappears after a few seconds. With prolonged operation replace the wastegate actuator.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering directly after cold start, disappears after warm-up, permanent with wear
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon residues build up on the intake valves. Walnut blasting every 50,000–80,000 km recommended. Performance loss is gradual.
Symptoms: Gradually roughening idle, slight power loss, elevated fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Incorrectly fitted A/C condensate drain hoses direct water into the interior. Short circuits and fire risk. KBA recall 012644 affects 11,601 vehicles.
On early V167 models, damper rod seals do not meet specification. Leaking hydraulic fluid leads to premature failure.
An incorrectly welded stud on the right-hand side of the vehicle allows water ingress. Electrical connections for the engine, lighting and wipers can fail. Approximately 3,576 vehicles affected.
Incorrectly routed condensate drain hoses direct water into the vehicle interior. Contact with electrics can cause short circuits and fire risk. Recall KBA 012644, 171,463 vehicles worldwide.
On early C167 examples, the damper rod seal cannot meet long-term sealing requirements. Risk of tipping at maximum load and cornering.
Incorrectly routed A/C condensate drain hoses can cause short circuits and fire risk. Approximately 171,463 vehicles worldwide affected.
Incorrectly secured window channel trim strips can detach while driving. Approximately 450,000 vehicles on the 167 platform worldwide affected.
The infotainment system freezes occasionally. Climate control and seat adjustments become non-functional. Software updates only partially improve the situation.
Decorative trim strips on rear doors detach. Around 450,000 vehicles affected. Mercedes covers costs under a goodwill action.
The MBUX system no longer responds to touch inputs or hangs on long journeys. Software updates alleviate the problem but rarely solve it permanently.
Reports & Tests
231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Engine (61), Electrical (44), Other (36).