Mercedes-Benz GLE W166
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
525–585 PS
5.5L V8 BiTurbo Benzin
525 hp BiTurbo SUV — the Pragmatic M157
Fun to Drive!408–455 PS
4.7L V8 BiTurbo Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 is available with 10 engine variants — from 120 to 585 hp.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC (Diesel, 204 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC (Diesel, 258 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 (Benziner, 390 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 (Benziner, 557 PS) has the M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S (Benziner, 585 PS) has the M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG ML 63 (Benziner, 523 PS) has the M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 (Benziner, 333 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 (Benziner, 455 PS) has the M278 (4.7L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 (Benziner, 306 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 442 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| AIRMATIC air suspension leaking — compressor overloaded The optional AIRMATIC suffers from porous air bags at higher mileages. The compressor pumps continuously and eventually burns out. Symptoms: Vehicle drops overnight, compressor runs frequently and audibly, AIRMATIC warning from 130,000 km | High | |
| AIRMATIC Compressor Failure AIRMATIC compressor frequently fails from 80,000 km onward, vehicle sags or shows persistent fault messages. Repair at a Mercedes workshop is very costly. Symptoms: Vehicle sags after parking, AIRMATIC fault message, compressor runs noticeably long or not at all from 90,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 949
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2024)
Audi Q5 FY
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2024)
Audi SQ5 FY
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2024)
BMW X3 G01
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2026)
Land Rover Range Rover Velar L560
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2026)
Nissan X-Trail T32-FL
Mittelklasse-SUV (2017–2022)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 (2011–2019) — 43 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo), M278 (4.7L V8 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Interior, Steering.
GLE (OM651DE22, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 204 PS.
GLE (OM642, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 258 PS.
GLE (M276, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 306 PS.
GLE (M157, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 523 PS.
GLE (M276, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 333 PS.
GLE (M157, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 557 PS.
GLE (M157, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 585 PS.
GLE (M278, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure (early production), Cylinder bore scoring (Silitec coating), Camshaft adjuster solenoid — oil destroys ECU. Power: 455 PS.
GLE (M276, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 390 PS.
GLE Coupé (M276, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 333 PS.
GLE Coupé (M276, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 390 PS.
GLE (M276, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 435 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLE? 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 GLE W166 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLE W166? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee