Used Mercedes-Benz GLE 300

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz GLE 300

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The W166 was produced from 2011 to 2019, as the M-Class until 2015 and later as the GLE. The source highlights comfort, off-road ability and generous equipment.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)
• Scheduled W166 servicing is specified every 15,000–20,000 km or annually; beyond 150,000 km its mechanical condition warrants particular attention.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)
• GLE recall defects may remain unresolved when a previous owner was unaware of the recall or ignored it.[2]one source

Typical faults

• Beyond 150,000 km, the W166 Airmatic system is reported to suffer leaking struts, compressor wear and valve-block problems.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km

• After 150,000 km, W166 7G-Tronic Plus and 9G-Tronic gearboxes may shift harshly from valve-body wear and develop seal leaks.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km

• The source reports increased oil consumption in W166 petrol V6 and V8 engines beyond 150,000 km.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km · petrol V6, petrol V8

• W166 diesels are reported to develop EGR and intake clogging, plus injector problems, beyond 150,000 km.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km · diesel

• Accelerated rear brake-disc wear is reported on the W166 beyond 150,000 km.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km

• A reported W166 weak point is corrosion protection beneath the plastic sill covers.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km

• Coolant leakage from the pump is reported on the W166 beyond 150,000 km.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

  150 000+ km

• Individual reports for 2016 GLE 350d and GLE 400 vehicles describe turbo underboost; the GLE 400 also emitted white smoke at full throttle.[3]one source

  2016–2016 · GLE 350d, GLE 400 twin-turbo

Which engine and version to take

• The sources identify no single best engine. Choose a W166 by condition: check petrol V6/V8 oil consumption and inspect diesel EGR, intake and injectors.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

What to avoid

• Avoid a diesel with unresolved turbo underboost: one 2016 GLE 350d report says code P0299FA persisted after numerous repair attempts.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a W166 beyond 150,000 km, inspect the gearbox, 4Matic transfer case, suspension and, on diesels, the SCR system.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)
• Run an electronic-system diagnostic and check Airmatic and the brakes; the source recommends inspecting them at every service.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)
• Use the VIN to verify that all GLE recalls were completed; a previous owner may have been unaware of them or ignored them.[2]one source
• On 2010–2016 GLE vehicles, check the steering-gear mounting: a recall cites corrosion of three aluminium bolts from water, sand and road salt.[2]one source
• On a W166, inspect beneath the plastic sill covers and check the coolant pump for leakage.[1]one sourceMercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]service-intc.com.ua — Mercedes GLE (W166): сервіс, ТО, типові несправності ... · press
2. [2]car-recalls.eu — Mercedes-Benz GLE - Probleme comune · press
3. [3]startmycar.com — Mercedes Benz GLE Engine: problems and issues · press

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