Mercedes-Benz ML / GLE W166

Mercedes ML third generation with index W166 was introduced in 2011. In 2015, the model range was renamed GLE to better match Mercedes’ latest abbreviation system.

Review

Mercedes ML third generation with index W166 was introduced in 2011. In 2015, the model range was renamed GLE to better match Mercedes’ latest abbreviation system.

At the same time, cosmetic repairs were carried out, affecting the optics and screen of the multimedia system. New versions of engines and transmissions were added.

In each instance you will find 9 airbags, the Attention Assist warning system and the Pre-Safe preventive protection system.

In crash tests according to EuroNCAP Mercedes M-series earned a maximum of 5 stars. According to the results of tests of the American Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), ML received the highest rating of “Top Safety Pick +”.

ML/GLE assembly was carried out in the United States (Alabama).

Engines

2.1 R4 / 204 hp (OM651) – ML/GLE 250 BlueTec / GLE 250 d

3.0 V6 / 249 hp (OM642) – ML 350 BlueTec / GLE 350 d

Petrol engines

The 3.5 V6 is sometimes a concern due to unstable idling. The reason is the air sucking through the gaskets of the intake manifold.

The M276 and M278 were sometimes alarmed by the noise of the cold engine starting up until the second half of 2013. The cause was subsequently identified and eliminated. The chain tensioners did not hold the oil and the chain weakened. The manufacturer has modified the tensioners and began to install reverse valves in the channel of oil supply to the tensioners.

Similar symptoms (noise, crackling) occur when the coupling of the gas distribution of the intake camshaft fails (about 50,000 rubles for the original). Pull with replacement is not worth it, as the wear rate of the remaining elements of the gas distribution drive increases, which will require higher repair costs.

The M278 series engines produced before March 2015 are often upset by the appearance of bullies. The cost of major repairs - from 600 000 to 1 000 000 rubles. Later, the manufacturer began to use conventional cast iron shells without spraying, and the problem disappeared.

Diesel engines

A small revolution was the appearance of a 4-cylinder diesel engine with double consecutive supercharging under the hood of a fairly large SUV. One of the weaknesses of the OM 651 is the pump. On other models of the brand with such an engine after 200-300 thousand km from time to time there is a stretching of the chain of the hydraulic chain. Positive assessments deserve a 3-liter turbodiesel with the index OM642. Fuel injectors and turbines last a long time. Serious malfunctions that force you to resort to major repairs, almost does not happen. After 100-150 thousand km can flow gaskets of the heat exchanger. For elimination will have to pay 30-50 thousand rubles. The mass air flow sensor may soon fail. It is assembled with an air intake: 140 000 rubles for the original or 20-70 thousand rubles for an analogue. At large runs, soot accumulates on the valves in the intake manifold. In the future, they begin to wedge, and the plastic thrusts of the valves can break. The most noticeable is the Bluetec system, which received the “pre-tax” versions of the OM 642 with a capacity of 249 hp. Until 2015, they were designated as ML 350 BlueTec, and after that – GLE 350d. For example, there are difficulties in adding Adblue liquid to the system, which is designed to reduce the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. So, during the movement, a yellow control lamp could suddenly light up, informing about too low a liquid level in the Adblue tank. At the same time, the aqueous solution of urea in the tank was clearly more than enough. An additional tank of 25.7 liters is located under the rear bumper.

Transmission

All power units were combined exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus.

After the name change from ML to GLE, a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic was installed in pairs with diesel engines. It was also used by the GLE 450 AMG.

Owners sometimes complain of the appearance of tremors during switching. But repairs are rare, and even then, after 150-200 thousand km.

The main thing is to regularly update the oil in the box (every 60,000 km): about 30,000 rubles in the official service or 15,000 rubles in a specialized service.

The all-wheel drive system is still flawless.

Walking

There are double transverse arms on the front axle and a multi-link on the rear.

All levers, swivel fists and hubs are aluminum. But that did not affect their reliability. They usually last a long time and do not cause problems.

Shock absorbers run more than 100-150 thousand km. Front can be purchased for 16-22 thousand rubles, and rear - for 9-12 thousand.

Airmatic suspension was available for a surcharge. It allows to increase ground clearance from the base 202 mm to 255 mm. In the advanced version with the On&OffRoad package, the limit is even higher - 285 mm. At the same time, the depth of the ford overcome will be 600 mm.

The front air cylinders are well protected, so they rarely need to be replaced. However, sometimes owners of cars with air suspension complain about knocks coming from the front axle. The fault of this pneumonoids - a design defect.

The rear pneumocyllons are not protected. Therefore, they surrender after 100-150 thousand km. The new pneumocell is available for 18-26 thousand rubles.

In the steering, the ZF electric amplifier is used. To fasten the rack, the manufacturer used aluminum bolts, which eventually collapse or cling to. Later, Mercedes organized a service campaign to replace defective bolts with steel ones.

Other problems and malfunctions

Quite often, owners of Mercedes ML / GLE complain about mist lights, especially with LED lighting. However, the problem is typical for cars of other brands with LED headlights. It's also a problem with the back optics. Moisture gets inside the lights, and the LEDs go out. The new lantern will sell for 14 000 rubles. It can often be rebuilt after cleaning and soldering. After 100-150 thousand km, the suspension level thrusts are soured or broken. As a result, the angle of light of the headlights is knocked off, and in the presence of air suspension, errors appear on the "pneuma", or the suspension becomes rigid. The tractors have to be cleaned or changed. In the future, modernized thrusts from metal appeared - 4000 rubles for the original. Often it is necessary to update the windshield wiper of the trunk door (1-3 thousand rubles). At the mounting point, aluminum is oxidized and destroyed. Over time, the sensors of the rear parkingtronics (2-3 thousand rubles per sensor) and the lighting of the thresholds (10,000 rubles) are handed over. There are also complaints about the quality of the cabin. For example, the steering wheel gets peeled off, and there is a creak from the driver's desk. In addition, the front panel or the mechanism of the driver's seat can creak. And on decorative lacquered inserts under the tree, located on the front doors, cracks often appear. Sometimes the Pre-Safe safety system is bugged. Usually, radar sensors installed in the front and rear bumper are to blame. There's moisture inside, and they break down. The cost of the sensor is about 60 000 rubles. There are also failures in the operation of the ILS intelligent lighting system.

Review

• At the same time, cosmetic repairs were carried out, affecting the optics and screen of the multimedia system.

Petrol engines

• Pull with replacement is not worth it, as the wear rate of the remaining elements of the gas distribution drive increases, which will require higher repair costs.
• The cost of major repairs - from 600 000 to 1 000 000 rubles.
• Later, the manufacturer began to use conventional cast iron shells without spraying, and the problem disappeared.

Diesel engines

• Serious malfunctions that force you to resort to major repairs, almost does not happen.
• The heat exchanger can flow by km.
• Problems with the Blutek system could be related to one or more measuring sensors (stated life of 100,000 km), or to an electric heater.

Transmission

• But repairs are rare, and even then, after 150-200 thousand km.

Walking

• They usually last a long time and do not cause problems.
• However, sometimes owners of cars with air suspension complain about knocks coming from the front axle.
• To fasten the rack, the manufacturer used aluminum bolts, which eventually collapse or cling to.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Quite often, owners of Mercedes ML / GLE complain about mist lights, especially with LED lighting.
• However, the problem is typical for cars of other brands with LED headlights.
• At the mounting point, aluminum is oxidized and destroyed.
• And on decorative lacquered inserts under the tree, located on the front doors, cracks often appear.
• Silicagel clogs the heater radiator, which causes problems with the heating of the cabin.
• To replace it, it is necessary to dismantle the front panel (5-8 thousand rubles).

Mercedes ML/GLE attracts with spaciousness, a good level of comfort and decent off-road capabilities. Serious problems are a rare phenomenon, but there are enough minor shortcomings. The optimal choice will be 249-horsepower versions with a gasoline 3.5 or diesel 3.0 (with the Bluetec system disabled).

• Simultaneously, cosmetic repairs were carried out, affecting the optics and screen of the multimedia system.
• Engines: 2. 1 R4 / 204 hp
• Transmission: But repairs are rare, and even then, after 150-200 thousand km.
• Walking: They usually last a long time and do not cause problems yet. Shock absorbers run more than 100-150 thousand km.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Quite often, Mercedes ML/GLE owners complain about misting of headlights, especially with LED lighting.

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