Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W166 buying guide
The third M-Class, launched in 2012 in the UK and renamed GLE with a facelift in 2015, sold until 2019. Most UK cars are four-cylinder or V6 diesels, the engines are strong, and the GLE has a good reliability record.
The versions
- ML250 BlueTEC / GLE 250d: 2.1 four-cylinder diesel, around 201 to 204bhp
- ML350 BlueTEC / GLE 350d: 3.0 V6 diesel, around 254 to 258bhp
- Seven-speed automatic on the ML; nine-speed on the GLE 250d and 350d; 4Matic four-wheel drive on all GLEs
- Steel springs or air suspension; five seats only (the GL/GLS is the seven-seater)
- The GLE 500e plug-in hybrid is not covered here; the ML63, GLE 43 and GLE 63 AMG are covered separately
What to check on a W166 ML / GLE
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Air suspension warnings and ride height
What to look for: When you arrive, check the car sits level and hasn't sagged at one corner. Start it and watch the dashboard for a message such as "Please wait, car is rising". Listen for the compressor running for a long time.
Why it matters: A rising message at start-up can point to air leaks, and a leak left alone can burn out the compressor. Air suspension faults are relatively uncommon, but the system is less reliable than steel springs, so a car that sits level with no warnings is what you want.
Gearbox shifts and fluid leaks
What to look for: On the drive, let the automatic change up and down through the gears and note any harsh or hesitant changes. From underneath, look for fluid leaking from the gearbox. Check the recall status with the registration.
Why it matters: The gearbox is one of the main areas of concern on this generation, and the GLE had recalls covering the transmission and transmission leaks. Cars used heavily for towing can also have more worn transmissions, so ask how the car has been used.
All the electrical equipment
What to look for: Test the sat nav, every electric seat adjustment, the powered tailgate and any optional extras, and check no warning lights are showing on the dashboard.
Why it matters: The electrics are generally sound, but there's a lot of equipment and sensors, switches and motors can fail. Engine electrics were one of the few areas of concern in What Car?'s survey of the GLE.
Also in the full guide
- Underside damage and towing use
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the W166 ML / GLE
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.