Returning to MB ...with GLE 250 D4matic AMG LINE

[Chas1]

Hi folks,

I'm returning to MB ownership after a few years with Land Rover......

I'm looking for a GLE 250 d 4MATIC AMG line about a year old, any issues with this model or advice on my choice would be most welcome. I don't want to make any expensive mistakes ...

Thanks

 

[JBell]

I don't want to make any expensive mistakes

Not buying a 350 would be an expensive mistake

 

[Chas1]

Not buying a 350 would be an expensive mistake

Thanks , is the 350 more reliable ?

 

[A.J.]

Hi Chas1, welcome to the forum

 

[Srdl]

Hi Chas1 and welcome to the forum.

Thanks , is the 350 more reliable ?

The 350 is generally regarded as the best Diesel engine and has been around for years in various forms so is pretty bombproof - all depends on your budget though!

Good luck with your search.

 

[ThinkPad]

Having just ordered the very same car, I disagree on the engine comments.
Don't get me wrong, I have owned several Mercs with the 350 diesel and absolutely great engines, hence was my first choice for the GLC. However, after driving both I honestly felt the 250 suited the car better than the 350. There is more lag on the 350 and the additional weight was noticeable with the car feeling less agile and more 'wollowey' (if that is a word).
Of course when at speed of 60+ the 350 comes into its own. But for a SUV and the way we are going to drive the 250 was certainly the way to go. Please do drive both before you decide.

Also to note, 350 is pretty new to the GLC and so you will probably not find one a year old.

Also to note, I believe the 350 diesel engine is going to be finally replaced with a new version after being around for many many years. (wouldn't hold that against it if you like the drive, I am sure the 250cdi may be replaced one day also).

In terms of problems, there is a lot of talk about steering issues on full lock. My view was that the car will be under warranty, so if there is a real issue will get it dealt with.

Overall, great choice I really like the GLC - drove various models before deciding on it, but stuck with Merc as usual!

 

[RoyM]

Hi folks,

I'm returning to MB ownership after a few years with Land Rover......

I'm looking for a GLE 250 d 4MATIC AMG line about a year old, any issues with this model or advice on my choice would be most welcome. I don't want to make any expensive mistakes ...

Thanks

I recently bought a ML 250 cdi amg line premium and to be honest it does the job very well...yes the 350 is smoother and more refined. If you consider cheaper running costs...insurance.....Road tax....MPG.....and servicing the 250 is more than capable and ask the question do I really need the extra BHP. Very much a personal opinion.

 

[Srdl]

Having just ordered the very same car, I disagree on the engine comments.
Don't get me wrong, I have owned several Mercs with the 350 diesel and absolutely great engines, hence was my first choice for the GLC. However, after driving both I honestly felt the 250 suited the car better than the 350. There is more lag on the 350 and the additional weight was noticeable with the car feeling less agile and more 'wollowey' (if that is a word).
Of course when at speed of 60+ the 350 comes into its own. But for a SUV and the way we are going to drive the 250 was certainly the way to go. Please do drive both before you decide.

Also to note, 350 is pretty new to the GLC and so you will probably not find one a year old.

Also to note, I believe the 350 diesel engine is going to be finally replaced with a new version after being around for many many years. (wouldn't hold that against it if you like the drive, I am sure the 250cdi may be replaced one day also).

In terms of problems, there is a lot of talk about steering issues on full lock. My view was that the car will be under warranty, so if there is a real issue will get it dealt with.

Overall, great choice I really like the GLC - drove various models before deciding on it, but stuck with Merc as usual!

The OP is considering a GLE so the 350 engine should be readily available and I don't think that model has the steering problems being reported on the GLC

 

[Chas1]

Thanks folks
I will try the GLE 350 and GLE 250 today.
I do some forest track driving nothing too adventurous with a light load and no towing so hopefully the 250 will suffice.
Is the AMG line worth the extra? The Sport looked nice enough....trying to convince the missus on the AMG option will be the hard bit

 

[John Laidlaw]

The OP is considering a GLE so the 350 engine should be readily available and I don't think that model has the steering problems being reported on the GLC

Exactly this and I would agree, if you can find one (shouldn't be a problem) and budget allows the 350 is the one to have.
Not that I'm saying the newer generation 2.1s are bad, just the 3.0 is a more versatile punchier and better engine.Also I believe you should always have more cylinders than doors!

 

[ThinkPad]

Sorry. Misread the model in my early morning daze!
Take back everything I said!!
I did own a 2012 ML 350 and that was great match of engine to car. It is a heavier car. Goes back to the point. Must drive both. As RoyM says above perhaps will be fine. The 250 engines do a fine job these days by the looks of it.

Sent from my SM-A720F using Tapatalk

 

[Srdl]

Also I believe you should always have more cylinders than doors!

Yes, mine is 2 doors, 6 cyclinders

 

[JBell]

Is the AMG line worth the extra? The Sport looked nice enough....trying to convince the missus on the AMG option will be the hard bit

Personal preference, for me it would have to be AMG Line and it would have to have full leather and COMAND so look for one with the "premium plus" pack

As for the engine the V6 CDi is leagues ahead in refinement etc than the 250CDi

 

[ThinkPad]

Personal preference, for me it would have to be AMG Line and it would have to have full leather and COMAND so look for one with the "premium plus" pack

As for the engine the V6 CDi is leagues ahead in refinement etc than the 250CDi

I used to think that too. But drive a brand new 250 it may surprise you!

Sent from my SM-A720F using Tapatalk

 

[Chas1]

Thanks for input guys

I pulled the trigger on GLE 250 today , getting it Friday
The missus will enjoy the car parking itself, and I will be excited with the new LED Intelligent Light System - high-performance headlamps. AMG would have been nice but going for the Sport version will pay for our holiday next January !

spec here

15,000 miles - March 16

Your desired car
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Type: GLE 250 d 4MATIC Sport

Body: SUV
Power: 204 hp (150 kw)
Cubic capacity: 2,143 cm³
Engine/fuel type: Diesel
Transmission: Automatic Transmission
Fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 42.8 -44.8/51.4 -53.3/47.9 -49.6 mpg
CO2 emissions combined*: 149 -156 g/km
Energy efficiency class: A
Colour: Palladium Silver Metallic
Upholstery: Artico - black
Previous owners: 1

________________________________________
Equipment line

Sport

________________________________________
Equipment features
12V socket in luggage compartment
19" alloy wheels (4) – 5-twin-spoke design in himalaya grey
4MATIC
9-speed automatic transmission
Active Brake Assist
Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
Adaptive brake lights
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
Adjustable lumbar support
Airbags - front sidebags
Airbags - windowbags
Aluminium trim
Apple CarPlay
Auto dimming rear-view and driver's exterior mirror
Automatic climate control
Brake Assist (BAS)
COMAND Online
Communications module for use of the Mercedes connect me services
Controller on centre console
Cup holder 2, front
DAB digital radio tuner
Diesel Emission control BLUETEC (SCR)
Digital operating instructions
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
DVD player
DYNAMIC SELECT switch
EASY-PACK-tailgate
Eco Start/Stop function
Electric traction control with automatic braking control
Electric windows (2) - front
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
EU6 emissions standard
Exterior mirrors - electrically adjustable and heated
Exterior mirrors - electrically folding
Folding rear seat backrests
Front seats - full electric adjustment
Fuel Tank- Increased 93 litre capacity
Glove compartment Lockable, air-conditioned and illuminated
Grey fabric roof liner
Heated front seats
Heated windscreen washer system
Instrument cluster with central multifunction display
KEYLESS GO starting function
Kneebag driver's side
LED Intelligent Light System - high-performance headlamps
Light-alloy wheels, 7-spoke design 43.2 cm (17")
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
Mirror Package
Modification year 05/2
Pre-Safe® - anticipatory safety system
PRE-SAFE® system
Privacy glass
Rain-sensing wipers
Rear armrest folding
Remote Online
Reversing camera with guidance lines
Smartphone integration package
Spectacles compartment in overhead control panel
Speedtronic cruise control
Steering column - manually adjustable for height
Storage compartment under front seats
Summer tyres, optimised rolling resistance
Suspension with steel springs, lowered
Tail lamps - LED
Technical modifications (06)
Technical preparation for the use of Live Traffic Information
TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor
Traffic Sign Assist
Tyre pressure monitoring system
United Kingdom Steering
Velour floor mats
Wind deflector (cloth)

 

[RoyM]

Good choice Chas. Hope you enjoy your new MB

 

[ThinkPad]

Congrats, enjoy!! Look forward to seeing some pictures.

 

[Srdl]

Lovely car, well done - have fun!

 

[Chas1]

When I liked in the boot I didn't see many wheel tools etc. Should I have all of these?