Can a Mercedes AMG be reliable over the long term?

MotoMan attempts to answer a tough question: Can a ‪@Mercedes-AMG‬ be reliable after the warranty expires? To find the answer, he lives with the ‪@MercedesBenz‬ AMG GLE 53 - the one with the less complex mild hybrid system that also removes many moving parts. He uses the ‪@mbusa‬ AMG GLE 53 Coupe for daily errands, takes it to the gas station and even does some research with both Mercedes Benz North America as well as local Mercedes Benz dealers to learn how these middle of the road AMG models fared from a service and maintenance perspective. An episode in our ‘living with . . . ‘ series that looks at more than just the one car, but an entire propulsion system . . .
#Mercedes #MercedesAMGGLE53 #AMGGLE53 #gle53amg
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[@anmaralsafar5538]

My 2021 GLE 53 coupe has been unreliable, with 15 visits to the dealership for multiple recalls and repairs, including a 48-volt battery replacement, air ride failures, collision detection malfunctions, front camera malfunctions, and 5 alignments. It's unfortunate that Canada doesn't have a lemon law, but I'm counting down the days until my lease ends at the end of the year. Despite its reliability issues, I still enjoy driving it.

[@v12-s65]

in Germany we call this "Monday Car" I think you really had bad luck here man

[@showwhite7320]

Unfortunately, many people think they need a warranty to demand that their car works properly. The warranty frequently just restates what businesses must do by law. If you had those problems, I would refuse to pay the last 6 months of lease payments because of the amount of time you were without the use of the car. Why do you think you enjoy driving it? Do you think one of the biggest reasons is the brand recognition while you drive? While you drive the car, others can see you in a Mercedes?

[@trevorboyd2715]

You did buy a Covid Era car🤔 I’d argue anything built between 2020-2022ish is probably not the best representation of vehicle. Quality went down across the board in all facets of life in my opinion.

[@VirgilPascu]

@@showwhite7320driving a logo is dumb. People do it, of course, but driving (real driving I mean) a GLE AMG is a real pleasure. I own an JLR Discovery Sport (190.000 km) and an Audi Q7 (34.000 km), both without problems till now, but there are no near as an GLE AMG feeling.

[@showwhite7320]

@@VirgilPascu I'm sorry but car is just a vehicle that gets from one point to another. Whether you pay $30k or $200k, the comfort of the ride is the same. Everything else is just an illusion to make you feel important. Why would you pay for a car that can go 0-60 in 4 seconds or can go 200 mph when you can't ever use it? It's just plain barbaric. Brainwashing.

[@0clouds0]

If reliability is the key discussion point. Then I’d like to see MB extend their warranty on the drivetrain. What is the cost of replacing a piece of hardware sandwich in between the engine and transmission is cheaper than replacing 2 accessory units? I can’t imagine it’d be cheaper.

[@achuck4321]

This is different than what is circulating on the forums: the 48v batteries in cars 2019-2022 fail at a high rate. I believe there is a class action moving forward. Of course MB dealers would not state publicly that these new hybrids are failing. We need some unbiased sources here MotoMan.

[@michaelschneider-]

Yes. .. There was a bookend period for 48V battery failures coupled with a short (unaffected) supply of replacement batteries. .. Our November '22 production '2023 E-450 wagon has dodged the battery saga. .. The battery supplier did get its act together finally.

[@showwhite7320]

Kinda' messed up that MotoMan is just acting as a marketing arm of Mercedes. I guess he doesn't want to jeapardize his future access to the cars. Sad…

[@Cchichester]

I have a friend who got rid of her GLE lease early because it kept breaking. Lives in Tampa & the a/c kept giving out.

[@mikemaslanka3786]

I can remember your review of a couple of years ago about the E53 and how MB’s use of the mild hybrid model should improve reliability. Great to see you follow up with this report. I briefly looked at the GLE 53 coupe 2 years ago but couldn’t get over its 5200 lb. weight especially since it’s not an EV. If I remember correctly it was heavier than its SUV counterpart by several hundred pounds. To me that coupe looks like a too tall car….

[@v12-s65]

i drive an e53 coupe, it's over 4 years old now and has almost 90'000km on the clock. The engine is a masterpiece

[@saw12367]

Well done sir....really enjoyed it.

[@MotoManTV]

My pleasure!

[@OBrandt-i5c]

Please note that the mild-hybrid system with the integrated motor, may be just a couple of years old for the GLE and the E-class, but has been around for several years in the S-class. So long-term reliability figures for this drivetrain combo, are certainly available. I have the 2022 E450 All-Terrain (with the 3.0L Turbo and the mild hybrid system with the Int.starter motor) and currently at the 11,000 miles mark and this thing has not had a single issue till date……hopefully will stay that way, since I intend to keep the car for the long term (10+ years).

[@michaelschneider-]

@ak4939 ... +1 .. Ditto that. . Our '23 E450 A/T wagon has not had a single issue; 11/'22 production, delivered 2/'23. The wagon order took over a year to be built given the chip shortage. .. Ditto for owning autos long-term; 10 + years. Purchased MBUSA extended new car warranty. 100K miles /8 yrs., $3.5 USD.

[@v12-s65]

2017 for the S500 and 2018 for the E53 AMG. I also own one and not a single issue

[@MegaRetr]

I love this new type of video of drive and talk!)))

[@hadytarabay]

I love this new type of video of drive and talk!

[@MotoManTV]

My pleasure!

[@ValdisVitols]

A great way to answer that tough question about reliability. A+++ , best of class :-) Tons of gratitude to the involved parties, we're delighted to see MotoMan's long term experiment has been a success.

[@IceDree]

I rather wait and see how big & frequent the bills are for fixing them once they're out of warranty before I commit that kind of money, M. Excellent work like always, M.

[@MotoManTV]

Prudent move.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. Salient point, after warranty cost. .. A '23 MB E450 wagon shares the 3.0l/9sp driveline. Approached the after-warranty cost unknown with the purchase of an MB extended new car warranty; 100k miles. .. Something I'd rarely purchase. .. Six months in and the wagon continues to meet our "wagon" objectives. .. Bring money. .. Cheers, M/S P.S. .. AMG GLE-53 and E-wagons are somewhat common in these parts. .....

[@showwhite7320]

​@@michaelschneider- Why should anyone get an extended warranty? It's messed up that buyers these days have to buy a warranty for something that should work.

[@garyclark6747]

As the reoccurring theme of reliability is pondered; I was just wondering how high that bar is? 13:07

[@JaviM22]

Enjoyed this episode. Always good to know about reliability and customer experience long time given we are so used to get the info of any car when it´s new but later on forget about it... except the Toyota mantra on reliability. Many folks interested in this platform / powertrain will be happy to get to know all of this info.

[@leeraymer166]

I think the jury is still out on these. I still hear a lot of problems with MB’s in general, but I do like the GLE a lot. I always enjoy your living with episodes. Keep up the great work.

[@MotoManTV]

Thanks, Lee!

[@v12-s65]

the engine is a masterpiece. I haven't ever heard about mechanical problems and I have one my own

[@manofsesame3024]

@@v12-s65 most of the reported problems are electronic related including the 48V battery. No much engine related problems

[@v12-s65]

@@manofsesame3024 yeah kinda true. A friend of mine had problems with the hybrid not turning on the engine. But once sorted It should be fine. Call those monday cars

[@Affalterbach1967]

I am wondering how much of the ownership experience will be 1) see a warning light on the dash -- 2) take the car to an authorized service facility -- 3) wait three hours -- 4) be told, 'it was just a sensor, we reset it' -- 5) pay $300 for labour/diagnostics -- 6) drive away with the car unchanged, able to throw the same fault codes in the future. Such a modern, complex computer-controlled drivetrain no doubt has many sensors. If sensors detect an anomaly (and perhaps in a post-diesel-gate era with an expensive-to-warranty drivetrain the warning systems are calibrated to flag small anomalies within a short period of their occurrence) the 2024 Mercedes likely has useful limp modes that allow you to drive with reduced power (home or to a dealer) ? So you can drive around with 140 horsepower and warning lights on your dash, like a BMW owner. If the situation that caused anomalous data reverts to normal, does the system save the codes to a history, then clear the dashboard and remove the limp modes thereby reassuring the driver that their 53 GLE is working normally? Some drivers of simpler cars may have analogous experiences with their engine light if their car was started while the gas cap was detected as not securely fastened, but after two fuel tank fulls of normal driving the check engine light goes out and the situation is forgotten.

[@PyrotechnicMailman]

When I saw this was skyline drive I was so surprised. Love that road.

[@MotoManTV]

Great spot!

[@benbustama3430]

Big AMG fan here. Have owned numerous AMGs… Love the brand! Agree with MM 100%. Auto manufacturers need to keep some buttons on the control panel/dashboard! One of my cars has mostly buttons and no stereo volume control knob!🤬🤬😤 It generally stays in the garage because of its annoying electronic user interface 🤬 Love this living with/long term concept. Enjoyed it. Cheers/B

[@lkkaz1]

Judging from the ~$5k worth of parts, likely the same in labor and eleven weeks for a top end engine problem on our 2019 E53 Coupe I'd have to say that they're less reliable.

[@thehonestmechanic]

Great video. Unbiased and informative 👌

[@erissitone]

The Mercedes GLEs have had many technical issues : the 48 volt battery, sudden and jerky gear changes, strange noises coming from the gearbox with horrible 'thumps', overall quality (especially of the interior) not up to the level of a Mercedes. We have a 2021 GLE 53 SUV (it's my wife's car) with 28 thousand km. As always, we have chosen all the accessories: nappa leather, 22-inch wheels, larger brakes, etc. The gearbox, even for us, turned out to be a nightmare: abrupt gear changes, strange noises during deceleration when switching, for example, from second gear to first, strange 'thumps' when engaging reverse gear. Then a couple of problems with the 48 volt battery but, above all, a less than exceptional cabin quality. I am Italian and I have been buying Mercedes for at least thirty years: no one gets it out of my head that Mercedes produced in America do not have the same quality as those produced in Germany. I drive a G 500 class almost every day. Next year the leasing of our GLE 53 will expire: we will get another G class.

[@utrippin7486]

so do you have experience with both the modern mercedes cars built in germany and the ones built elsewhere, and the german ones are better?

[@erissitone]

@@utrippin7486 I have been a Mercedes customer for thirty years. I have had almost every model. The first ML from USA (w163) was built quite well, as was the second (W164). The problems started with the W166/X166 (GLE/GL/GLS) models. Today, with the W167 model, there is a clear reduction in quality: my wife drives a GLE 53 AMG (made in USA at Tuscaloosa), I drive a G 63 (made in Austria): the build quality is not comparable. Even the old American-built C-classes (w 205) were not flawless.

[@utrippin7486]

@@erissitone have you tried german built ones? ive heard that theres a night and day difference between the ones built in germany and the ones built elsewhere

[@erissitone]

@@utrippin7486 Of course I did. I drive every day a G class from Austria (Graz) and I have some 63s made in Germany (S class, E class). GLE and GLS should be on the same level, yet the quality of the product made in the USA is decidedly lower (and I'm not the only one to say this...)

[@utrippin7486]

@@erissitone crazy. Ive heard this a lot, so i guess its safe to say if you want a mercedes, get one from germany!

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I can't recall more than a few times seeing a big SUV like this gunning it. The speed is nice but the thirst for fuel and consumables and overall lack of long term reliability makes it a absurd purchase.

[@sentryion3106]

Seems like if you want a fast but reliable suv we are going to have to wait for ev to mature and become more and more simple in design.

[@ashleycorven575]

My MB has air ride issues. Multiple times I had to replace air suspension in Canada. GLE 63 2020. Even the dealer said change the car with regular suspension. Can you create an episode with comparison of air suspension between different brand of cars, their reliability and quality of the ride.

[@realrockrolla]

The BENZ ever made especially in 53 AMG

[@3_Gold_Coins]

I have 2. E 53 cabriolet, and GLS 63. Both have a recall for fuel module. The impeller can make contact with the housing. My letter came in August and it can’t be fixed until January. Frustrating. I won’t drive it for any long distance. The dealer said it is safe to drive.

[@MotoManTV]

Good combo!

[@brandono7422]

I understand the reliability we come to expect i.e(toyota, lexus), but this is no different than upgrading your Iphone, would you rather still have an Iphone 3 ? I honestly think, any Mercedes Benz vehicle should be leased if it will be your daily driver, if your purpose is different mileage between folks vary a lot, also the environment you live in… lots of other variables to consider 😊

[@sethcoltrain3033]

E53 is the dream.

[@ysz199]

I had my 48v battery replacement in 2021 when I bought my gls only a month after. I am still worry about this battery reliability and its lifetime.

[@Ocean_Baseball]

Another great review. Such a shame that this car starts at 178.000 USD in the Netherlands, eventhough we pay less tax on it because it's a Hybrid.

[@michaelschneider-]

@Ocean_Baseball ... Hoily currency exchange rate Batman !!

[@TopStrikerMaverick]

Just buy it in Germany then drive home 😮

[@johnbrown-hm5rj]

I appreciate a video like this, it's very relevant to me and I would imagine many others. I won't pay new car prices. I always buy used cars preferably in the 30,000 mile range. long term reliability is the highest priority, everything else coming after. Having said all that, all these nice car reviews become noise when you realize that 100,000 car is a reliability nightmare or require frequent, uber expensive repairs (i.e. Audi, bmw, Merc, etc). This long comment is to say thanks and hope to see more episodes like this

[@rommelgallego2943]

Been wanting to get my first AMG with this car model but only the 43 😅. With it having the cold V configuration on a reliable V6 I’m hoping it’ll continue its reliability with some added performance.

[@BertShackleford]

Was there ever a doubt that AMG's were unreliable? Nevertheless, congratulations once again on the dream car acquisition, George. Speaking of which, may I ask why the GT3 Touring and not the 911 S/T? Genuinely curious. As always... Stay classy my friend.

[@MotoManTV]

I had the allocation on the GT3 Touring LONG before the 911 S/T and Sport Classic were announced. Yes, getting an allocation on a GT3 Touring is hard . . . virtually impossible on the other two.

[@BertShackleford]

@@MotoManTV Ah yes, that makes perfect sense. I have also been told that the Sport Classic and S/T are nigh impossible to acquire. This is coming from people with an absurd amount of wealth but lack the automotive connections that you possess. After all, it's not what you know rather _who_ you know that gets you an edge in life. Especially in certain industries. FWIW, the Porsche dealership here in North Scottsdale has a CPO 2023 Sport Classic with 399 miles for *_$529,900!_* This is the first time I have ever seen one for sale. In fact, I was nearly speechless after seeing the price. Seems like those two models [Sport Classic & S/T] have become instant collectibles that already garner an asking price well above sticker. Crazy to think how their resale value is higher than what is listed during the 'Build & Price' process. Regardless of the fact, I would still be thrilled to call a GT3 Touring my own. You honestly cannot go wrong with all three of these models. Congrats again on this wonderous achievement! Stay classy my friend.

[@dash-ryan]

I believe this power plant will be coming in the CLE.

[@MotoManTV]

More at the end of November.

[@slump45]

Somehow the base model x5 and x6 (non m) are just as quick as this, more efficient, and somehow more reliable. So the argument that this is some feat of engineering and reliability is not really true when looking at their main competitor.

[@kylemansfield3630]

Great review love Mercedes wondering about getting an older Amg GL if anyone has any years that they feel are more reliable than others?

[@danielwilliams1921]

Best car guy on the intertubes.

[@HH60Bush]

Fuel pump issues, Some of them are getting the 48v battery replaced already

[@TahoeKing]

More of this (living with) videos please

[@MotoManTV]

Our pleasure . . . we already have a couple you can see here: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48q3Q8sObUlZEzoKGvPdj-3B

[@TahoeKing]

@@MotoManTV will do, appreciate it sir!

[@AUTOMOBILZ]

Good looking suv, to expensive!

[@pokerfred68]

99k is a ridiculous…BMW can be had for about 65-70k for an X3 M40 or X4 M40…more powerful and better utility also.

[@MotoManTV]

Smaller car.

[@pokerfred68]

@@MotoManTV not by much…even the comparable X5 would be my choice even in M60 trim would be less expensive.

[@craigersuis]

@@pokerfred68 Can you just say that you prefer BMW over Mercedes and move on?😅😅😅😅😅

[@pokerfred68]

@@craigersuis I prefer something that doesn’t bend me over the sink for that much of a delta…BMW or Audi is a better value all things considered.

[@Mean_Bean279]

I like how all the comments are “I’ve heard AMGs are unreliable” and not actual people that have owned them, and real data proving they’re more or less reliable. On that note, my M157 CLS63S has been incredibly reliable. Not as reliable as my Lexus GX, but outside of its yearly maintenance the only one issue I’ve run into is a bad coil pack around 50k miles which is common.

[@VirgilPascu]

There are so many GLE owners complaining on KZbin that you can figure it out in seconds.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

They are as reliable, as me winning the mega lottery, not German pursuit!

[@2Bunphettered788]

German cars styling stand the test of time much better than other cars, unlike the reliability. 😁👍

[@tommyolsen8224]

Best cars ❤

[@EdwardGomez-u8e]

Wow that sucks - Canada ? See if u can get one from Germany plants , like Toyota and Lexus they are built in Japan . The quality will be much improved since it’s their car . Like me I’m searching Toyota brand I’m making sure I’m double check it’s not built in the us .

[@infernoking7504]

For me long term is over 200k miles you will not see one of these go past that without major problems these modern cars are designed to fail and not made to be rebuilt just replaced.

[@bossadave]

Unlikely German quality seems to be getting worse year by year.

[@kristians2704]

newer bmws and porsches are getting more reliable.

[@infernoking7504]

@@kristians2704 until warrantee expires

[@igorpetrasovic203]

Used materials quality in Porsche cars went down too. This "trend" started already an about 4-5 years ago. For an eye,Porsche cars still looks good outside-inside,but materials used inside are more and more just cheap plastics.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

@@kristians2704 initial quality, yes. Long term reliability, no.

[@jeffs6090]

Perhaps because more and more of these German suvs are built in North America?

[@Mastermindmill]

Great 🎉

[@MrSchn3ll]

Hahahah, you serious?

[@busterbuster8295]

Scotty kilmer is laughing in his sleep right now..MB + reliability??.. please find owners of any MB last 10yrs models that have above 200k miles...+ ask hiw much was their maintenance cost..i havnt seen any MB above 150k

[@michaelhatfield5808]

In between a serial car and a real AMG lol aka a 63

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Wait, he's talking about cars under warranty? And he's getting info from Merc corporate and dealers? Lol!

[@davecarlson6275]

Seems like you’ve been doing an awful lot of Mercedes videos recently.

[@tdrxy]

If you buy any electric or mild i have zero sympathy for whatever may happen to you,but to buy a 2,5 tones suv with a 3.0 engine 😂😂and hibrid also it s an abomination it really goes to show how people are stupid and easily manipulated

[@michaelschneider-]

Easy Moe.

[@vtrick01]

No.

[@JettaRedIII]

Isn't driving an AMG SUV a bit elitest for the Socialist Republik of Oregon?