In the realm of luxury SUVs, few names resonate with elegance, innovation, and performance as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. With its origins tracing back to the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the GLE-Class emerged as a rebrand in 2015, offering a fresh take on luxury and performance in the ever-evolving SUV segment.
Key Takeaways:
- Fluid Specifications:
- Each GLE-Class generation has specific transmission fluid recommendations.
- Fluid Change Intervals:
- The initial fluid change, followed by regular fluid changes, are vital for maintaining the performance and longevity of the vehicle. The intervals may be influenced by driving habits, external conditions, and model variations.
- Choosing the Right Fluid:
- Using Mercedes-Benz MB 236.17 or 236.15 recommended transmission fluid is critical. Non-recommended or off-brand fluids can potentially lead to transmission issues, impacting vehicle performance negatively.
- Recognizing Transmission Issues:
- Being vigilant for signs of transmission problems such as delayed engagement or slipping gears and seeking professional maintenance promptly can prevent more serious issues.
- Cost of Fluid Change:
- While there’s an upfront cost associated with transmission fluid changes, ranging approximately from $200 to $450, this preventive maintenance saves potential high-cost repairs in the long run.
Over the years, the model has seen multiple refinements, reflecting in the evolution from the W166 (3rd Gen) Facelift to the modern W167 (4th Gen) Facelift. Each generation brought forth a blend of aesthetic refinement, enhanced performance, and state-of-the-art technology, reinforcing the GLE-Class’s standing as a coveted possession among discerning motorists.
As with any high-caliber vehicle, the heart of the GLE-Class’s exceptional performance lies in its meticulously engineered transmission system. The transmission is crucial as it ensures the engine operates efficiently while providing a smooth driving experience.
A pivotal component of this system is the transmission fluid, a lubricant essential for the functioning and longevity of the transmission.
To keep your GLE-Class running smoothly and retain its value over time, regular maintenance is essential. One crucial aspect of maintenance is ensuring regular changes of the transmission fluid as per the recommended guidelines set by Mercedes-Benz. This not only enhances your driving experience but also prolongs the vehicle’s lifespan.
The transmission fluid performs multiple critical functions, such as lubricating moving parts, cooling the transmission, and facilitating seamless gear shifts. However, over time, the fluid may degrade or become contaminated, making regular transmission fluid changes crucial for optimal performance.
Greetings and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Transmission Fluid Specifications for various GLE-Class generations. In this guide, we will delve into the recommended types of transmission fluid, the appropriate fluid capacity, and the importance of adhering to the prescribed change intervals.
Whether you are a seasoned Mercedes-Benz aficionado or a newcomer to the luxury SUV market, it is crucial to comprehend the significance of transmission fluid maintenance in maintaining the exceptional performance that the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is renowned for.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Transmission Fluid Capacity And Type
Understanding the specifications of transmission fluid for each generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is crucial for ensuring the vehicle operates at its peak performance.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the transmission fluid specifications for the most recent generations of the GLE-Class.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class W167 Facelift
The transmission system in this generation is engineered with advanced technology to offer a smooth and responsive driving experience. It’s designed to handle the vehicle’s power efficiently, making every drive enjoyable.
Recommended Fluid Type and Capacity:
- Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid 236.17.
- Capacity: GLE350/450/580 – 10.6 quarts. GLE53 AMG – 10.6 quarts. GLE63 AMG S – 10.6 quarts.
Transmission Fluid Change Intervals:
- Initial change: At 80,000 miles.
- Subsequent changes: Every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first.
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class W167
The transmission in this generation is built with precision, ensuring seamless shifts and optimal fuel efficiency.
| Transmission | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 9-speed 9G 725.0 | 10.6 quarts (10 liters) | MB 236.17 |
Suitable Fluid Type and Volume:
- Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid 236.17
- Volume: Around 10.6 quarts (AMG and non-AMG versions).
- Please see Product Description regarding the California Proposition 65 Warning
- Designed specifically for use in the Mercedes-Benz 9G-TRONIC NAG3 automatic transmission
- Provides excellent lubricating ability even at low temperatures along with a high, stable viscosity index
- Protects against corrosion and foam formation while providing a high thermal and oxidative stability, and an excellent cooling capacity
Transmission Fluid Change Intervals:
- Initial change: At 80,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first.
- Subsequent changes: Every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first.
2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class W166 Facelift
This generation features a refined transmission system that harmonizes well with the vehicle’s power dynamics, providing a balanced and smooth driving experience.
Advised Fluid Type and Capacity:
- Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid 236.15.
- Capacity: Approximately 9.5 quarts (9 liters).
- MB 236.15 (134 FE)
- Color: Blue
| Transmission | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| GLE350 7-speed 722.9 | 9.5 quarts (9 liters) | MB 236.15 |
| GLE550E 7-speed 724 | 9.5 quarts (9 liters) | MB 236.15 |
| GLE43 AMG 9-speed 725.031 | 10.6 quarts (10 liters) | MB 236.17 |
| GLE63 AMG 7-speed 722.9 | 9.5 quarts (9 liters) | MB 236.15 |
| GLE63 AMG S 7-speed 722.9 | 9.5 quarts (9 liters) | MB 236.15 |
Transmission Fluid Change Intervals:
- Initial change: At 100,000 miles.
- Subsequent changes: Every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first.
Ensuring that you use the recommended fluid types and change intervals for your specific Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class generation will help maintain its exceptional performance and smooth driving experience.
Understanding Transmission Fluid’s Role
The transmission system of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a marvel of engineering, designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience synonymous with the brand.
At the heart of this system is the transmission fluid, whose primary roles are indispensable for both daily operations and long-term functionality.
Smooth Operation
The essence of a smooth operation lies in reducing friction among the myriad of moving parts within the transmission. The transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, creating a thin film between these parts, minimizing wear and tear.
By reducing friction, it ensures that the transmission operates seamlessly, translating to a refined and responsive driving experience, a hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Cooling the Transmission
Transmissions generate a substantial amount of heat due to the constant friction between moving parts. Without an efficient cooling mechanism, the system could overheat, leading to severe damage or failure. The transmission fluid steps in as a coolant, absorbing and dissipating the generated heat.
By maintaining a conducive temperature within the transmission, the fluid significantly prolongs the system’s lifespan, ensuring the GLE-Class continues to perform optimally even under demanding driving conditions.
Seamless Gear Shifts
One of the distinguishable features of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is its effortless and precise gear shifts. The transmission fluid plays a pivotal role in this aspect by ensuring the hydraulic functions of the transmission are operating flawlessly. It facilitates the easy flow of hydraulic power necessary for gear engagement and disengagement, translating to smooth, seamless gear shifts.
This fluid’s consistency and quality are thus vital in maintaining the crisp, responsive gear changes that drivers of the GLE-Class have come to appreciate.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid for Your Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
To ensure that your luxury SUV, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, performs at its best, it’s crucial to maintain its peak performance. One of the essential maintenance aspects is the transmission fluid, which plays a vital role in ensuring smooth gear shifts, cooling the transmission, and lubricating the moving parts within the transmission system.
Adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s recommendations for transmission fluid is not just a suggestion but a necessity to maintain the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
Adherence to Mercedes-Benz’s Fluid Recommendations:
Mercedes-Benz has specific transmission fluid recommendations for a reason. The type of fluid used in the GLE-Class is precisely formulated to cater to the needs of the vehicle’s advanced transmission system. Here are the primary reasons why sticking to the recommended fluid type is crucial:
- Optimal Performance: The recommended transmission fluid ensures that the GLE-Class operates at its best. It facilitates smooth gear shifts, reduces friction, and enhances fuel efficiency.
- Longevity: Using the right type of fluid prolongs the lifespan of the transmission and by extension, the vehicle. It helps in preventing undue wear and tear, thus minimizing the chances of costly repairs in the future.
- Warranty Compliance: Adhering to the fluid recommendations is often a requirement to keep the vehicle’s warranty valid. Failure to comply may result in the warranty being void, which can be financially detrimental should a related issue arise.
The Risks of Using Non-Recommended or Off-Brand Fluids:
Opting for non-recommended or off-brand transmission fluids can have adverse effects on the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Here are some potential drawbacks:
- Compromised Performance: Off-brand or incorrect types of fluids may not provide the necessary lubrication or cooling efficiency, which can lead to rough gear shifts, reduced fuel efficiency, and overall degraded performance.
- Increased Wear: Non-recommended fluids may cause increased friction within the transmission, leading to accelerated wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to significant damage, requiring costly repairs.
- Warranty Voidance: As previously mentioned, using non-recommended transmission fluids can lead to the voidance of the vehicle’s warranty. This can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of transmission-related issues.
Understanding Transmission Fluid Change Intervals
Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of ensuring that your Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class continues to deliver the superior performance and luxury you’ve come to expect. A critical part of this maintenance regime is the timely transmission of fluid changes.
Here, we delve into the recommended timing for your first fluid change and the importance of adhering to regular fluid change intervals thereafter, along with factors that could affect these intervals.
Initial Transmission Fluid Change
Mercedes-Benz provides specific guidelines on when the first transmission fluid change should occur for the GLE-Class.
Typically, the initial fluid change is recommended around the 80,000 to 100,000-mile mark, although it’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s manual or a Mercedes-Benz service center for the precise timing based on your model and driving conditions.
The Significance of Regular Fluid Changes
- Maintained Performance: Regular fluid changes ensure that the transmission continues to operate smoothly, facilitating effortless gear shifts and maintaining fuel efficiency.
- Longevity: By keeping the transmission well-lubricated and cooled, regular fluid changes help prolong the lifespan of the transmission system, reducing the likelihood of premature wear and tear.
- Cost Savings: Although there’s a cost associated with fluid changes, regular maintenance can prevent more severe and costly transmission problems down the line.
Factors Affecting Fluid Change Intervals
Several factors can influence how frequently transmission fluid changes should occur:
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving or frequently towing heavy loads can accelerate the degradation of transmission fluid, necessitating more frequent changes.
- Driving Conditions: Driving in extremely hot or cold conditions, or in stop-and-go traffic, can also impact the lifespan of your transmission fluid.
- Model Variations: Different generations or models may have varying recommendations for transmission fluid change intervals.
- Fluid Quality: High-quality transmission fluid tends to last longer compared to lower-quality alternatives. Adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s recommended fluid types ensures optimal fluid longevity.
Recognizing and Addressing Transmission Fluid Issues in Your GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class combines luxury and seamless performance seamlessly. For an unparalleled driving experience, diligent maintenance is required, including keeping the transmission system in good shape, particularly the transmission fluid. Doing so is critical to ensure the car runs smoothly.
Common Signs of Transmission Fluid Issues
- Delayed Engagement:
- A noticeable delay before the car engages into drive or reverse could be indicative of transmission fluid problems.
- It’s when you shift from park to drive, but there’s a delay before the car actually starts moving.
- Slipping Gears:
- If your GLE-Class is slipping in and out of gears while on the road or the engine is making a high-pitched whining noise, it could be due to low or ineffective transmission fluid.
- Rough Shifts:
- Experiencing rough or abrupt gear shifts? Your transmission fluid may be the culprit.
- Gear Cannot be Engaged:
- Difficulty in engaging gears may arise due to inadequate transmission fluid levels or the use of incorrect fluid type.
- Unusual Noises:
- Humming, clunking, or whining sounds are often a sign of transmission fluid issues.
- Transmission Overheating:
- Transmission fluid plays a vital role in cooling the transmission. If it’s ineffective, you may find your transmission overheating.
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Transmission Fluid:
- Healthy transmission fluid should be red and translucent. If it’s brown, murky, or has a burnt smell, it’s time for a change.
Seeking Professional Inspection and Maintenance
Recognizing the signs early and taking action can prevent minor issues from escalating into major, costly repairs. Here’s what to do:
- Routine Checks:
- Make it a habit to check the transmission fluid level and condition during your regular vehicle maintenance routines.
- Professional Inspection:
- If you notice any of the above signs, it’s prudent to have a professional inspect your GLE-Class’s transmission system.
- Adhere to Maintenance Schedules:
- Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule provided by Mercedes-Benz, especially regarding transmission fluid changes.
- Use Authorized Service Centers:
- When seeking professional inspection or maintenance, utilizing authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers ensures that your GLE-Class receives the expertise and care it deserves.
Cost Estimates and Value Preservation Through Regular Transmission Fluid Change
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is synonymous with smooth driving and luxurious experiences. A considerable part of sustaining this hallmark of quality lies in regular transmission fluid changes.
Rough Cost Outline for Transmission Fluid Change
The cost of a transmission fluid change can vary based on several factors including geographic location, the specific model of your GLE-Class, and whether you opt for a dealership or an independent mechanic. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Labor Cost:
- The labor cost usually ranges between $100 and $200.
- Fluid Cost:
- The cost of the transmission fluid itself can range between $50 and $100 depending on the type and amount required.
- Additional Costs:
- Sometimes the transmission filter or pan gasket may need to be replaced during a fluid change, which could add an additional $50 to $150 to the overall cost.
In total, you might expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $450 for a transmission fluid change on your GLE-Class.
Value Preservation Through Regular Maintenance
- Preventive Care:
- Regular transmission fluid changes are a form of preventive care that helps to mitigate the risk of more severe transmission issues down the line.
- Performance Maintenance:
- Fresh transmission fluid ensures that your GLE-Class continues to deliver smooth gear shifts and optimum driving performance.
- Resale Value:
- A well-maintained GLE-Class is a valuable GLE-Class. Keeping up with transmission maintenance not only ensures a pleasant driving experience but also contributes to retaining the vehicle’s resale value.
- Longevity:
- By adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s recommended transmission fluid change intervals, you extend the lifespan of both the transmission and the vehicle itself.
- Cost-Savings:
- While there’s an upfront cost to transmission fluid changes, this regular maintenance can save you a substantial amount in potential repairs or transmission replacements in the long run.
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Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
