Mercedes Benz GLE Class 350d/400d Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes

Short summary: A rebuilt OM642 engine for the GLE 350d costs £3,500-£4,500 supply-only; a rebuilt OM656 engine for the GLE 400d costs £5,500-£6,800 supply-only. Fitting adds £800-£1,500 depending on complexity - the OM656's inline-six is more accessible than the OM642's V6.

• GLE 350d (OM642.826): rebuilt unit £3,500-£4,500; used engine from £1,800
• GLE 400d (OM656.929): rebuilt unit £5,500-£6,800; used engine from £2,500
• OM642 oil cooler seal replacement (labour only): £900-£1,400 at specialist
• OM656 EGR cooler replacement: £500-£750 at specialist

Short summary: A burning oil smell from the engine bay is the classic warning sign. Oil leaks from the V of the engine onto the exhaust. If ignored, oil loss can cause bottom-end failure. The original orange seals were replaced with updated purple seals from approximately 2010.

• Burning oil smell from the engine bay
• Oil leaking onto the undertray from the rear of the engine
• Old orange seals were updated to more durable purple seals
• Turbo oil seal can also leak onto the swirl flap motor

Short summary: The OM656 inline-six is a modern, powerful diesel with excellent performance - 330hp and 700Nm torque. However, it has a known EGR cooler issue that prompted safety recalls, as well as AdBlue system problems. With recalls addressed and proper maintenance, these engines are proving durable.

• EGR cooler internal coolant leak - fire risk recall issued
• AdBlue system problems - crystallisation and NOx sensor failures
• Coolant pump vacuum circuit leaks reported
• Well-maintained OM656 engines exceed 150,000 miles

Short summary: Properly maintained OM642 V6 diesels routinely reach 150,000-200,000+ miles before major work. The OM656 inline-six is too new for definitive long-term data, but with recalls addressed, similar longevity is expected.

• OM642 (350d): 150,000-200,000+ miles with regular servicing
• OM656 (400d): too early for definitive data - EGR and AdBlue issues from 40k miles
• Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec low-SAPS oil (MB 229.52)
• Late oil changes accelerate oil cooler seal failure on OM642 and EGR issues on OM656

Short summary: Yes, if the GLE is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major electrical faults. A rebuilt OM642 costs £3,500-£4,500 - far less than replacing a £12,000-£22,000 vehicle. The GLE 400d's higher value (£25,000-£45,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.

• GLE 350d values: £12,000-£22,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
• GLE 400d values: £25,000-£45,000 - premium SUV residual values remain strong
• Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
• Supply & fit typically £4,500-£8,500 depending on engine code
• New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty

Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies low-SAPS oil meeting MB 229.51 or 229.52 - typically 5W-30. The OM642 V6 requires approximately 8.5 litres; the OM656 inline-six requires approximately 8.5 litres.

• OM642 (350d): MB 229.52 5W-30 low-SAPS - protects DPF and emissions systems
• OM656 (400d): MB 229.52 5W-30 low-SAPS - 8.5L capacity
• Never use non-approved oil - destroys timing chain tensioners and hydraulic lifters
• Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months - stretched intervals cause turbo and bearing failure