What to look for when buying a GLC 350e?

2020 · 350e · 3 verified findings
"Is the Glc 350e reliable, and what should you check?"

When buying a used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e (253 / facelift), the most frequently mentioned issue is battery cooling circuit warnings and faults. Additionally, electric range loss and battery degradation are also commonly reported.

Engine: M274

M274.920 · turbo petrol · 350e · Used in this car from 2019-2022

Strengths

  • Very economical for this power
  • No problems with service and spare parts

Watch-outs

  • Very demanding on fuel quality
  • Chain and camshaft adjusters have short life
  • Plagued by regular oil leaks

Known engine issues

  • Camshaft adjuster rattlingIn engines up to 2014, camshaft adjusters started rattling quite quickly; later the manufacturer improved the design and lifespan increased to 150-200 thousand km. Around the same mileage, the timing chain stretches and many replace them together.
  • Impulse disc displacementMany owners of cars with this engine family complain about starting problems, the main cause being displacement of the impulse disc relative to the camshaft axis. Usually an error from the camshaft position sensor signals this.
  • Piston destructionIn 2015, engines of this series were modernized and became slightly more economical, but this led to more frequent detonation with piston destruction. Also, poor fuel severely affects the direct injection piezo injectors.

+2 more issues on the engine detail page

Full details for the M274 engine

Known issues and risks

Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.

Battery cooling circuit warnings and faults

Often reported

Owners report dashboard warnings related to the cooling circuit when using electric mode; temperature/cooling lights, battery cooling system faults, and performance limitation or shutdown may occur.

Cooling

Electric range loss and battery degradation

Often reported

Over time, the usable capacity of the battery pack decreases, reducing the actual electric range and increasing reliance on the internal combustion engine.

Electrical

HV battery charging fault

Often reported

The high-voltage battery may fail to communicate with the charging station, preventing charging or displaying a 'Battery Fault' message.

Electrical

Mercedes-Benz Glc 350e technical specs

Mercedes-Benz Glc 350e (2020): 0–100 in 5.7 s.

0–100 km/h
5.7 s
Top speed
210 km/s
Tire size
235/60 R18
Fuel tank
66 L
Dimensions (L×W×H)
4658 × 1890 × 1664 mm

Same trim, different year

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when buying a Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e?+
When buying a 2020 model 350e, check the service history, test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. The most commonly reported issues are: battery cooling circuit warnings and faults; electric range loss and battery degradation; HV battery charging fault.
What are the chronic problems of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e?+
The most commonly reported issues are: battery cooling circuit warnings and faults; electric range loss and battery degradation; HV battery charging fault.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e reliable?+
Rather than a simple yes/no, it's best to weigh the proven pros and cons together. This page lists 3 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from Difetti fault database records; the source vehicle and target vehicle are verified for brand, fuel, engine, and generation compatibility. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.

We only publish claims we can verify. Cards come from Difetti fault records matched to this vehicle on brand, fuel, engine and generation.

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