
Mercedes GLE W166 Engines — The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the first‑generation GLE — from the OM651 four‑cylinder diesel to the OM642 V6 diesel, the M276 V6 petrol range, the M278 V8, and the M157 AMG V8. Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the 2015 rebadge that turned the M‑Class into the GLE. Backed by 1,250+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED].
Explore W166 EnginesMercedes GLE W166 Engine Codes — The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the W166 GLE SUV specifically — including the diesel range, petrol V6 and V8 options, AMG variants, and the plug‑in hybrid 500 e.

Overview
Mercedes GLE W166 — Overview
The W166 is the first‑generation GLE, launched in April 2015 as the facelifted and renamed successor to the W164 M‑Class.
Based on the same platform as the earlier M‑Class, it introduced a new naming strategy aligning Mercedes‑Benz SUVs with their passenger‑car counterparts — GLE standing for "Geländewagen" (off‑road vehicle) and "E‑Class". Produced at the Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International plant in Alabama, the W166 was offered with a range of four‑cylinder, V6, and V8 engines including petrol, diesel, plug‑in hybrid, and AMG variants. The W166 was succeeded by the W167 in 2019.
Key Facts
Platform
W166 (Mercedes‑Benz mid‑size luxury SUV platform, third‑generation M‑Class architecture)
Predecessor
W164 (M‑Class, 2005–2015)
Successor
W167 (second‑generation GLE, 2019–present)
Sibling body styles in this generation
C292 (GLE Coupé)
Market Intelligence
The W166 GLE generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM642 diesel and M276 petrol variants as these SUVs enter their second decade of service.
Best & Worst Engines

Best Diesel Overall
OM642 (GLE 350 d)
““The 3.0‑litre V6 turbodiesel is the GLE's most dependable engine — proven across the Mercedes range and capable of 200,000+ miles with routine servicing. 258 PS and 620 Nm of torque deliver effortless SUV performance.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy and six‑figure mileage potential.”
Who it's for:

Best Petrol Overall
M276 (GLE 400)
““The 3.0‑litre biturbo V6 is the sweet spot of the GLE petrol range — 333 PS with smooth power delivery and better fuel economy than the V8. It’s free of the OM651's diesel complications and more affordable to maintain than the AMG variants.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 refinement without AMG running costs.”
Who it's for:

Highest Risk
OM651 (GLE 250 d)
““The 2.1‑litre four‑cylinder diesel has two well‑documented weaknesses — EGR cooler failure (cracking under thermal stress) and turbocharger bearing collapse, which can strike without warning and destroy the engine.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risks and have documented EGR and turbo history.”
Who it's for:

Most Expensive Failure
M157 (GLE 63 / 63 S AMG)
““The 5.5‑litre biturbo V8 is a masterpiece — but punishing to repair. Turbocharger issues, cooling system failures, and the sheer complexity of the AMG engine bay add up fast. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.”
Who it's for:

Best Value
OM642 (GLE 350 d)
““The V6 diesel offers the best balance of performance, reliability, and running costs — more refined than the OM651, more economical than the petrol V6, and with a proven track record across the Mercedes range.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want the most sensible GLE engine choice.”
Who it's for:

Most Overlooked
M276 (GLE 450 AMG / GLE 43 AMG)
““Often overshadowed by the V8 AMG models, the 367 PS biturbo V6 in the GLE 450 and GLE 43 delivers genuine performance with lower running costs than the M157. It’s the sweet spot of the AMG‑badged GLE range.” Who it’s for: Performance buyers who want AMG style without V8 running costs.”
Who it's for:

Mercedes GLE W166 — Ownership Economics
The W166 rule
A £4,500 OM642 recon against a £15,000 GLE sits at 30% — safe. A £10,000 M157 recon against a £25,000 GLE 63 is 40% — viable if you have the warranty, but a financial event regardless. Our 70% Mercedes threshold is rarely crossed on W166s with strong values, but running costs — especially on AMG variants — tell a different story. Value the service history first.
Key Takeaways
Which W166 Costs Least To Own?
OM642 (GLE 350 d) — cheap oil cooler seal maintenance, proven V6 diesel.
Which W166 Costs Most To Own?
M157 (GLE 63 / 63 S AMG) — turbocharger, cooling system, and V8 complexity add up fast.
Which W166 Is Best Value?
OM642 (GLE 350 d) — proven diesel refinement without the V8's running costs or the OM651's EGR anxiety.
Common Problems

W166 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition
No Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline figures — W166 SUV shares identical engine‑bay access with its C292 GLE Coupé sibling, so costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.
Core Variants
Core Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are W166 GLE SUV only. C292 GLE Coupé shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. OM642 (GLE 350 d) — 1,250 enquiries [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)
- 2.2. M276 (GLE 400 / GLE 43 AMG) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
- 3.3. OM651 (GLE 250 d) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. GLE 350 d
- 2.2. GLE 400
- 3.3. GLE 250 d
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£2,800–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only [MB‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. OM651 EGR cooler failure & turbo bearing collapse (GLE 250 d)
- 2.2. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks (GLE 350 d)
- 3.3. M276 cooling system wear (GLE 400 / GLE 43 AMG)

Mercedes GLE 350 d W166 (OM642)
4
enquiries

Mercedes GLE 250 d W166 (OM651)
3
enquiries

Mercedes GLE 400 W166 (M276)
2
enquiries
FAQ

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UK Engine Replacement Services for W166
covering every variant from GLE 250 d to GLE 63 S AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
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