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Emergency
KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167) GLS 63 AMG (4.0 V8) common problems.

2019–2026 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

9G-Tronic harsh shiftingAutomatic gearbox
Engine / equipment
9G-Tronic automatic gearbox (725.0 and 725.1): C-Class W205 and W206, E W212 and W213, CLS, S W222 and W223, GLC, GLE, GLS, SL and SLC
Period mentioned
2013–2026
Symptoms
Harsh or jerky shifts (especially 1st to 2nd and when cold), vibration, delayed shifts or limp mode; sometimes the gear will not engage from N to D. Codes P073E00 and P07B700.
Possible cause described
Mercedes acknowledges in a technical bulletin complaints of harsh shifts, shudder and limp mode with various causes. In the early years (2014–2016) it is usually software or adaptation rather than mechanical damage; in other cases the pressure sensor built into the gearbox control unit fails.
Check for the garage
Follow the Mercedes bulletin: reproduce the complaint, save the EEPROM, check the oil level, run the Xentry valve flush, update engine, gearbox and shift unit software and perform the standstill adaptation. If it persists, check the control unit.
Cost cited in the source
Software update and adaptation: the most common and cheapest fix; repairing or replacing the control unit costs considerably more (the sources give no comparable figures)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Applies if: Only if fitted with air suspension.

AIRMATIC leaks and compressorSuspension
Engine / equipment
AIRMATIC air suspension: E-Class W211, W212 and W213, S W220 to W223, CLS, CL, ML W164, GL, GLE and GLS
Period mentioned
2002–2026
Symptoms
One corner sags overnight, suspension fault warning, the compressor runs a lot or a compressor overheated message appears; eventually the car sits low and rides hard.
Possible cause described
The air bellows on the struts leak with age, often at the upper crimp rings, and the compressor overworks until it burns out. The valve block and lines also leak, and the compressor relay (in the rear SAM on W221, W222 and W213) and ride height sensors fail.
Check for the garage
Spray soapy water on bellows, lines and valve block; read each corner's data with Xentry; check the compressor fuse and relay. Do not replace the compressor without fixing the leak first, or the new one will fail soon.
Cost cited in the source
Compressor: approx. €600–1,200 at an independent garage (converted from Canadian dollars); bellows: depends on the cornerA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 95,000–115,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

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Applies if: US bulletin (XENTRY LI46.10-P-078012) for Mercedes-Benz cars with a capacitive steering wheel (code 266) built from 2020; in Europe, ask the dealer.

Assist systems not available messages caused by a steering wheel hands-on detection fault (Mercedes-Benz from 2020)Driver assistance
Engine / equipment
Mercedes-Benz with a capacitive steering wheel (code 266)
Period mentioned
Built from 2020
Symptoms
Messages on the cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available", "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" or "Active steering assist not available".
Possible cause described
The steering wheel hands-on detection fails: the detection mat, its control unit, the contacts or the wiring. Mercedes-Benz releases new software and SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (note LI46.10-P-078012).
Check for the garage
Ask the garage to apply note LI46.10-P-078012: do not replace the HOSWD control unit, update its software and check the steering wheel contacts, wires and ground connections.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Applies if: US bulletin (XENTRY LI07.10-P-080384) for Mercedes-AMG models with the M177 engine; in Europe, ask the dealer.

Engine warning light and loss of power from the throttle body pins (Mercedes-AMG with the M177 V8)Powertrain and engine management
Engine / equipment
Mercedes-AMG with the 4.0 twin-turbo V8 M177 (C 63, E 63, GLC 63, GLE 63, GLS 63 and G 63)
Period mentioned
2015–2025 (US model years)
Symptoms
The engine warning light comes on and the car may lose power, with throttle codes such as P210185, P213500 or P213600.
Possible cause described
Electrical resistance increases in the pins of the left and right throttle actuator connectors. Mercedes-Benz describes it in its technical note LI07.10-P-080384: the connector pins are replaced with updated ones.
Check for the garage
Ask the workshop to check the connectors of both throttle bodies and apply note LI07.10-P-080384 before replacing the throttle bodies.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Other engines of the Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)