GLE350 Engine Failure
 

I own a 2020 MB GLE350. The check engine light was on.

• On 2/21, I took it to the dealership. Due to the P06DA00 code, they recommended oil pump valve and harness change. As the cost was expensive, I was shopping around for a specialist shop.
• On 3/3, I dropped by the repair shop.
• On 3/6, I went to pick the car. Right there, the check engine light was on. It was not a good sign but they cleared the code and I drove away.
• On 3/7, the light was back on. They asked me to come back after the weekend.
• On 3/8, I was driving in freeway and the car broke down. I noticed the engine sound was off since I picked it up. Before the car broke down, a reduced oil level sign came, cruise control was not maintaining, smoke came from the hood when hood pulled over.
• On 3/10, they report that the engine has seized. There is a hole in the block between the 2 and 3 cylinders.

That is the history. To me, the repair shop messed up. They claim it wasn't. So,

• I want a neutral party to assess what caused the breakdown. So far, couple I spoke to think its not possible. Is it that hard to identify if the repair shop contribute to the failure?
• What recourse I have against the repair shop?
• Replacing the engine will cost ~15K. Thats a big amount. Should I go for it or

what other options?

This is the second case I've heard of on the four cyl turbo engine putting a connecting rod through the block. The one I'm familiar with had approximately 53k miles on it. The owner took it to Mercedes and they replaced the engine at no charge. He also had unusual noises before losing the engine.

How many miles are on it? Personally, I would steer clear of the late models with the gasoline four cylinder turbo engine.

Mine is 57K miles.

Is the repair shop liable and how to prove it?

Did the shop change the oil in it? How long had it been since the oil was changed and had the level been checked leading up to the issue? I can't imagine them doing anything that would have caused it to lose oil. Sounds like you had an issue with oil pump based on dealer info.

I'm unable to make a determination if anyone was at fault with information provided. I'm not too sure that the late model turbo 4 engines are junk but the jury is still out.

If I were you I'd call the local dealer and ask if they can help out with it. The clue that something was going on (and not being resolved) was the ck engine light staying on like it was. What was the code that turned it on (the actual description, not the P number)? If they can't help and you have full coverage insurance I'd get the insurance company involved.

This is from dealer "verify check engine light on connect sds scan for codes found fault with oil pump valve perform guided test actuate valve voltage is supposed to fluctuate with cycle of pump valve actuation found no change in voltage found test failed recommend replacement oil pump valve and internal sub harness. Guest declined repairs at this time."

Dealer didnt say oil pump failure, more on the valve. They drained it 10d ago as part of Service B. These guys wanted to resue it but accidentally dumped it, so used new oil.

The code was P06DA00-The actuation of the valve of the oil pump in the combustion engine has an electrical fault or open circuit.

I think Geico covers new cars with mechanical breakdown insurance. They do not provide for 3+ years. So how do you think insurance may cover this?

I can't answer that but I had a friend with a Porsche car that experienced the intermediate shaft bearing failure resulting in a locked up engine. His insurance company totaled the car.

I took it back to the dealer for a neutral opinion. This is what they came back with pictures / video*
"I had my technician look at the vehicle this morning and during the inspection we removed the lower oil pan to inspect and obviously found metal in the pan from engine failure. Also, we found the oil pickup tube for the oil pump is missing which is what starved the engine of oil and caused the engine to fail. The top of the oil level senor was also smashed which is what was causing the warning on the dash to display"

Glad they were able to find the smoking gun. I have asked for compensation from the repair shop. Lets see what they say.

Any pointers or experience to make sure they are liable and end up footing the 28K dealer estimate?

I would think at that mileage the dealer would repair with either a price break or fully covered by dlr. If you have full coverage I'd clue my insurance man into what is going on with it too.

Dealer didnt cause the issue. They identified the issue caused by the repair shop.

Based on what I'm reading the shop did not do anything to cause oil pick up tube to come off. It is a defect from MB. Has not got anything to do with the work shop did from the way I'm understanding it.

You say that you dropped by the repair shop and picked up your car a few days later. You didn't state if they did any repairs or not. I've had that code more than a few times. I have always sent them to the dealer. I can't say much positive about the engines on the late models. Hell, one of our local dealers keeps cylinder heads in stock for the m264 engine.