Mercedes-Benz GLC 253 250 d, 204 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive (2015–2019)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2015-2022): known problems and buying guide

  A middling buy, so check the emissions software update, 9G-Tronic shifts and AdBlue warnings before paying.

• Engine guide Mercedes OM651 2.1 diesel (C 220 CDI, E 250 CDI, Sprinter): problems, costs and what to check

  Durable when maintained, but check the cold start chain rattle, early injectors and the 2014 tensioner seal before you buy.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Gearbox: on a cold test drive, check for jerks in second to fourth gear, late upshifts and a hard engagement into reverse. A scanner reads fault P0700. Bad result: jerks that stay after warm-up, or P0700 in the memory. Ask for the fluid change record.
2. AdBlue: watch for an AdBlue warning or emergency running. A scanner reads codes P20EE, P229F and P1564 (AdBlue tank heater). Bad result: a stored code, or a warning with a full tank.
3. Emissions: ask for proof that the software update was done at a Mercedes workshop, and enter the VIN to check open campaigns. Bad result: no record of the update.
4. Tyre scrub: turn the wheel to full lock at walking pace and listen and feel for a skip or judder from the outside front tyre. Bad result: a skip or judder.

From the engine guide

1. Timing chain (scanner needed). Start the engine cold and listen for a metallic rattle for 1-3 seconds. Ask a Mercedes dealer or a diesel specialist to read the cam phase offset (the timing gap between camshaft and crankshaft) with XENTRY, the Mercedes diagnostic tool. Check for codes P0016 and P0017. A plain OBD2 scanner may miss the offset. Bad: a rattle, a stored P0016 or P0017, or a large offset. A jumped chain can destroy the engine.
2. Coolant (no scanner). Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, and check it again after a few weeks. Ask a dealer whether service action 1204P59A93 was done on the cylinder head coolant connection. Bad: a falling level or no record of the work.
3. Emissions software update (VIN check). Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for the emissions software update. Bad: no record of the update.
4. Oil and service history (no scanner). Ask for oil change records. Long gaps between oil changes, short trips and poor oil all speed up chain wear. Bad: long gaps or no records.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions