Used Mercedes-Benz GLE Bonnet Strut

The GLE has been sold in two main generations in the UK: the first-generation W166 (2015–2019) and the second-generation V167 (2019–present), and both use gas-strut props to hold the bonnet open, so the part genuinely exists across the range. Within each generation, year matters primarily because of the facelift boundary rather than minor model-year changes. Source a strut from the same generation as your car and you're on the right track, but always confirm the exact part against your registration with the breaker.

This question crosses the key generation boundary: the W166 first-generation ran to 2019 and the V167 second-generation began in 2019, so a 2017 car is W166 but a 2019 car could be either generation depending on its build date. Bonnet struts are not interchangeable between these two platforms as the bonnet itself is a completely different pressing. Check your V5C or registration with the breaker to confirm which generation your car actually is before ordering.

No — trim level does not affect bonnet strut fitment on the GLE, as the bonnet and its gas struts are shared across SE, Sport, and AMG Line variants within the same generation. All trims use the same bonnet pressing and the same strut mounting points. You may find minor cosmetic differences on the bonnet itself (such as AMG Line badging or different paint), but the strut itself will be the same part, so don't limit your search to your specific trim.

Yes — engine choice does not affect which bonnet strut is fitted, as the GLE shares the same front-end structure and bonnet across diesel, petrol, and AMG engine variants within a generation. The bonnet strut mounts are identical regardless of what is under the bonnet. Match by generation (W166 or V167) and you can safely source from any engine variant, but confirm the exact part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

The W166 GLE did not receive a significant mid-life facelift that changed the bonnet itself, so bonnet struts from across the W166 production run (2015–2019) are generally expected to be compatible. That said, confirm this directly with the breaker by quoting your registration, as they can check against the actual part numbers pulled from donor cars. Never assume fitment without that check.

Gas struts lose pressure over time, so it's worth asking the breaker how old the donor vehicle was and whether the strut still held the bonnet up fully before removal. A strut that feels weak or lets the bonnet drop slowly is past its useful life. Most reputable UK breakers will have tested or graded the part, so ask about condition grading and whether any warranty is offered before buying.