Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Problems & Known Faults (UK)
If you are considering buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 25 known faults for this model, 23 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 43 known faults · 7 owner reports · 9 good notes
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 (1995 to 2002) problems
SuspensionHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2013 to 2018
Serious rust in the front suspension coil spring perches, leading to potential collapse of the front suspension. This issue is particularly prevalent in RHD W210 models built in South Africa.
Rough guide
£1000-2000
Typical symptoms
Front suspension collapse
Loud banging or grinding noises from front suspension
Uneven ride height
Visible rust on suspension components
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All (RHD models)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Glow plugs on diesel engines have a habit of failing and then breaking during removal, leading to extremely expensive rectification costs if the cylinder head needs to be removed.
Rough guide
£500-4500
Typical symptoms
Difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather
Glow plug warning light on dashboard
Rough idling after cold start
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Diesels
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Fuel SystemHigh severity📝 Editorial
Premature injector failure and failure of injector 'fire seals' are common. Failed seals allow soot and carbon to 'weld' injectors into the cylinder head, known as 'black death', making removal difficult and potentially requiring cylinder head replacement.
Rough guide
£500-4000+
Typical symptoms
Smell of neat fuel (paraffin-like) in the cabin
Chuffing sound from the top of the engine
Engine running rough or misfiring
Visible carbon build-up around injectors
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Straight 6 3.2 CDI
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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What owners report on the W210
7 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · March 2019A 1997 E-Class automatic experienced multiple failures over two years, including dashboard lights, air conditioning, and bodywork issues.
Bodywork · July 2017A 2002 E320 estate required extensive body rust repairs, with costs estimated at $17,000 in the USA.
Electrics · June 2015Spilling liquid on the gearshift quadrant of a W210 automatic can damage the remote, preventing engine start, costing €700.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2014A 2001 E220CDI automatic with 102,000 miles had difficulty shifting from Park, possibly due to a brake pedal connection fault.
Brakes · August 2014ESP and BAS warning lights on a W210 E-Class may indicate a brake pressure sensor problem within the ABS/ESP module.
Fuel system · July 2012Corrosion was reported to spread to the fuel delivery and rear brake pipes on a W210 E-Class.
Bodywork · July 2012Severe rust was observed in the luggage trunk wells of a W210 E-Class, indicating significant corrosion issues.
What owners like about the W210
9 notes
This model is noted for its exceptional build quality and durability, with examples lasting over 350,000 miles.
The 230E was the most popular engine, while the 240D and 300D diesels offered impressive longevity.
The W124 is a strong, reliable, and comfortable car, praised for its well-built and safe design.
This model had a low death rate from accidents and was among the lowest cost for warranty claims in 2002.
Estate versions are highly regarded for their strength, reliability, comfort, and generous load space.
The W210 model received high ratings in customer satisfaction surveys and was noted for being claim-free.
This model achieved the top position in a 2002 customer satisfaction survey conducted by JD Power and What Car? magazine.
Petrol cars from 1995 to 1997 experienced the fewest breakdowns, while 1998 to 2000 models had an average number of issues.
The W210 E-Class offers good looks, improved ride and handling, with a range of capable engines including a powerful 320CDI.
Oil cooler seals fail in the 'V' of the V6 CDI engine, causing significant oil leaks. This is a common and expensive repair.
Rough guide
£1000-1500
Typical symptoms
Visible oil leaks under the engine
Low engine oil level
Oil smell in the cabin
Affected vehicles
Engines:
V6 CDI (OM642, e.g., E280 CDI, E320 CDI)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2011 to 2013
Premature wear of the timing chain sprocket for the balancer shaft on M272 V6 and M273 V8 petrol engines. This is a known design flaw with soft metal, leading to engine timing issues and potential catastrophic failure. It is a very expensive repair.
Rough guide
£2000-4000
Typical symptoms
Engine rattle or ticking noise
Check engine light (CEL) with camshaft phasing sensor fault codes
Rough running or misfires
Reduced engine power
Affected vehicles
Engines:
V6 Petrol (M272) / V8 Petrol (M273)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2011 to 2012
Double-skinned exhaust manifolds can fragment internally, sending metal shards into the turbocharger and causing catastrophic turbo failure. This often puts the engine into limp-home mode.
Rough guide
£4000-5000+
Typical symptoms
Engine goes into 'limp-home' mode
Loss of turbo boost/power
Whining or grinding noises from the turbo
Check engine light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
280 CDI / 320 CDI
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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SuspensionHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012 to 2013
Airmatic air suspension damper failures are common, leading to uneven ride height or complete collapse of the suspension. This is an expensive repair.
Rough guide
£1000-2000+
Typical symptoms
Uneven ride height (one corner lower than others)
Suspension feels bouncy or harsh
Airmatic warning message on dashboard
Compressor running excessively
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All with Airmatic suspension
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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OtherHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012
Corroded brake pipes are a common problem on pre-facelift W211 models (2002-2006), posing a significant safety risk. This issue was addressed in facelift cars from Summer 2006.
Rough guide
£500-1000
Typical symptoms
Brake fluid leaks
Spongy brake pedal
Reduced braking efficiency
MOT failure for corrosion
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All (pre-facelift)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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What owners report on the W211
16 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · July 2017A Mercedes E63 AMG experienced repeated battery failures that were not attributed to a power drain.
Suspension and steering · June 2017A 2005 E280 broke its front suspension springs three times over 120,000 miles from new.
Electrics · May 2017A 2006 E320CDI displayed dash warnings for rear number plate and third brake lights, preventing boot lid opening.
Engine · October 2016A glow plug warning light illuminated for about two minutes after a cold start, five days after a service.
Gearbox and clutch · August 2016A 2003 E270 CDI automatic experienced intermittent gear change failures after long motorway trips, resolved by restarting.
Cooling · July 2016A 2006 E220CDI with 175,000 miles had a transmission heat exchanger failure, contaminating the automatic fluid and costing £2,200 plus VAT.
Engine · May 2014A 2008 E320 CDI Sport Estate with 44,000 miles had both door mirrors fail, a front coil spring fail, and injection system problems.
Engine · May 2014A 2007 E320 CDI with 50,000 miles had one of its six glowplugs seized in the cylinder head, preventing its removal.
Engine · May 2014The swirl flap motors in the inlet manifold of a 2005 E280 CDI failed twice in three years, just 32,000 miles apart.
Engine · December 2013A turbo oil seal failed on a 2008 E280 CDI, costing the owner £700 as it was not covered by warranty.
Engine · November 2013The turbo on a 72,000 mile 2009 E280 CDI estate failed due to carbon build-up, with Mercedes-Benz contributing 23% to the cost.
Suspension and steering · July 2013A post-facelift E220 CDI with 65,000 miles required routine replacement of an ABS sensor and a front wheel bearing.
Engine · February 2013A 2007 E350 with 23,000 miles developed a fault code related to the camshaft phasing sensors.
Bodywork · April 2012Rust appeared at the base of the rear doors on 2006 facelift W211 models, where dirt and water could collect.
Engine · February 2012A 200K model required modified valve springs for proper seating, costing £1,900 at a main dealer.
Engine · December 2011Turbocharger failures on E220CDI models after about six years are not uncommon, emphasising the need for regular oil changes.
What owners like about the W211
1 note
The 2003 E-Class achieved a five-star NCAP crash test rating, indicating high safety performance.
Timing chain stretch (rear-mounted chain) resulting in engine rattle and potential failure
Rough guide
£1500-2500
Typical symptoms
rattle on cold start
prolonged metallic noise from back of engine
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.1 CDI (OM651)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Oil cooler seals fail in the 'V' of the engine causing massive oil leaks
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
oil pooling in the engine valley
oil leaking down the back of the engine onto the undertray
burning oil smell in the cabin
Affected vehicles
Engines:
3.0 V6 CDI (OM642)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 1 owner report, 2017
A broken steering column spring, coupled with insufficiently earthed wiring, may lead to a short circuit and inadvertent deployment of the driver's airbag. This was subject to a voluntary recall by Mercedes-Benz.
Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)
Typical symptoms
Airbag warning light appearing on the dashboard
Unexpected airbag deployment
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
All mileages miles
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Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2012 to 2015
Early OM651 engines with Piezo electric injectors are prone to failure, leading to engine cutting out and repeated breakdowns. This was a serious and widespread issue.
Rough guide
£1500-3000+
Typical symptoms
Engine repeatedly cutting out
Difficulty starting
Engine running rough or misfiring
Check engine light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.1 CDI (OM651) with Piezo electric injectors (e.g., E250 CDI)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2014
The E300 Bluetec hybrid model is prone to repeated failures, often showing a tyre pressure monitor warning followed by a total loss of power. A hybrid fault results in complete car shutdown, not just running on the ICE.
Rough guide
£9000-10000+
Typical symptoms
Tyre pressure monitor warning on dashboard
Total loss of power
Car shuts down completely
Repeated breakdowns
Affected vehicles
Engines:
E300 Bluetec Hybrid
Typical mileage:
20000-50000 miles
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SuspensionHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2015 to 2019
Rear Airmatic air suspension failures are common on Estate models, including airbag splits and airline failures. This leads to the rear of the car collapsing and is an expensive repair, often not covered by goodwill.
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
Rear of the car sitting low or unevenly
Air compressor running frequently or constantly
Hissing sounds from the rear suspension
Suspension warning light on dashboard
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Estate models with Airmatic rear suspension
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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SuspensionHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2015 to 2018
Serious fluid leaks from the steering rack are reported, leading to loss of power steering assistance and requiring expensive replacement.
Rough guide
£2500-3000
Typical symptoms
Heavy steering, especially at low speeds
Whining noise from power steering pump
Visible fluid leaks under the front of the car
Power steering warning light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Oil pump failure reported on the OM651 engine, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. Often linked to insufficient servicing.
Rough guide
£2000-5000+
Typical symptoms
Low oil pressure warning light
Engine knocking or rattling noises
Engine overheating
Complete engine failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.1 CDI (OM651)
Typical mileage:
70000-100000 miles
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OtherHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2016 to 2018
Deterioration of panoramic sunroof seals is reported, leading to water ingress into the fuse box and other electrical components, causing expensive damage.
Rough guide
£1000-2500+
Typical symptoms
Water leaks from the sunroof area
Damp carpets or headliner
Electrical malfunctions (e.g., fuse box issues)
Visible perishing or cracking of sunroof seals
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All with panoramic sunroof
Typical mileage:
10000-20000 miles
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OtherHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2018 to 2019
Breakage of struts within the soft-top roof frame is reported, leading to dents in the soft top and extremely expensive repair or replacement costs, often exceeding £8,000.
Rough guide
£8000-11000
Typical symptoms
Visible dents or irregularities in the soft top fabric
Roof mechanism operating incorrectly or jamming
Unusual noises when operating the roof
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Cabriolet models
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
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What owners report on the W212 (C207 coupe, S212 estate)
40 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Bodywork · September 2022A 2011 E250 CDI experienced sub-frame corrosion, which Mercedes-Benz UK repaired for free after a complaint.
Engine · February 2020The engine management light illuminated on a 2015 E220d BlueTec, and the stop/start function ceased working.
Engine · January 2020A 2015 E220d BlueTec had its engine management light activate and Eco stop/start fail, with NOx sensor heater faults identified.
Gearbox and clutch · October 2019A 2013 E300 Blue Tech Hybrid with 65,000 miles suffered a transmission failure, with the gearbox valve chest identified as faulty.
Suspension and steering · September 2019A Mercedes S212 estate experienced severe rear tyre wear, with inside walls splitting multiple times over 8,000 miles.
Interior · August 2019A 2012 E250 CDI had multiple air conditioning failures, including the condenser, high-pressure hose, and cabin heat exchanger.
Interior · July 2019A 2014 E300 Bluetech hybrid with 160,000 miles had an air conditioning problem due to a refrigerant leak from the matrix.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2019A 2015 E350CDI experienced its 9-speed automatic refusing to change up and holding gears at high RPM, affecting fuel economy.
Engine · February 2019A 2015 E350 CDI had turbo intake seals replaced at 29,000 miles, and turbo boost pipes replaced at 38,000 miles for £126.72.
Electrics · August 2018A 2010 S212 E200 petrol estate with 63,000 miles had a door lock replaced, faulty wipers, and a window not opening correctly.
Fuel system · August 2018The low-pressure fuel tank sender pump failed on a 2014 E350 with 36,000 miles.
Electrics · July 2018Live traffic reports on a 2015 E-Class Cabriolet stopped working after three years and could not be reconnected.
Electrics · April 2018A 2010 W212 E250 petrol had ESP light activation, power reduction, and clicking sounds during cornering.
Engine · January 2018The engine management light on a 2015 E220CDI repeatedly illuminated, even after a NOx sensor replacement.
Bodywork · July 2017A 2012 E-Class Cabriolet developed numerous raised pimples in the black paint on its bonnet, attributed to salt seeping under stone chips.
Fuel system · June 2017An injector on a 32,000 mile 2011 E220CDI stuck open, causing severe overfuelling and engine detonation.
Bodywork · May 2017Corrosion appeared around the central badge of an AMG line alloy wheel on a 2014 E-Class after 18 months.
Fuel system · May 2017A 2013 W212 E200 CGI petrol model with 20,000 miles had a persistent fuel smell from under the bonnet.
Brakes · March 2017A 2012 E550 required brake discs and pads replacement at 17,000 miles due to corrosion from lack of use.
Suspension and steering · January 2017A 2014 E250CDI estate experienced severe inner front tyre wear due to non-adjustable camber, requiring adjustable bolts.
Electrics · November 2016A 2013 W212 E-Class displayed 'Pre-Safe' at 60mph, entering limp home mode with no accelerator and non-functional ESP.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2016A 2014 S212 E-Class estate automatic gearbox struggled to shift up, especially after frequent start/stop driving, despite a software update.
Exhaust · October 2016A 2012 E220CDI with 27,000 miles had an EML light on, diagnosed as a faulty upstream turbocharger temperature sensor and high DPF soot.
Electrics · June 2016A 2015 W212 E-Class experienced continuous DAB signal drops, which a software fix from the dealer did not resolve.
Electrics · December 2015A 2009 E220CDI had a failed steering lock, but the issue was resolved by replacing the battery in the key.
General · October 2015A 2015 E-Class caught fire in the owner's driveway, similar to cars subject to a recall for fire risk.
Electrics · September 2015A 2009 W212 E-Class with 60,000 miles experienced intermittent starting problems, traced to a faulty starter key locking barrel.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2015A 2014 E220CDI SE automatic made a loud noise from the transmission when shifting between neutral and drive or reverse.
Engine · April 2015A 2010 E200CDI Blue Efficiency suffered engine failure when the timing chain tensioner broke, costing the owner £4,153 after a goodwill contribution.
Bodywork · January 2015The windscreen of a two-year-old E-Class cracked twice in two years, requiring replacement each time.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2014A 2010 E200 CGI automatic with 25,000 miles had leaking gearbox park detent seals, with Mercedes contributing £412 towards the repair.
Suspension and steering · May 2014An E350 CDI Cabriolet on 19-inch wheels required 11 tyre replacements over 34,000 miles due to road damage, costing over £3,000.
Engine · March 2014An engine lubricating oil leak was reported on a 2009 320 CDI model.
Electrics · October 2013The parking sensors on a 2013 facelift E220 CDI failed intermittently, rendering them unreliable.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2013After a service and software upgrade, a three-year-old automatic car developed a rev counter oscillation between 1,200 and 1,400rpm.
Gearbox and clutch · March 2013A new E350 CDI experienced a clunky automatic transmission, indicating a problem with the gearbox operation.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2013Vibration from the automatic transmission persisted on one car, even after a transmission flush and sensor replacement.
Gearbox and clutch · January 2013A new E350 CDI automatic transmission experienced clonking and shuddering issues, indicating a problem with its operation.
Brakes · October 2012Front brake discs on one car required replacement after only 12,500 miles.
Bodywork · February 2012The nearside wiper arm detached on two occasions, causing severe damage to the windscreen each time.
What owners like about the W212 (C207 coupe, S212 estate)
14 notes
The C350 CDI engine offers excellent performance, providing a superb driving experience in this model.
This model offers decent headroom for rear passengers, contributing to overall comfort.
This model features a generously sized boot, offering practical and ample luggage capacity for users.
The car's seats provide both excellent support and comfort, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The E-Class model achieved an excellent five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, demonstrating strong occupant protection.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was rated the most reliable new luxury car in a 2014 survey, with a 94.5% reliability score.
The E-Class Cabriolet boasts a refined and elegant exterior design, making it visually appealing.
Driving the E-Class Cabriolet with the roof down results in very little air turbulence inside the cabin.
The E-Class Cabriolet offers a wide array of efficient petrol and CDI diesel power units for buyers to choose from.
The E-Class Cabriolet's roof can be folded down and up while the car is in motion.
The E-Class Estate is constructed to a high standard and features a distinctive, modern exterior appearance.
The E-Class Estate provides an exceptionally large and practical luggage compartment, ideal for families.
This E-Class Estate offers a very comfortable experience for occupants during extended journeys.
The E-Class Estate is equipped with highly capable and efficient diesel engines.
Generation 4 of 43 known faults · 17 owner reports · 17 good notes
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 (2016 to 2023) problems
ElectricalMedium severity📝 Editorial
Headlight units fog over with condensation, likely due to differential expansion rates of components breaking the seal. This can affect light output and longevity.
Rough guide
£500-1000
Typical symptoms
Visible condensation inside headlight lenses
Reduced headlight beam clarity
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
New-50000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
January 2017The headlights of a new E-Class fogged over with condensation, likely due to differential expansion rates of components.
January 2017The headlights of a new W213 E-Class fogged over with condensation, probably due to differing expansion rates of materials.
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SuspensionMedium severity📝 Editorial
Premature wear and judder of brake discs and pads, sometimes recurring even after replacement. Dealers have suggested issues with wheel hubs.
Rough guide
£500-1000
Typical symptoms
Vibration or judder felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking
Judder worsens after driving for more than an hour
Repeated brake disc/pad replacement without resolving the issue
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
1500-25000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
AdBlue system failure, often leading to engine warning lights and potential limp mode. Mercedes-Benz UK may deny goodwill warranty if servicing is not exclusively through their dealer network.
Rough guide
£1000-2000
Typical symptoms
Amber engine warning light illuminated
AdBlue warning messages on dashboard
Reduced engine power (limp mode)
Car refusing to start after AdBlue system fault
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Diesel (BlueTEC) with AdBlue
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
February 2021A 2016 E220d experienced AdBlue system failure at 38,250 miles, with no financial assistance from Mercedes-Benz UK due to non-dealer servicing.
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What owners report on the W213
17 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Bodywork · October 2020The alloy wheels on a 2017 E-Class, upgraded to 18-inch tremolite grey, suffered from peeling coating and white blemishes.
Engine · January 2020A December 2018 E400D with 9,500 miles over-revved frequently from cold and hot, leading to poor fuel consumption.
Brakes · January 2020A 2019 W213 E250d BlueEfficiency cabriolet required new brake discs and pads after only 1,500 miles due to juddering.
Suspension and steering · November 2019A 2017 E43AMG with 7,500 miles experienced front tyre 'jumping' when on full lock.
Engine · October 2019A July 2018 E220 D estate exhibited erratic oil usage, with the warning light appearing frequently after purchase.
Engine · September 2019A new E300 D broke down and subsequently caught fire under the engine after jerking on the motorway.
Engine · August 2019A leased 2017 E Class 3.0 E350d BlueTEC repeatedly displayed engine warning lights, despite multiple dealer visits.
Engine · May 2019A 2017 E350d BlueTEC displayed a persistent amber engine warning light from new, leading to transmission failure in late 2018.
Brakes · October 2018A 2018 E220d developed braking vibration at 5,000 miles; discs and pads were replaced twice, with hubs suspected at 25,000 miles.
Engine · September 2018A September 2016 E220d developed an oil leak from the camshaft cover.
Suspension and steering · August 2018An E350d All Terrain, purchased in April 2018, suffered an air suspension issue due to a manufacturing defect.
Bodywork · August 2018A March 2018 E-Class developed a crease in the offside front wing after three months, and a similar crease appeared on the nearside wing later.
Electrics · July 2018The traffic announcement system on a 2017 E200 radio was not functioning, with a software update awaited from Germany.
Electrics · April 2018A September 2016 E220d experienced over 50 spurious alarm activations, numerous sensor issues, battery problems, and engine management warning lights.
Electrics · May 2017The Park Pilot system on a 2017 E220d automatic attempted to reverse the car into an already occupied parking space.
Interior · April 2017The front seats of an S213 220d SE estate were reported to lack support, causing discomfort after short drives.
General · December 2016Delivery of an E-Class estate ordered in October 2016 was delayed, possibly due to a problem with sunroofs.
What owners like about the W213
17 notes
The cabin of the E-Class Estate is quiet, even at motorway speeds.
The four-cylinder diesel engine is powerful, with official figures suggesting it can achieve 67 miles per gallon.
The E-Class Estate offers one of the most expansive load capacities available in its class.
The E-Class cabin features a luxurious design, appearing almost identical to the S-Class interior.
The E220 d four-cylinder diesel engine provides exceptional quietness and smoothness on motorway journeys.
The official average fuel economy of 72.4mpg for a diesel saloon of this size is incredible.
The optional Airmatic suspension system delivers outstanding ride comfort and handling characteristics.
The standard nine-speed automatic gearbox executes gear changes with impressive smoothness and precision.
The E-Class comes equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced safety features and technologies.
The optional dual-screen display system functions effectively and enhances the vehicle's interior aesthetics.
The E-Class achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating, with high scores for adult and child protection.
The E-Class Coupe exhibits an attractive yet understated exterior design, combining beauty with subtlety.
The E-Class Coupe boasts a lovely cabin design and is exceptionally well built.
The four-cylinder diesel engine in the E-Class Coupe operates with exceptional smoothness and quietness.
The E-Class Coupe offers economical running costs, particularly with its diesel powertrain options.
The E-Class Coupe delivers superb overall refinement, complemented by a very compliant ride quality.
The E-Class Coupe provides a reasonably generous amount of space for rear passengers.
We track 72 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Mercedes-Benz E-Class advert and we check it in seconds.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used E-Class. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
W204, W212, W906, 2.1 CDI, OM651
No fixed replacement interval
Rear-mounted timing chain stretches over time, typically at 100,000-150,000 km under normal maintenance. No fixed interval. The tell-tale is a cold-start rattle that disappears after 10-20 seconds. Because the chain sits at the back of the engine, replacement is a major job.
Automatic gearbox oil
7G-TRONIC, 722.9, 7 SPEED
40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first
Mercedes initially claimed 'filled for life', which specialists call marketing over engineering. The recommendation is a fluid and filter change every 40,000 miles to prevent conductor plate failure, a GBP 800-1,200 repair. Some sources suggest 60,000 miles, so the shorter figure is recorded.
Automatic gearbox oil
9G-TRONIC, 725.0, 9 SPEED
60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first
The published figure for the 725.0 is six years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Other sources give the first factory change as roughly 60,000 km (about 37,000 miles) or 6 years, and forum consensus favours servicing at 40,000 miles, so treat 60,000 as the outer limit rather than a target.
Automatic gearbox oil
722.6, 5G-TRONIC, 5 SPEED
40,000 miles
Officially 'sealed for life' but independent specialists recommend ATF (MB 236.14 spec, which supersedes 236.10 and 236.12) and filter changes every 40,000 miles to head off valve body and conductor plate trouble. Capacity is about 7.5 litres. Fitted to most pre-2011 rear-wheel-drive Mercedes including the pre-2010 C, E and SLK.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Mercedes-Benz E-Class buying questions
Is a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 25 known faults in our database across 4 generations, 23 of them rated high severity. The most serious are fuel system (early OM651 engines with Piezo electric injectors are prone to failure) and suspension (rear Airmatic air suspension failures are common on Estate models). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
Three stand out. Fuel system: early OM651 engines with Piezo electric injectors are prone to failure (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Suspension: rear Airmatic air suspension failures are common on Estate models, including airbag splits (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Suspension: serious rust in the front suspension coil spring perches (typically 80000 to 120000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should I avoid?
No Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is a write-off, but the W212 (C207 coupe, S212 estate) (2009 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: fuel system, suspension, electrics, engine and bodywork and trim. The W210 (1995 to 2002), W211 (2002 to 2009) and W213 (2016 to 2023) have high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Ask the seller about the fuel system and suspension faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine repeatedly cutting out, rear of the car sitting low or unevenly and front suspension collapse. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 25 known faults before you travel. Check a Mercedes-Benz E-Class advert →
What is the real MPG of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Owners report 41.6 mpg on average across the Mercedes-Benz E-Class engines with data, about 83% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 2,811 owner submissions. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Real MPG by engine →
Where this Mercedes-Benz E-Class fault data comes from
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Mercedes-Benz E-Class goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.