Home / Makes / Mercedes-Benz / E-Class Known Faults Database 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 6 known faults for this model, 6 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 (2009-2016) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Timing chain stretch (rear-mounted chain) resulting in engine rattle and potential failure 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2005-2014 Models (2005-2014) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Oil cooler seals fail in the 'V' of the engine causing massive oil leaks 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004-2008 Models (2004-2008) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Soft metal on the balance shaft timing gear wears completely away, destroying engine timing Typical symptoms Engine Management Light (EML) on fault codes P0016 / P0017 (camshaft timing) rough running or misfiring Affected vehicles
Engines: 3.5 V6 Petrol (M272) / 5.5 V8 (M273)
Typical mileage: 60000-90000 miles Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211 (Pre-facelift) / R230 (2002-2006) problems Brakes/Suspension High severity 📝 Editorial
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) pump reaches its pre-programmed actuation limit and fails Typical symptoms white 'Service Brake - Visit Workshop' warning red 'STOP! Brakes Defective' warning with loud beeping severe loss of braking power (limp mode) Affected vehicles
Engines: All (Pre-facelift)
Typical mileage: 80000-150000 miles Mercedes-Benz E-Class W203 / W204 / W211 (2002-2013) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Single-row timing chain stretches and jumps teeth, destroying the valves Typical symptoms loud metallic rattle on startup for 3-5 seconds engine management light loss of compression and non-start Affected vehicles
Engines: 1.8 Kompressor / CGI Petrol (M271)
Typical mileage: 60000-90000 miles Mercedes-Benz E-Class W220 / W211 / W164 (1999-2011) problems Suspension High severity 📝 Editorial
Air suspension compressor failure, relay failure, or leaking air struts causing the car to collapse Typical symptoms car sitting very low over the wheels red 'AIRMATIC Visit Workshop' warning on dash compressor running constantly Affected vehicles
Engines: All with Airmatic
Typical mileage: 80000-120000 miles Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage. Data last verified: June 2026
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