2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Water pump and coolant leaks
The water pump is a common failure, and diesels can leak coolant around the EGR cooler.
At the viewing: Listen for whining from the engine, and look for dried coolant around it.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
- Automatic
7G-Tronic automatic
The automatic gearbox needs looking after.
At the viewing: Check the changes are smooth with no odd noises, and look for gearbox servicing in the history.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
- All engines
Rust on the rear subframe
The rear subframe and axle rust, especially where the roads are salted.
At the viewing: Look underneath at the rear subframe.
Source: Parkers: Mercedes E-Class saloon (2009-2016) used review
- All engines
Electrical and sensor faults
Electrical faults range from oxygen and crank sensors to full ECU failure. Cracked air hoses can cause limp mode.
At the viewing: Make sure no warning lights are on and test the electrics.
Source: Parkers: Mercedes E-Class saloon (2009-2016) used review
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Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 310 | Tyres 11% |
| 2022 | 3,605 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 13,465 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 31,740 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 63,370 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 63,522 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 67,285 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 61,611 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 63,946 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 60,386 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 55,931 | Brakes 36% |
| 2012 | 43,371 | Brakes 38% |
| 2010 | 34,094 | Brakes 38% |
| 2009 | 20,325 | Brakes 39% |
| 2008 | 13,037 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 16,415 | Brakes 40% |
| 2006 | 10,975 | Brakes 41% |
| 2005 | 12,409 | Brakes 42% |
| 2004 | 12,508 | Suspension 41% |
| 2003 | 9,177 | Suspension 43% |
| 2002 | 3,092 | Suspension 41% |
| 2001 | 2,186 | Suspension 36% |
| 2000 | 1,629 | Suspension 36% |
| 1999 | 1,467 | Suspension 39% |
| 1998 | 1,645 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 1997 | 937 | Suspension 36% |
| 1996 | 1,509 | Brakes 30% |
| 1995 | 2,249 | Suspension 29% |
| 1994 | 1,998 | Suspension 29% |
| 1993 | 541 | Suspension 32% |
| 1992 | 128 | Brakes 29% |
| 1990 | 114 | Suspension 28% |