Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chains on diesels

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · Diesel

  The diesel timing chains won't last forever. A rattle on start-up is the warning sign.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle.

  Source: Parkers: used Mercedes E-Class 2009-2016 review

• Power loss and fuel cut-out recalls (built to mid-2016)

  Cars registered in 2017 · Built to 2016

  Cars built up to 31 May 2016 could lose power and coast to a halt (software fix), and cars built up to 31 August 2016 could have the rear seat damage the fuel pump wiring and stall.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to confirm both recalls were done.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes E-Class (2016-2024) reliability

• Water pump and coolant leaks

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · All engines

  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

  Source: Parkers: used Mercedes E-Class 2009-2016 review

• 7G-Tronic automatic

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · 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

  Source: Parkers: used Mercedes E-Class 2009-2016 review

• Oil cooler leak (early E350 V6 diesel)

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · E350 V6 diesel

  The oil cooler seals can leak on early V6 diesels, and the repair takes a lot of labour.

  At the viewing: Look for oil around the top and front of the engine.

  Source: Parkers: Mercedes E-Class saloon (2009-2016) used review

• Rust on the rear subframe

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · All engines

  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

• Particulate filter (diesel)

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · Diesel

  The particulate filter will fail on cars that mostly do short journeys.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for warning lights.

  Source: Parkers: Mercedes E-Class saloon (2009-2016) used review

• Electrical and sensor faults

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · All engines

  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

Common Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Wheel bearings

  up to 6.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Ball joint

  up to 8.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes

  up to 4.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Side repeaters

  up to 5.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2007.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wheels

  up to 7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Sub-frame

  up to 4.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class did best (70% passed first time, 13 points above all 2007 cars) and the 2020 did worst (86%, 1 point below all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing chain ever been replaced?
2. Have the power-loss and fuel pump wiring recalls been done?
3. Has the water pump been replaced?
4. Has the gearbox oil been changed?
5. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 8.5× as often on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)