Used car guide · 1990–2026

Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 715,083 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as a whole.

2,457registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Dieselmost common fuel (also petrol)
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921990

Generation guides: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 (2009–2016) · Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 (2016–2023)

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, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Ball joint

    up to 6.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 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.

  • Wheel bearings

    up to 8.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 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.

  • Wheels

    up to 4.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    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.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 5.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2005.

    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.

  • Sub-frame

    up to 3.9× usual

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

    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.

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

    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.

Diesel

  • 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 9× 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 4.6× 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.

  • Link ball joint covers

    up to 4.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    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.

  • Diesel smoke emissions

    up to 4.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.

    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.

Hybrid

  • Wheels

    up to 9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 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.

  • Ball joint

    up to 7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 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.

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.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202396%92% +4310 (small sample)
202290%89% +13,605
202188%87% +113,465
202086%87% -131,740
201986%85% +163,370
201885%83% +263,522
201784%80% +467,285
201682%77% +561,611
201579%74% +563,946
201476%70% +660,386
201372%67% +555,931
201271%64% +743,371
201171%62% +940,106
201070%60% +1034,094
200969%59% +1020,325
200869%57% +1213,037
200770%57% +1316,415
200668%56% +1210,975
200566%57% +912,409
200467%57% +1012,508
200367%57% +109,177
200267%58% +93,092
200165%60% +52,186
200070%61% +91,629
199968%63% +51,467
199870%65% +51,645
199769%65% +4937
199669%66% +31,509
199570%67% +32,249
199473%67% +61,998
199372%68% +4541
199274%69% +5128 (small sample)
199076%72% +4114 (small sample)

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.)

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score