Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common Mercedes E Class faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.
Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.
That's because our Mercedes E Class fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.
Select your Mercedes E Class fault guide:
Mercedes E-Class (1992 - 2002) Fault Guide
Mercedes E-Class (2002 - Present) Fault Guide
Mercedes E-Class (2009-) Fault Guide
Mercedes E-Class (1992 - 2002) Fault Guide
We know of 22 MERCEDES E-Class (1992 - 2002) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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9 engine faults
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3 suspension wear items or faults
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4 interior problems
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2 bodywork issues
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4 recalls
Here's an example fault on the MERCEDES E-Class (1992 - 2002)
What to look for:
Engage reverse and then drive on the automatic gearbox. Notice if there is a humming vibration through the middle of the car or a clonking noise as the gear is selected. As you pull away, does the car seem to engage gear harshly?
What it means:
If there is a clonking or vibration as you select gear and the car seems to engage gear harshly, the prop/cross shaft couplings need replacing.
What to do
Negotiate a £180 discount or have the repair completed.
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Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.
Mercedes E-Class (2002 - Present) Fault Guide
We know of 13 MERCEDES E-Class (2002 - Present) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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4 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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3 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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3 recalls
Here's an example fault on the MERCEDES E-Class (2002 - Present)
What to look for:
Contact a Mercedes dealer and read the car's VIN number to them. Ask if the car has any outstanding service updates, especially in the area of electronics. A service update is where main dealers make improvements and modifications to the car during services. These are free whilst the car is under warranty.
What it means:
This evolution of E-Class has been subject to many 'service updates.' The electronics updates are especially important as there were many gremlins that needed ironing out.
What to do
Ensure the car is updated as required.
Register to have full access to the MERCEDES E-Class (2002 - Present) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.
Mercedes E-Class (2009-) Fault Guide
We know of 14 MERCEDES E-Class (2009-) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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2 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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4 interior problems
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2 bodywork issues
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4 recalls
Here's an example fault on the MERCEDES E-Class (2009-)
What to look for:
Test drive the car, make sure there is no hesitancy from the engine under acceleration and, in worst case scenario, the engine does not go into limp home mode and make absolutely sure all the engine warning lights on the dash come on with the ignition and go out when the engine is running. Check the service history to find out if this work has already been carried out under warranty.
What it means:
The early Mercedes BluEfficiency diesel engines have a known fault with the fuel injectors. Mercedes will cover the cost of repair but parts are rare and you may have to wait. Even if there is no fault with the engine it is still advised to have Mercedes carry out the work if possible. Check the service history to find out if this work has already been carried out under warranty.
What to do
Be aware that if you buy a BluEfficiency diesel this work is going to be required at some point. If the work needs to be done then try to negotiate a price reduction of £200.00 for the time it will take to sort the problem out. The work will be carried out for free by Mercedes if the car is still under warranty (3 years).
Register to have full access to the MERCEDES E-Class (2009-) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.