CKFCar Known Faults
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Faults

Common problems, known issues, and reliability guide.

MOT Intelligence

View Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT Pass Rates

See the official MOT pass rate (67%) and discover the top reasons this model fails its annual inspection. Based on real DVSA testing data.

Read the MOT Report →

Pre-Purchase Buyer's Guide

Expert Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a hugely popular choice on the UK used market. While it has some well-documented common faults, regular servicing and preventative maintenance mitigate the worst of the issues. Its repairability score of 59/100 reflects the general availability of parts and ease of access for independent mechanics.

Repairability Score
59/100
Reliability
Running Costs

What to Look For

  • Full service history (crucial for timing chains/belts)
  • Smooth gear changes on automatic variants
  • Evidence of water ingress in the boot or footwells
  • Dashboard warning lights on cold startup

What to Avoid

  • Ex-rental or heavily abused examples
  • Cars with 'lifetime' gearbox oil that has never been changed
  • Specific early-year diesel engines without DPF/EGR history

Variants

W212 E220 CDI

2.1 OM651 168bhp

2009–2016 · Diesel · Automatic

14 faults

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Top Faults Across All E-Class Variants

12V Battery Degradation and Failure

Minor
2009-201630,000–150,000 miles£80–£250

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Shock Absorber Oil Leak and Failure

Moderate
2009-201670,000–120,000 miles£200–£400

Shock absorbers lose their damping efficiency over time, and eventually blow their seals, leaking hydraulic fluid.

Suspension Coil Spring Snapping

Severe
2009-201660,000–120,000 miles£150–£300

A very common MOT failure in the UK. Suspension coil springs corrode and snap, usually near the bottom pigtail.

Front Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Wear

Minor
2009-201630,000–80,000 miles£60–£120

The front anti-roll bar drop links wear out on heavily potholed UK roads, causing an annoying knocking sound at low speeds.

Electric Window Regulator Cable Failure

Minor
2009-201650,000–120,000 miles£100–£200

The cables inside the electric window regulator mechanism fray and snap, causing the window glass to drop into the door frame.

Sticking Brake Calipers (Slider Pins Seized)

Moderate
2009-201640,000–100,000 miles£80–£150

The floating brake caliper design relies on sliding pins. In the UK climate, salt and water ingress cause these pins to rust and seize solid.