8 Most Common Mercedes-Benz Problems

Mercedes-Benz Common Problems

Have you ever wondered what are some of the most common problems with Mercedes-Benz cars? In this article, we will go over some of the problems that we see the most in Mercedes-Benz models such: as E, C, S, ML, SLK, CLK, CLS, GL, and G Class.

List of the most common Mercedes-Benz problems.

1Rust

One of the main challenges with Mercedes-Benz cars is rust. We still remember an older Mercedes-Benz 240D that had over 1 million miles still running strong but the floor had rusted out, and you can see the ground when sitting in the driver seat. The newer Mercedes-Benz models still have rust issues as well. Get a flashlight and carefully inspect the car. Look under the wheel wells and near the bumpers. Check the front fenders and the rear quarter panels. Once rust develops it is very expensive to repair. You should avoid cars that have rust.

One place that you should always check for rust is behind the license plate. Remove the license plate and inspect.

Check for rust at the bottom of the doors. This is another spot where you may notice rust problems.

2Engine Mounts

Engine mounts on Mercedes-Benz cars are oil filled. Their main purpose is to keep the engine vibrations from being transmitted to the cabin. Because they are oil filled, around 100,000 miles, they start to fail and lose the oil. When the engine mounts fail you may notice excessive vibration on the seat, in the cabin, and even on the steering wheel. The price of the engine mounts is reasonable when you buy the parts online. Replacing the motor mounts can take between 4 and 6 hours of labor.

3 Suspension & Steering Components

Ball joints, sway bar link,control arm bushings on used Mercedes-Benz wear out much sooner than you would expect. This is based on our experience with used Mercedes-Benz. If you take a Mercedes-Benz for state inspection, it is very likely to fail due to suspension issues especially if the car has over 100k miles.

4Window Regulators

Window regulators do the hard work when you press the button to lower or close the windows. They do tend to fail more on Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and C-Class based on our experience. Window regulators don’t fail on Mercedes-Benz cars only. They are a common problem on BMW, Lexus, and Audi. Window regulators can easily be replaced. This is a DIY type of job if you have the patience. If you have a mechanic at your local auto repair shop change the window regulator expect to pay between $350-$500 and even more at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership.

5AirMatic Components

The first Mercedes-Benz models that had air suspension were the S-Class W220 in 2000 and later the E-Class W211. The airmatic bags replace the struts and shocks on your Mercedes-Benz. While it was an excellent feature added to some Mercedes-Benz models, it was also prone to failure. In the early days, replacement parts were very expensive, but aftermarket parts are now readily available and at reasonable prices. Not all Mercedes-Benz cars are equipped with air suspension, so this doesn’t apply to all MB models. Air suspension components that fail the most are:

6Catalytic Converts

Catalytic converters are prone to failure. We have seen a few Mercedes-Benz needing new catalytic converters at 60,000 miles. As the catalytic converter may become less effective or clogged, the oxygen sensors may trigger the check engine or service engine light. As the catalytic converter’s condition worsens you may also notice performance issues, misfire, and hesitation. Replacing the catalytic converter can be very expensive. Depending on the Mercedes-Benz model you may get quotes as high as $4000. If that is out of your budget, the alternative would be to install Universal Catalytic Converter. It costs a lot less but you will need an exhaust/muffler shop to weld it in place.

7Transmission Problems

The 5-speed automatic transmission is a very well-built and robust transmission. But a chain can be as long as its weakest link and that philosophy applies to Mercedes-Benz transmission. While the transmission in itself is bulletproof the13-pin connector and the valve body issues have caused a fair reputation damage to Mercedes-Benz. The good thing is that these repairs are relatively inexpensive and can be completed without removing the transmission.

8Check Engine Light

A common problem is the check engine light coming on due to the gas cap not being tight enough. Next time you fill up your car with gas, tighten the gas cap or the service engine light may come on. If the check engine light comes on for other reasons, you can use an OBD II scanner to read and erase the engine fault codes on your Mercedes-Benz. The video below shows you how to Rear and Erase the fault Check Engine Fault Codes using one of the best scanners, the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.

The YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner is an essential tool for Mercedes-Benz owners and technicians looking to troubleshoot problems with their vehicles. This diagnostic scanner can help diagnose issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, airbag, ABS, steering systems, and more by reading and interpreting fault codes stored in the car’s computer system. With this information, you can make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money.

In addition to diagnosing problems, the YOUCANIC scanner can also reset maintenance reminders and service indicators, ensuring that your vehicle is properly maintained and preventing potential issues from occurring in the future. This feature is especially useful for Mercedes-Benz owners who want to stay on top of their vehicle’s maintenance schedule without visiting a dealership or a mechanic. Overall, the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner is a valuable tool that can help you keep your Mercedes-Benz running smoothly and reliably for years to come.