thinking of buying a E class, What faults ?

[Gh3382]

I am thinking of buying a E Class 350 petrol no older than 08 plate, not decided on saloon or estate .

Someone I know who worked in sales at a Merc dealer said be careful of 2 common faults.

Suspension springs that were inferior made with chinese cheap steel had been known to break and drop the car.

Also if away for more than 7 days leave the car on trickle charge as the battery is known to discharge .

any advice on these issues as I dont fancy or expect to have to watch for any of these problems on a quality car.

gh3382

 

[Dryce]

Suspension springs that were inferior made with chinese cheap steel had been known to break and drop the car.

No idea where the steel comes from. But the front springs have a habit of going bang in the night. Mine went a bit before the car was 7 years old.

Also if away for more than 7 days leave the car on trickle charge as the battery is known to discharge .

I've read this sort of comment in various places. I suspect that it's a sort of myth that maybe comes from issues with the very first cars back in 2002/2003.

I've not had any problem with the car left for two or three weeks.

 

[HotBenthust]

I got a 2004 E320. Before I purchased the car model, I also look for answers about the quality so as for repair if something went wrong.

I also search the internet for some information and I found a site which has an article for common E class problems.

Here is the site: http://repairpal.com/cars/mercedes-benz/e350

I hope the information can give you an insight before you purchase the car model.

Good luck!

 

[Ash]

i had an E320CDI. Had the front springs replaced twice over almost 40k of ownership from 60k to 100k miles. It was an estate and the gas struts on the tailgate went twice iirc - a common fault i gather. The battery didn't like winters and sometimes wouldn't let me use the stereo until it had recovered from (diesel) cold start up. But it never flatted. And the car never actually broke down.
So overall it was both relatively reliable, but quite expensive to maintain. Just make sure you get one with Avtg spec - ie the Xenon headlights.
Ash

 

[shorty]

Has the E 350 got a M272 V6 engine ,
Are these the V6 engine that give problems with the balance shafts waring sprockets ?

One way to avoid springs breaking if to get a car with Airmatic . However when the strut units fail on Airmatic cars they are costly to replace

 

[Gh3382]

Thanks for the replies I knew I would get the info I wanted on here.

The jury is still out and I will decide and post the verdict.

gh3382