E-Class Coupe (C238) & Cabrio (A238) 2017 - E200, E220, E300, E350, E400, E450 [Coupes &Cabriolets]

Initial Quality or Build Problems With New E Class Coupes and Cabriolets

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 18, 2019 | 12:47 AM
  #51  
2012 merc amg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,833
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
Wow sounds like a dedicated guy. You've had your share of problems on that car it sounds from reading some of your previous posts. Hopefully you've got all the bugs worked out at this point. Both my 2019 E450's have been pretty darn good up till this point knock on wood.
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2019 | 10:46 PM
  #52  
giubeppe's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
EQE 350+
2019 E450 Coupé. Backlight of driver side seat heater selector not working. I'll have it taken care of on my first service.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2019 | 06:32 PM
  #53  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by BenzC400
The right side tail light in my E53 Coupe has the same type of water issue. It's at the dealer now. The replacement part is on order. This is now looking like a manufacturing defect effecting many cars. This problem is identical to Tom992's E53 tail light. My picture looks just like his.
UPDATE - The taillight was replaced, but the car was at the dealer for 3 nights. First night to confirm there was water in it and order a replacement, second night because they ordered the wrong part and third night to wait for the correct part. Hopefully the next rain or car wash will be uneventful.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2019 | 12:05 AM
  #54  
cjaredscott's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 174
Likes: 14
From: Main Line, LBK, LBI, etc
19E450A, 16C450W4, 16RRS SC Dynamic, etc
My '19 E450 Cabriolet has had some issues. 2 months after taking delivery, all of the driver assistance malfunction lights came on, and the car was brought to the dealer, where it stayed for 2 and a half weeks. They said one of the cameras was faulty, and it was on backorder. After they replaced it, DISTRONIC PLUS steering doesn't function nearly as well. Additionally, they replaced one of the window seals because I was having issues with it. The car goes back to the dealer for the 3rd time for the DISTRONIC issues on Tuesday.

It is such an awesome car, but I hope it doesn't have many issues. On another hand, a good friend of mine got an '18 E400 4MATIC coupe in January (left-over new '18 lease), and she has had no issues with her's. She doesn't have DISTRONIC or 360 cameras or Full-LED display, etc, whereas mine is pretty much fully loaded, so I would expect hers to be more reliable overall.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2019 | 10:18 AM
  #55  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by cjaredscott
My '19 E450 Cabriolet has had some issues. 2 months after taking delivery, all of the driver assistance malfunction lights came on, and the car was brought to the dealer, where it stayed for 2 and a half weeks. They said one of the cameras was faulty, and it was on backorder. After they replaced it, DISTRONIC PLUS steering doesn't function nearly as well. Additionally, they replaced one of the window seals because I was having issues with it. The car goes back to the dealer for the 3rd time for the DISTRONIC issues on Tuesday.

It is such an awesome car, but I hope it doesn't have many issues. On another hand, a good friend of mine got an '18 E400 4MATIC coupe in January (left-over new '18 lease), and she has had no issues with her's. She doesn't have DISTRONIC or 360 cameras or Full-LED display, etc, whereas mine is pretty much fully loaded, so I would expect hers to be more reliable overall.
My last car (first Benz) was an early build 2015 C400. It had more than expected issues the first year or so of ownership. All issues were addressed by MB under warranty. The last years were essentially problem free. So, there is hope, even an expectation, that after you deal with these issues, your car will be perfect. It is very important that DISTRONIC work as designed. Failure of that system is a safety issue.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2019 | 04:53 PM
  #56  
cjaredscott's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 174
Likes: 14
From: Main Line, LBK, LBI, etc
19E450A, 16C450W4, 16RRS SC Dynamic, etc
Originally Posted by BenzC400
My last car (first Benz) was an early build 2015 C400. It had more than expected issues the first year or so of ownership. All issues were addressed by MB under warranty. The last years were essentially problem free. So, there is hope, even an expectation, that after you deal with these issues, your car will be perfect. It is very important that DISTRONIC work as designed. Failure of that system is a safety issue.
I do hope that is how it will work out. Unfortunately, I was not as lucky as you with my early build 2015 C-Class! That car had so many problems, and they never really went away. Maybe the last 6 months were OK. But that was a pain! Hopefully this one is sorted out soon... my '16 C450 is also being sorted out right now, pretty much for the exact same issues.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2019 | 05:26 PM
  #57  
sackboydad's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 554
Likes: 63
From: Virginia
2019 E450 Cabriolet, 2020 GLS450
...and on my continuing defect saga.... So they replaced all the brakes in the rear. So far so good. But... and you can't make this up.... now there is a very noticeable squeak whenever the top is up. Like very noticeable. I recorded it and sent it to the service guy. Good news is it's just a squeak so it's not like I'm going to have the car break because of it. No squeak when the top is down so it has to be the top. Sounds like plastic on plastic.

Also, I feel noticeably more vibrations in the steering wheel than I did when the car was new (9 months ago). every sharp bump seems to be transmitted into the steering wheel.

I love my car but I am shocked at all the defects I've had on this $96,000 car.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2019 | 07:44 PM
  #58  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
An interesting thing has happened twice in my E53. Two times in 6 months of ownership the mirrors failed to fold automatically when the car was locked. Both times I had to fold and unfold the mirrors manually (with the mirror switch) and they then returned to normal operation.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 1, 2019 | 07:58 PM
  #59  
sackboydad's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 554
Likes: 63
From: Virginia
2019 E450 Cabriolet, 2020 GLS450
Originally Posted by BenzC400
An interesting thing has happened twice in my E53. Two times in 6 months of ownership the mirrors failed to fold automatically when the car was locked. Both times I had to fold and unfold the mirrors manually (with the mirror switch) and they then returned to normal operation.
I’ve had that happen to my E450 Cab a few times. It just goes full stupid and, you’re right, food manually and it gets its brain back.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2019 | 10:34 PM
  #60  
BlessedGrateful's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: HOUSTON, TX
E53 AMG
Ok, I just ordered a 2020 E53 for Oct delivery and a couple of these posts got me wondering how common are problems with early builds ? Or are the comments more about new models / major changes ? Buyer’s paranoia !?!
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2019 | 07:38 AM
  #61  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by BlessedGrateful
Ok, I just ordered a 2020 E53 for Oct delivery and a couple of these posts got me wondering how common are problems with early builds ? Or are the comments more about new models / major changes ? Buyer’s paranoia !?!
No need to be paranoid about potential problems. I think people are more likely to post about issues they are having than to rave about the car. Most issues reported have been minor and easily repaired. I've had 3 very minor problems that were repaired; a seatbelt installed improperly, touchpad that had to be replaced and moisture in a taillight. None of these things were exclusive to the E53 and none distracted from my satisfaction with the E53 Coupe. I enjoy every time I drive. I look for any reason to take a road trip. Waiting for October will be the hard part.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2019 | 02:01 PM
  #62  
BlessedGrateful's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: HOUSTON, TX
E53 AMG
Originally Posted by BenzC400
No need to be paranoid about potential problems. I think people are more likely to post about issues they are having than to rave about the car. Most issues reported have been minor and easily repaired. I've had 3 very minor problems that were repaired; a seatbelt installed improperly, touchpad that had to be replaced and moisture in a taillight. None of these things were exclusive to the E53 and none distracted from my satisfaction with the E53 Coupe. I enjoy every time I drive. I look for any reason to take a road trip. Waiting for October will be the hard part.
Good point on reading too much into postings / reviews about most things. Great to hear your coupe has been so enjoyable. After finally getting an order in, I feel like the wait has already been long so yeah, I will definitely be ready when mine arrives ! Thanks !
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2019 | 02:12 PM
  #63  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by BlessedGrateful
Good point on reading too much into postings / reviews about most things. Great to hear your coupe has been so enjoyable. After finally getting an order in, I feel like the wait has already been long so yeah, I will definitely be ready when mine arrives ! Thanks !
As soon as your car arrives, remember to sign up for the free AMG Performance Driving Academy. I did my AMG Academy 2 weeks ago. Awesome experience. Got to drive everything from a CLA 45 to the AMG GT-R on a track. Unfortunately, they didn’t have an E53 to drive. I would like to have driven an E53 at race track speeds as well as run it though the maneuvering and handling exercises.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2019 | 12:09 AM
  #64  
TOM992's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 177
Likes: 30
From: Naples, FL
EQS 580
Originally Posted by BenzC400
As soon as your car arrives, remember to sign up for the free AMG Performance Driving Academy. I did my AMG Academy 2 weeks ago. Awesome experience. Got to drive everything from a CLA 45 to the AMG GT-R on a track. Unfortunately, they didn’t have an E53 to drive. I would like to have driven an E53 at race track speeds as well as run it though the maneuvering and handling exercises.
WOW! Never heard of it. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!. Just booked for USD 0. 11/2018 E53.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2019 | 12:32 AM
  #65  
TOM992's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 177
Likes: 30
From: Naples, FL
EQS 580
Originally Posted by BlessedGrateful
Ok, I just ordered a 2020 E53 for Oct delivery and a couple of these posts got me wondering how common are problems with early builds ? Or are the comments more about new models / major changes ? Buyer’s paranoia !?!
Don't worry. Yes, you may have some issues. Nothing that can't fixed. It's an amazing car. Quality is hmmm... driving is more then AAA+++ with the 48V engine. I had never a car that I was so excited after 6 months, even I was twice at the service.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2019 | 07:14 AM
  #66  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by TOM992
WOW! Never heard of it. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!. Just booked for USD 0. 11/2018 E53.
My dealer didn't tell me about the AMG Driving Academy either. You would think they would use it as a selling incentive.
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2019 | 07:18 AM
  #67  
My Google's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
e 53 amg coupe
apple car play had been wired wrong from the factory, my brilliant dealer disvcovered this and put problem right, a batch left the factroy with the wiring reversed so carplay didint work. sorted now and best car ive owned brilliant compromise
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2019 | 07:20 AM
  #68  
My Google's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
e 53 amg coupe
intersteiong i didi the fdrivers day in the uk and the whole two hours is spen t in an e53 coupe deidnica other than colour and fnish to mine...as you say really useuful for learning escpailly breaking limits of your car.
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2019 | 07:48 AM
  #69  
MikeO3's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 185
Likes: 51
From: Toronto area, Canada
2018 E400 Coupe C238
Originally Posted by BlessedGrateful
Ok, I just ordered a 2020 E53 for Oct delivery and a couple of these posts got me wondering how common are problems with early builds ? Or are the comments more about new models / major changes ? Buyer’s paranoia !?!
Just brought my car in for 1 year service (6800km/4225mi) and the only items on my list were to ask about saftey recall validation, software update (which already was latest) and slow leak tire (which was a large screw embedded). I am very happy with my car and all the gadgets work as expected after 1 year.

The only complaint I do have is the speedometer is off by +4km/h (+2.5mi) which apparently cannot be adjusted. I guess that would work in my favor on a speed trap.
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2019 | 04:23 PM
  #70  
baopee's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
14 IS350F, 18 E400 Coupe
Bought mine last Friday after flooded my E550 coupe the week before, so far so good, I was able to remote start the car with merc app. kind of disappointed that only UK gets remote pilot.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2019 | 01:04 PM
  #71  
Melvin Ee's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E53 CABRIOLET
Originally Posted by My Google
apple car play had been wired wrong from the factory, my brilliant dealer disvcovered this and put problem right, a batch left the factroy with the wiring reversed so carplay didint work. sorted now and best car ive owned brilliant compromise
My car play seems to be intermittently sensing my phone and the car play cannot launch.. is that what happened on yours ?? I have yet to get my fixed.. what did they do to fix yours ?? A simple solution ??
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2019 | 07:49 PM
  #72  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
Originally Posted by BenzC400
UPDATE - The taillight was replaced, but the car was at the dealer for 3 nights. First night to confirm there was water in it and order a replacement, second night because they ordered the wrong part and third night to wait for the correct part. Hopefully the next rain or car wash will be uneventful.
Update - The problem has happened again. There is persistent water and condensation in the same right rear tail light. It’s interesting that it’s only the right rear. The left is fine. Well, back to the dealer.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2019 | 08:51 AM
  #73  
BenzC400's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 96
From: Northeast USA
AMG CLE 53
I just noticed the black coating inside the lip of two of the exhaust tips on my E53 is peeling. It’s only one on each side.


Last edited by BenzC400; Sep 7, 2019 at 10:26 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2019 | 12:33 AM
  #74  
IndigoGuy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
Current: 2019 E450 Cabriolet
I'm taking mine to the dealership on Tuesday. The downshifting from 4th to 3rd is way too harsh. I thought it was just me being super sensitive but I've asked a few passengers when I'm slowing down to tell me if they feel anything and they have said yes. Hoping it won't be a big problem.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2019 | 09:14 PM
  #75  
jerrya's Avatar
Junior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 14
From: Massachusetts
CLE53 Cab
Me too

I have an E53 with the night package and 10,000 miles on it,
Exhaust tips 1 and 3 have peeled, 4 beginning to.

What is wrong with this German engineering!
They are failing at different times!
(I'll worry about it at 100,000 miles.)

Left 1 2
3 4 Right
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:51 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE