Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability - how does it truly compare?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 34
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From: Toronto
2006 E350
I drive a 1999 Acura TL. Almost 10 years old and no problems. Only issue I had was the battery. I had it replaced at Canadian Tire which is a no no since Cdn Tires batteries suck. I got it replaced under warranty so I have a new battery. If that fails, I'll go back to the Acura batteries. Since the original battery lasted over 7 years.
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 111
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From: Chicago, IL
2003 E500 Sport, 1999 ML430 & Regal 402 Commodore
I drive a 2003 E500 sport with 48,000 on the clock & my wife had a 1999 ML430 with 88,000. I have been a MB man as long as I've been behind the wheel (thanks dad). That being said, I have spent more on my POS E500's maintencance than all of my 15 prior Mercedes Benzs' collectively!
- AIRMATIC STRUT
- CONDUCTOR BOARD (TRANSMISSION)
- HEATER VALVE
- NEVER ENDING BRAKES
- REAR SHOCKS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 3
From: California
i535
My Lexus always had brakes problem, I guess it is problem of all Lexus models. I test drove LS460 recently and found brakes not good. Another thing is tires, they were worn out just after 28,000 miles. So I am hesitating to jump to another Lexus. Perhaps I will consider BMW, my last BMW looked really reliable, although I owned it not so long, no any even simple problem came up.
Thread Starter
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212 E-Class owners have signed up so far--enough to get five model years to or almost to the minimum sample size.
In other words, a few additional owners per year would be VERY helpful.
Vehicle reliability research
In other words, a few additional owners per year would be VERY helpful.
Vehicle reliability research
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2006
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In the latest results, the 2008 E-Class had a repair rate of 111 successful repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is worse than average, and quite a bit worse than we're seeing for the new C-Class. But the sample size for the 2008 E-Class is small.
With more participants, we could provide more precise results, and for additional model years.
For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:
TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
With more participants, we could provide more precise results, and for additional model years.
For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:
TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
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ML320
Why are there no results for 2005-2007 E class posted on the TrueDelta site?
Thread Starter
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Posts: 1,101
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Not enough participants in the past. There might be enough to include at least one of these years in the mid-February results, but it's going to be tight.
We will provide results for any model year where enough owners participate.
Vehicle reliability research
We will provide results for any model year where enough owners participate.
Vehicle reliability research
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I have tried to keep up the data on my E500 in the research.
Now we have 82,000 miles. Warranty until 100000 with starmark
I can say this car drives great and feels like a new car even at 82,000 miles.
However:
Reliability ,,, if not the worst reliability I have ever owned it is a tie with worst but repairs cost way more than the Lincoln that was an issue.
For the Record:
Bought approx at 9000 miles
Ignition key failure
Cig. Lighter would not work
Radio at times has a mind of it's own
Brakes wear out at 30,000 miles now on set #3 with new rotors
Front end pulling cupping tires. Had to install camber bolts at my expense
to get it to drive straight
SBC brake total failure
Heat water valve failure
Memory seats
Air suspension.. this has been going on for 5000 miles and dealer finds no problem
Aux battery
Dealer broke windshield while in for service
Cruise will not set while driving . dealer can't duplicate
Transmission went into N while selector in D on the highway. Not duplicated
For each event I have to drive 200 miles for service. I bought a new Corvette about the same time as the E500. It has had 1 warranty claim for seat and 1 claim for oil sepage in the differential.
I can assure you the corvette is driven way harder than the MB and the MB is our "hanger queen". So would I spend $70,000 + to buy another. I understand why people will buy a T for $35,000 less and deal with the some reliability issues. $35000 in the bank!
I have been told by many the New MB's E series are improved. "Trust Me".. just give me another $70,000 and I will show you.
Now we have 82,000 miles. Warranty until 100000 with starmark
I can say this car drives great and feels like a new car even at 82,000 miles.
However:
Reliability ,,, if not the worst reliability I have ever owned it is a tie with worst but repairs cost way more than the Lincoln that was an issue.
For the Record:
Bought approx at 9000 miles
Ignition key failure
Cig. Lighter would not work
Radio at times has a mind of it's own
Brakes wear out at 30,000 miles now on set #3 with new rotors
Front end pulling cupping tires. Had to install camber bolts at my expense
to get it to drive straight
SBC brake total failure
Heat water valve failure
Memory seats
Air suspension.. this has been going on for 5000 miles and dealer finds no problem
Aux battery
Dealer broke windshield while in for service
Cruise will not set while driving . dealer can't duplicate
Transmission went into N while selector in D on the highway. Not duplicated
For each event I have to drive 200 miles for service. I bought a new Corvette about the same time as the E500. It has had 1 warranty claim for seat and 1 claim for oil sepage in the differential.
I can assure you the corvette is driven way harder than the MB and the MB is our "hanger queen". So would I spend $70,000 + to buy another. I understand why people will buy a T for $35,000 less and deal with the some reliability issues. $35000 in the bank!
I have been told by many the New MB's E series are improved. "Trust Me".. just give me another $70,000 and I will show you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
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One other clarification: be aware that only in September was the 2003 E-Class included in the main survey, and that repairs from September on should be reported using this survey (for which the emails are sent).
Before September repairs could only be reported using the Vehicle Repair History Survey, which is for repairs that cannot be reported using the main survey, because not enough owners are signed up for the model or because the repairs occurred before joining.
In short, for the 2003 the appropriate survey changed in September.
Before September repairs could only be reported using the Vehicle Repair History Survey, which is for repairs that cannot be reported using the main survey, because not enough owners are signed up for the model or because the repairs occurred before joining.
In short, for the 2003 the appropriate survey changed in September.
Thread Starter
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Posts: 1,101
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This month's survey is the last before the February results. Sample sizes have been marginal for the E-Class, so additional participants would be very helpful.
Help get your year included in the results:
Car reliability research
Help get your year included in the results:
Car reliability research
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
We have updated results for the E-Class. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:
2008: 72, about average; not far from "worse than average," but better than in previous results; small sample size
2005: 49, better than average, but based on a very small sample size
A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years from 1995 on.
We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the E-Class:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
2008: 72, about average; not far from "worse than average," but better than in previous results; small sample size
2005: 49, better than average, but based on a very small sample size
A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years from 1995 on.
We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the E-Class:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: SWR, FL
'96 E320
i have a '96 e320 and other than the ac failing a couple of months ago, i have had no engine trouble, or mechanical problems, including transmission or rattling in the car whatsoever!!! it is a perfect car, bought it from my dad for 3k and it has 120k miles on it, i can still push it over 130 if i want too. Very solid car, highly recomended W210!!
Thread Starter
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In a little over a month we'll start previewing the next set of results to participants. We're right around the minimum sample size for a few years of the W211--a few more participants would be very helpful.
Car reliability research
Car reliability research
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
E320CDI
BMW used cheap plastic impellers in the water pump on the I6 engine that was used in the E36 (and comparable 5er). They loved to self destruct. POS was the only car that ever left me stranded.
Thread Starter
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Current number of owners signed up to participate:
2003: 23
2004: 13
2005: 24
2006: 31
2007: 26
2008: 25
2009: 3 -- people waiting for the 2010? Or the economy?
Minimum sample size is 25. So, a very good start, but more needed for all model years.
Car reliability research
2003: 23
2004: 13
2005: 24
2006: 31
2007: 26
2008: 25
2009: 3 -- people waiting for the 2010? Or the economy?
Minimum sample size is 25. So, a very good start, but more needed for all model years.
Car reliability research
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Updated results soon--only partial results at this point for the E-Class. More participants needed to provide full results for all model years.
Car reliability research
Car reliability research
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
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We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:
2008: 65, about average
2006: 130, worse than average
2005: 67, about average
In all three cases the sample sizes are small. Since the results for the 2005 and 2006 are so different, they are probably not accurate. The actual repair frequencies are probably in between these two results.
A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
2008: 65, about average
2006: 130, worse than average
2005: 67, about average
In all three cases the sample sizes are small. Since the results for the 2005 and 2006 are so different, they are probably not accurate. The actual repair frequencies are probably in between these two results.
A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
295 E-Class owners now signed up to participate--a very good start, but more remain needed to properly cover all model years. FWIW, nearly 400 owners signed up for both the A6 and 5-Series.
Car reliability research
Car reliability research
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:
2008: 48, about average
2007: 63, about average
2006: 113, worse than average; actual repair rate probably lower, based on other results
2005: 83, about average
Small sample sizes in all four cases.
Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
2008: 48, about average
2007: 63, about average
2006: 113, worse than average; actual repair rate probably lower, based on other results
2005: 83, about average
Small sample sizes in all four cases.
Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
.........
Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons
