Hi guys,

my first post and have never owned a MB but am closely looking at a 2012 E550 4matic. It has 97,000 miles on it, one owner according to the wholesale dealer who took it on a trade. I’d be buying it site unseen and would only have a mechanic look it over.

my question is, what common issues or problems should I have them look closely for based on this year and mileage?

thanks in advance, hopefully be contributing more here soon!

 

Beware the myriad troubles of the M278 twin turbo V8 at higher mileage. Read this site for details on scuffing, valve guides and more. I would not own an M278 without warranty coverage.

 

https://www.finecarsllc.com/vehicle-...bc847338faf33b

Is this the car? 2012 E550 4Matic w/ 96,720 miles, the only thing is it reads two owners on the Car Fax. Here is some extended warranty information from both of our providers to consider with your purschase, Fidelity and Freedom Warranty, accepted at all Mercedes-Benz dealers and licensed independents in the country, 100% claims acceptance between both providers for all Highline Autos customers. My contact information is tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333 if you have any questions and would like to see example contracts that explains coverage.

2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic w/ 97k miles

Freedom Warranty Drive (more than just drivetrain components):

36 months / additional 50k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,510
$100 deductible
-$4,360

48 months / additional 70k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,620
$100 deductible
-$4,580

60 months / additional 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,730
$100 deductible
-$4,580

0% Financing is available

Fidelity Gold:

36 months / additional 36k miles:
$100 deductible
-$6,097
$250 deductible
-$5,409
$500 deductible
-$4,821

48 months / additional 48k miles:
$100 deductible
-$7,292
$250 deductible
-$6,346
$500 deductible
-$5,546

Tax and Processing included

 

While there's several other models that have the same engine, it doesn't sound like it's that common and I don't think it's really come up here but that's probably because so few E550s were sold, that engine was more standard on an S550/GL so of course you get mention of the issue but it's not like there are hundreds of complaints. Just one of those things where the odds of it happening are low, but it's still possible.

If you're not scared off, the basics are motor mounts and faded wood. If you are, consider the E350, those had 302hp motors instead of the 402hp in the E550 and the engine there is pretty solid. E550's also might have airmatic which can also be expensive to fix. The E550 did come standard with real leather whereas it was an option on the E350 and when the E350 came with MB-Tex instead of real leather, the seat tended to rip. Not an issue with real leather.

 

bough my 12' with 82k currently have 145k. no real problems here. check the coolant lines for the turbos, they get brittle. i did 2 of mine. check motor mounts ( royal PITA to do if you have to). check for oil leaks near the cam adjusters (i believe theyre called) the ones on ther fornt of the engine.

 

Thank you!

 

145K miles is higher than most M278 mileages you see on this forum. It seems that if it can make it past 100,000 miles without catastrophic failure you're good. Also, please sign up for your mileage badge!!

 

When I don't know the engine in question, years of driving MB brand teach me that the brand is not for just anybody.
If you don't DIY and start taking car with no warranty to mechanics, they will eat your savings and equity very fast.
So what is your DIY background? Are you ready to deal with the listed issues?

 

I would find an *experienced* Mercedes shop, and have them do a full PPO on the whole car before you buy it. This will cost maybe $200-250, take a couple hours, and will give you a detailed list of every little niggling thing that might be wrong.

 

The high mileage badge from Mercedes starts at 155k so he's close but needs another 10k.

https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...2019-02-28.pdf

 

It'll be fine. Just take care of it. Like any car.

Big Biturbo V8 mid-sized sedan beast. Not much else on the road that will keep up with it. Especially within it's class.