2014 E350 4Matic wagon driveshaft/transmission failure
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2014 E350 Wagon
2014 E350 4Matic wagon driveshaft/transmission failure
Had this MB for less than a year bought used as is. Have had two others wagon prior. This one has 110K miles and is a 2014. Nice car, we liked it, but yesterday on the interstate, just after hitting a very substantial pothole, suddenly a very bad vibration then catastrophic failure - something broke (ujoints?), requiring a tow.to our local shop. Seems to be front driveshaft. They said they couldn't work on it plus requires programming Called two other German car shops who said to take to the dealership, which we will do. I know there's not enough information but is this vehicle cooked? Thank you!
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Insurance claim! They will probably categorize it as collision, but be sure to say it was unavoidable, as it obviously was.
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Front driveshaft failure is a common problem with the 4matic. The U joints wears out, noise, and later snaps breaking the transmission housing or else.
These failures have been reported on the ML, E, C and S-class-> general issue if not monitored.
The front driveshaft does not require coding, however, the new or new2you one will. Either you find a MB specialist with the correct tools to clone your TCM on the replacement or take it to the stealership.
You can find several videos on cloning the TCM, so you can contact them, and others about that shaft breaking and damaging the housing.
These failures have been reported on the ML, E, C and S-class-> general issue if not monitored.
The front driveshaft does not require coding, however, the new or new2you one will. Either you find a MB specialist with the correct tools to clone your TCM on the replacement or take it to the stealership.
You can find several videos on cloning the TCM, so you can contact them, and others about that shaft breaking and damaging the housing.
Last edited by JCM_MB; Mar 15, 2025 at 04:38 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
If he was unable to avoid the pothole due to cars around him, etc., then definitely check with the insurance company. I once ran over a deer in the middle of the road because I did not see it until the truck in front of me passed over it. Messed up the spash shields under the car (not a mercedes) and other damage. It was covered by my insurance.
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
If he was unable to avoid the pothole due to cars around him, etc., then definitely check with the insurance company. I once ran over a deer in the middle of the road because I did not see it until the truck in front of me passed over it. Messed up the spash shields under the car (not a mercedes) and other damage. It was covered by my insurance.
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Joined: May 2021
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
EDIT: Forgot to mention you got lucky, other owners ended up with front driveshaft and a new2them transmission. At a dealership we can guess $10K+
Last edited by JCM_MB; Mar 18, 2025 at 03:02 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Not sure what you are asking. But when confronted with keeping a car or not, I always ask myself if I can replace my car for the cost of the repairs (and how much I like the car).
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
very lucky because many times it can depend on whether the unavoidable object was in the air, moving, or static… and the State in which the accident happened. If stones ever fall off of a dump truck, never say they hit the ground and bounced before they hit your windshield. You must say that they fell directly from the truck and hit the windshield. It is believed that with safe following distances, anything that was on the road should have been seen. If you are in a state where there is contributory liability, it makes it much harder. Potholes are sometimes iffy because the “state “is only liable if it has been previously reported and it is unlikely that the pothole jumps out in front of you or falls from the sky in front of you :-). Unfortunately, like many I’ve had to deal with some silly obstacles in the road from potholes, to deer, and even once a flying (literally) trashcan in the middle of the highway (695) at full speed.
Strangely, things always seem to happen at times of low visibility, such as darkness and/or bad weather. And, with regards to animals attacking my car, my insurance treats that differently. For some reasons, attacking deer are treated under comprehensive and everything else as collision.
Last edited by JettaRed; Mar 26, 2025 at 09:58 PM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Driveshaft Repair
And, get all estimates in writing & determine length of warranties!
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Driveshaft Repair from Collision
shop rates.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I can't see how this damage isn't the result of a collision. Collisions aren't always with other vehicles. $6000 vs an insurance claim deductible is a no-brainer (unless you have some crappy insurance company that won't pay).
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 3
From: Texas
2013 E350 Wagon
Had this MB for less than a year bought used as is. Have had two others wagon prior. This one has 110K miles and is a 2014. Nice car, we liked it, but yesterday on the interstate, just after hitting a very substantial pothole, suddenly a very bad vibration then catastrophic failure - something broke (ujoints?), requiring a tow.to our local shop. Seems to be front driveshaft. They said they couldn't work on it plus requires programming Called two other German car shops who said to take to the dealership, which we will do. I know there's not enough information but is this vehicle cooked? Thank you!
SO---if no other damage, Go For It!!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 88
Likes: 27
From: Plano, TX
Mercedes 2013 E350 4matic, 2013 ML350 RWD
I have replaced my drivesshaft plus catalytic converter plus labor around $2400 in plano. Replaced in indy shop. I forgot shop name but it had Europe in the name. 2013 e350 4matic. All part original.
