Would say 2018 E300 reliable car to be driven over 10 years
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I see no reason to spend more on a third party vs. a MB extended warranty.
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E-class
OP, thank you for your question.
Not sure where you are from but if you are from the USA, ask for a copy of the VMI (vehicle master inquiry) as it details every single work that was done under warranty at an authorized dealership. If you are from somewhere else like Canada, they consider that information confidential, it is still possible to obtain one but you have to have connections I believe to obtain such information.
As others mentioned the E-Class is relatively reliable and also as mentioned by others, there are some cases of cracked piston for the M274 engine used in a certain model year range of GLC/C 300, E 300. Reasons unknown although it isn't guaranteed to happen.
You could consider (if you can stretch your budget) an 2017-2018 E 400, or even E 450 (starting 2019), or if you want, consider the 2019 E 350 with the M264 (no known issues of cracked piston, maybe MB fixed the issue?), the facelift E-Class 2020 E 350 has the same M264.
Since you mentioned you will be asking your mechanic to check the vehicle, while at it, make sure it is a full PPI (pre-purchase inspection).
Not sure where you are from but if you are from the USA, ask for a copy of the VMI (vehicle master inquiry) as it details every single work that was done under warranty at an authorized dealership. If you are from somewhere else like Canada, they consider that information confidential, it is still possible to obtain one but you have to have connections I believe to obtain such information.
As others mentioned the E-Class is relatively reliable and also as mentioned by others, there are some cases of cracked piston for the M274 engine used in a certain model year range of GLC/C 300, E 300. Reasons unknown although it isn't guaranteed to happen.
You could consider (if you can stretch your budget) an 2017-2018 E 400, or even E 450 (starting 2019), or if you want, consider the 2019 E 350 with the M264 (no known issues of cracked piston, maybe MB fixed the issue?), the facelift E-Class 2020 E 350 has the same M264.
Since you mentioned you will be asking your mechanic to check the vehicle, while at it, make sure it is a full PPI (pre-purchase inspection).
2017 E400 32K miles preminum package (auto-parking) vs 2018 E300 60K miles preminum + auto intelligent package.
I'm not sure if the less mileage is worth the money. It is almost half difference in KM.
Last edited by RandyMarsh25; Oct 7, 2022 at 01:02 AM.
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From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
Just my $.02:
Doing routine maintenance preserves the engine, oil and filter + spark plugs: the transmission, transmission service: and brakes, changing the brake fluid. The balance of the maintenance are filters.
Everything else that might break, from suspension, cooling, interior parts, electronics and everything else, doing routine maintenance will not prevent any of these parts from failing or breaking.
So you come down to this: is a Mercedes reliable enough so that an extended warranty does not make financial sense?
Everyone who has ever driven a car knows that eventually things break on a car and if driven long enough almost everything will have broken and will have been replaced.
From my experience electronics are either good or bad: they either break in the first six months or last forever.
The rest are mechanical parts whether they are window lifts or suspension or hoses. In today's modern cars those items tend to last 50,000 miles to 75,000 miles.
If you intend to keep your car beyond 75,000 miles, then an extended warranty might make financial sense. If less, probably not.
Last week I started a thread about experiences with extended warranties: To date there have been over 200 visits but only two responses: One was a problem at 61,000 miles with an AMG engine, the other the problem was not described but the poster said he intended to keep his car 100K miles.
This leads me to conclude that most are not buying an extended warranty and are happy with their decision.
Hopes this helps.
Doing routine maintenance preserves the engine, oil and filter + spark plugs: the transmission, transmission service: and brakes, changing the brake fluid. The balance of the maintenance are filters.
Everything else that might break, from suspension, cooling, interior parts, electronics and everything else, doing routine maintenance will not prevent any of these parts from failing or breaking.
So you come down to this: is a Mercedes reliable enough so that an extended warranty does not make financial sense?
Everyone who has ever driven a car knows that eventually things break on a car and if driven long enough almost everything will have broken and will have been replaced.
From my experience electronics are either good or bad: they either break in the first six months or last forever.
The rest are mechanical parts whether they are window lifts or suspension or hoses. In today's modern cars those items tend to last 50,000 miles to 75,000 miles.
If you intend to keep your car beyond 75,000 miles, then an extended warranty might make financial sense. If less, probably not.
Last week I started a thread about experiences with extended warranties: To date there have been over 200 visits but only two responses: One was a problem at 61,000 miles with an AMG engine, the other the problem was not described but the poster said he intended to keep his car 100K miles.
This leads me to conclude that most are not buying an extended warranty and are happy with their decision.
Hopes this helps.
While I agree with you -- if you intend to keep your car beyond 75,000 miles, then an extended warranty might make financial sense -- I can hear people opposing and arguing that all day long. You and I simply disagree with them. I absolutely accept that most people who don't buy the extended warranty are happy with their decision -- and they are probably has happy with their decision as I am with mine to buy it. LOL.
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As I posted, I started a thread several weeks ago asking for owners with extended warranties whether it made financial sense or not. While there have been over 275 views, to date there have been only two replies - (just checked you were not one of the two). If people who bought the extended warranty thought it was a good buy they would have posted.
I think the fair conclusion is that the extended warranty has not been bought by most and their are quite satisfied with their decision.
see: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ial-sense.html
As far as "the electronics are either good or bad: they either break in the first six months or last forever." -- no disrespect, while that may be your personal experience, there is no scientific data or proof that will back that up. If it's your experience it's a small sampling. My experience is the opposite, and is also the same; meaningless..
While I agree with you -- if you intend to keep your car beyond 75,000 miles, then an extended warranty might make financial sense -- I can hear people opposing and arguing that all day long. You and I simply disagree with them. I absolutely accept that most people who don't buy the extended warranty are happy with their decision -- and they are probably has happy with their decision as I am with mine to buy it. LOL.
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From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
However, anyone can go through this exercise and make their decision if they so choose.
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First, that's not accurate. Second, it's a fallacious exercise. Third, you haven't quantified the real probability. A broad sampling doesn't do it. Risk management is a science. You are trying to exponentially oversimplifying. In risk management, there is a "point of diminishing return" on cost/premium dollars. At that point, you begin to self-insurance" and this is very quantifiable.
However, anyone can go through this exercise and make their decision if they so choose.
However, anyone can go through this exercise and make their decision if they so choose.
What did the extended warranty cost and have you used it? Or to date, has it been a waste of money?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 360
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From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
As I posted, I started a thread several weeks ago asking for owners with extended warranties whether it made financial sense or not. While there have been over 275 views, to date there have been only two replies - (just checked you were not one of the two). If people who bought the extended warranty thought it was a good buy they would have posted.
I think the fair conclusion is that the extended warranty has not been bought by most and their are quite satisfied with their decision.
see: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ial-sense.html
I think the fair conclusion is that the extended warranty has not been bought by most and their are quite satisfied with their decision.
see: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ial-sense.html
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Whether 2 or 200 answered, they are incidental and circumstantial. Not authoritative. Flip a coin 99 times and it comes up heads. Flip it one more time, the odds are still 50/50 on the 100th flip. The first 99 mean nothing. It's really a fallacious argument, except in hindsight. Personally, I wouldn't argue with anyone who makes either decision. All good points though -- thanks!
I notice a reluctance on your part to disclose:
- the cost of your extended warranty; and
- whether you have used it.
Real life experience would help the rest of us, at least for me it would, as to whether the extended warranty in general and in particular the one you bought, makes financial sense. While your experience may be a "one off", it is still better than guessing and pure speculation.
Hope you feel comfortable answering.
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From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
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I bought the MB warranty -- NOT a third party -- and I think I paid about $2000 (for the three years, to adjunct what was left on the original and the CPO). I obviously haven't had to use it as I still have the original and the CPO. All repairs to date have been covered by one of those two, a service recall, or simply not covered by anything at all! LOL.
I have owned my car from day one and as I posted the only repair was a replacement of the intelligent lighting switch at about 2000 miles. Otherwise trouble free.
Unless you pulled the VIN before purchase and checked what if any work was done on your CPO, you are "flying blind" as to what other work and/or problems your car may have had. Your car may have been trouble free or not. Not knowing, an extended warranty might make sense.
Your situation is different than most others, who are the original owners, as I am, and are approaching the end of the warranty period and must decided whether or not an extended warranty makes financial sense.
When my car came off of lease I decided to buy it. It has been trouble free. If it was not, I would not have bought it, it being a "lemon".
Last edited by JTK44; Oct 12, 2022 at 04:06 PM.
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From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
As I posted, I only considered extended warranty from MB, not a third party. I was quoted $2200 + tax, 3 years 75,000 miles, from two MB dealers for my 2019 E450.
I have owned my car from day one and as I posted the only repair was a replacement of the intelligent lighting switch at about 2000 miles. Otherwise trouble free.
Unless you pulled the VIN before purchase and checked what if any work was done on your CPO, you are "flying blind" as to what other work and/or problems your car may have had. Your car may have been trouble free or not. Not knowing, an extended warranty might make sense.
Your situation is different than most others, who are the original owners, as I am, and are approaching the end of the warranty period and must decided whether or not an extended warranty makes financial sense.
When my car came off of lease I decided to buy it. It has been trouble free. If it was not, I would not have bought it, it being a "lemon".
I have owned my car from day one and as I posted the only repair was a replacement of the intelligent lighting switch at about 2000 miles. Otherwise trouble free.
Unless you pulled the VIN before purchase and checked what if any work was done on your CPO, you are "flying blind" as to what other work and/or problems your car may have had. Your car may have been trouble free or not. Not knowing, an extended warranty might make sense.
Your situation is different than most others, who are the original owners, as I am, and are approaching the end of the warranty period and must decided whether or not an extended warranty makes financial sense.
When my car came off of lease I decided to buy it. It has been trouble free. If it was not, I would not have bought it, it being a "lemon".
When I got new cars from MB, and I planned on keeping it more than 5 years, I bought the extended warranty. It's transferrable and it's a selling point. Who knows, maybe it means nothing. When I leased cars from MB, I didn't buy it. Why would I, LOL. Like I said, I wouldn't argue with the person who does buy it, or the person who doesn't. Thanks.
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From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
2019 E 300 4matic 2013 SLK 250
German cars are scary without a warranty
I bought my 2019 E300 4matic in April not knowing about the piston issue (my stupidity for not checking) but I did cough up the cash for a third party warranty (even though it had only 19,000 miles on it Mercedes wouldn’t do extended warranty or CPO because of the age. The warranty will cover repair expenses up to the price I paid for the car. After reading some of the posts about piston #1 in the M274 engine I’m glad I did!
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I bought a new '18 E300 in July 2017 and other than a couple of issues when delivered (weak door hinges replaced, ...) I have done nothing more than scheduled maintenance. The car is a couple weeks short of 6 years old. I expect this car's EOL will match my own EOL.
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As a data point, when my 2018 E400 was end of lease, I bought it out. At that time I paid ~3350 for the 3/100 extended warranty. I never used it. What I paid for was peace of mind. Extended warranties exist for a reason, they make the issuer a lot of money. In general, cars are built so well now they know you won't likely need the warranty. Simple numbers game. For that one out of a hundred person that bought the warranty and their engine blew, money well spent!
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As a data point, when my 2018 E400 was end of lease, I bought it out. At that time I paid ~3350 for the 3/100 extended warranty. I never used it. What I paid for was peace of mind. Extended warranties exist for a reason, they make the issuer a lot of money. In general, cars are built so well now they know you won't likely need the warranty. Simple numbers game. For that one out of a hundred person that bought the warranty and their engine blew, money well spent!
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On your sample size of one, you are correct. Furthermore you bought the most reliable E-Class version, a M276-engined model. The four banger E300 and V8 E550/E63 have far more problems and far more expensive problems. Your experience is unsurprising, and it has turned out well for you so far.
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On your sample size of one, you are correct. Furthermore you bought the most reliable E-Class version, a M276-engined model. The four banger E300 and V8 E550/E63 have far more problems and far more expensive problems. Your experience is unsurprising, and it has turned out well for you so far.
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2019 E300
The M276 V6 engine also have some issues such as High pressure fuel pump, tendency for Carbon build-up, Timing chain tensioner and Plugs & coils fouling up. I would say both the M274 I4 engine and M276 engines are above average in reliability and both engines are extremely fuel efficient.
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The M276 V6 engine also have some issues such as High pressure fuel pump, tendency for Carbon build-up, Timing chain tensioner and Plugs & coils fouling up. I would say both the M274 I4 engine and M276 engines are above average in reliability and both engines are extremely fuel efficient.
The smoothness of inline-6s is a huge bonus as well.
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2019 E300
I guess the M256 was never introduced without the 48V mild hybrid, such a shame because the M256 might be able to compete if not reliability then at least in the fuel efficient department (sure the M256 with the 48V mild hybrid is more fuel efficient than M276 but it is not a fair comparison with the 48V mild hybrid system keeping the engine off when coasting for example and off when stopped if auto/start stop is on)
The smoothness of inline-6s is a huge bonus as well.
The smoothness of inline-6s is a huge bonus as well.
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The only E class that I had reliability issues with was a 2003 E500. It had standard air suspension that was very expensive to repair. Even so it lasted 5 years. My record was a 1977 300D (5 cyl) purchased new and driven about 50,000 miles per year for over 14 years without any repairs other than normal maintenance items - battery, brakes, tires, lubrication. It was a commuter driven between Clearwater, Ft. Meyers and return 5 days per week. Overall the E class cars are the most reliable Mercedes cars built thanks to their taxicab heritage.
Last edited by ua549; Jun 21, 2023 at 09:37 AM.
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2019 E300
The only E class that I had reliability issues with was a 2003 E500. It had standard air suspension that was very expensive to repair. Even so it lasted 5 years. My record was a 1977 300D (5 cyl) purchased new and driven about 50,000 miles per year for over 14 years without any repairs other than normal maintenance items - battery, brakes, tires, lubrication. It was a commuter driven between Clearwater, Ft. Meyers and return 5 days per week. Overall the E class cars are the most reliable Mercedes cars built thanks to their taxicab heritage.
