E53 - Have I made a huge mistake
#1
E53 - Have I made a huge mistake
I just put money down ($25k) on a used E53 with 13,000 miles on it for $67,000 from an official dealership in Santa Monica. Totally fell in love with the car.
I'm now reading up on all of the 48v battery problems. Looking at the Carfax, it recently got put in for a service for (Battery charged, computer reprogrammed) - presumably referring to this exact issue. It then had the title transferred to a Benz dealership about a month later. The warranty lasts for about another year.
Have I gotten screwed here? I feel like the person probably got a buy back from the dealership and wanted to get rid of it right before the warranty expires. I can get extended but not sure it covers the battery and concerned with having to deal with all this madness. I'm also concerned it'll be unsellable in X amount of years once the warranty is done for.
Total elation at having a new vehicle turned into total despair. Any thoughts? Do we know if this issue has been fixed?
I'm now reading up on all of the 48v battery problems. Looking at the Carfax, it recently got put in for a service for (Battery charged, computer reprogrammed) - presumably referring to this exact issue. It then had the title transferred to a Benz dealership about a month later. The warranty lasts for about another year.
Have I gotten screwed here? I feel like the person probably got a buy back from the dealership and wanted to get rid of it right before the warranty expires. I can get extended but not sure it covers the battery and concerned with having to deal with all this madness. I'm also concerned it'll be unsellable in X amount of years once the warranty is done for.
Total elation at having a new vehicle turned into total despair. Any thoughts? Do we know if this issue has been fixed?
Last edited by felixopp; 08-14-2023 at 05:53 PM.
The following users liked this post:
PeterUbers (09-17-2024)
The following users liked this post:
chassis (08-14-2023)
#3
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,516
Received 4,024 Likes
on
3,161 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I would walk from any MB with a 48V system.
The following users liked this post:
amg guy (09-15-2024)
#5
Super Member
That's easy to say. Except it includes so many models, it's mind bending.
https://www.mercedesbenzofakron.com/...brid-overview/
https://www.mercedesbenzofakron.com/...brid-overview/
#6
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,516
Received 4,024 Likes
on
3,161 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
That's easy to say. Except it includes so many models, it's mind bending.
https://www.mercedesbenzofakron.com/...brid-overview/
https://www.mercedesbenzofakron.com/...brid-overview/
#7
There are thousands of MB owners with 48v systems that have had zero problems with them. Almost all new MB’s have it. Don’t freak out. What year is your E53? Mine is a 2021 and has had no issues at all.
Trending Topics
#8
Thanks for the responses so far, folks.
VIN is W1K1J6BB2MF150767
Carfax is here.
You can see that it got hit with the 48v error at 13k miles (service says 'battery charged and computer reprogrammed'). Then got transferred to the dealership a month later. Dealership said he traded it in. Sounds like original owner got spooked and sold it back, and now feels like they're trying to offload it to some sucker who is not familiar with the issue. They are one of the big official dealers in LA (SaMo), so they're taking the stance that they wouldn't put that type of stock up if they weren't confident it was permanently fixed, and would otherwise auction it. But it's a car dealership at the end of the day.
It still has 1 year official warranty and I would extend it by 3-5 years, but my worst case scenario that I'm dreading is that it keeps failing, failing, failing, and I'm stuck with a very expensive lemon that I can't even sell or trade in in 3-5 years, and can't rely on to go on long road trips with.
Problem is I absolutely adore the car. I looked at a bunch of C63s, but something about this one just clicked when I got in there and said - this is YOURS.
Am I being overly paranoid? I do wonder how much bias goes into the fact that you're only going to hear from people who are having issues with them. Also wonder if the fact that the problem has already been serviced is actually a good thing, rather than an indicator that it's more likely to reoccur.
I might not be able to back out of the deal so it might be all academic at this point.
VIN is W1K1J6BB2MF150767
Carfax is here.
You can see that it got hit with the 48v error at 13k miles (service says 'battery charged and computer reprogrammed'). Then got transferred to the dealership a month later. Dealership said he traded it in. Sounds like original owner got spooked and sold it back, and now feels like they're trying to offload it to some sucker who is not familiar with the issue. They are one of the big official dealers in LA (SaMo), so they're taking the stance that they wouldn't put that type of stock up if they weren't confident it was permanently fixed, and would otherwise auction it. But it's a car dealership at the end of the day.
It still has 1 year official warranty and I would extend it by 3-5 years, but my worst case scenario that I'm dreading is that it keeps failing, failing, failing, and I'm stuck with a very expensive lemon that I can't even sell or trade in in 3-5 years, and can't rely on to go on long road trips with.
Problem is I absolutely adore the car. I looked at a bunch of C63s, but something about this one just clicked when I got in there and said - this is YOURS.
Am I being overly paranoid? I do wonder how much bias goes into the fact that you're only going to hear from people who are having issues with them. Also wonder if the fact that the problem has already been serviced is actually a good thing, rather than an indicator that it's more likely to reoccur.
I might not be able to back out of the deal so it might be all academic at this point.
Last edited by felixopp; 08-15-2023 at 04:52 PM.
#9
Super Member
Tough call. If it were I'd likely back out of the deal and keep looking. My experiences with a local dealer and MBUSA have been less that palatable, so I would never be comfortable knowing if the car would be satisfactorily repaired should future issues arise with the 48v system. Now you may have better success with a dealer than I've had, but getting parts and having repairs done correctly the first time haven't been what I've experienced. Having a warranty is nice to cover issues. However, if it is continually in the shop and they can't get parts, or give the usual excuse that they can't replicate the problem, you wind up with an expensive car that you aren't able to drive.
#10
It's a 21 too. How many miles you put on it? How you feeling it?
Last edited by felixopp; 08-15-2023 at 11:54 PM.
#11
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,516
Received 4,024 Likes
on
3,161 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thanks for the responses so far, folks.
VIN is W1K1J6BB2MF150767
Carfax is here.
You can see that it got hit with the 48v error at 13k miles (service says 'battery charged and computer reprogrammed'). Then got transferred to the dealership a month later. Dealership said he traded it in. Sounds like original owner got spooked and sold it back, and now feels like they're trying to offload it to some sucker who is not familiar with the issue. They are one of the big official dealers in LA (SaMo), so they're taking the stance that they wouldn't put that type of stock up if they weren't confident it was permanently fixed, and would otherwise auction it. But it's a car dealership at the end of the day.
It still has 1 year official warranty and I would extend it by 3-5 years, but my worst case scenario that I'm dreading is that it keeps failing, failing, failing, and I'm stuck with a very expensive lemon that I can't even sell or trade in in 3-5 years, and can't rely on to go on long road trips with.
Problem is I absolutely adore the car. I looked at a bunch of C63s, but something about this one just clicked when I got in there and said - this is YOURS.
Am I being overly paranoid? I do wonder how much bias goes into the fact that you're only going to hear from people who are having issues with them. Also wonder if the fact that the problem has already been serviced is actually a good thing, rather than an indicator that it's more likely to reoccur.
I might not be able to back out of the deal so it might be all academic at this point.
VIN is W1K1J6BB2MF150767
Carfax is here.
You can see that it got hit with the 48v error at 13k miles (service says 'battery charged and computer reprogrammed'). Then got transferred to the dealership a month later. Dealership said he traded it in. Sounds like original owner got spooked and sold it back, and now feels like they're trying to offload it to some sucker who is not familiar with the issue. They are one of the big official dealers in LA (SaMo), so they're taking the stance that they wouldn't put that type of stock up if they weren't confident it was permanently fixed, and would otherwise auction it. But it's a car dealership at the end of the day.
It still has 1 year official warranty and I would extend it by 3-5 years, but my worst case scenario that I'm dreading is that it keeps failing, failing, failing, and I'm stuck with a very expensive lemon that I can't even sell or trade in in 3-5 years, and can't rely on to go on long road trips with.
Problem is I absolutely adore the car. I looked at a bunch of C63s, but something about this one just clicked when I got in there and said - this is YOURS.
Am I being overly paranoid? I do wonder how much bias goes into the fact that you're only going to hear from people who are having issues with them. Also wonder if the fact that the problem has already been serviced is actually a good thing, rather than an indicator that it's more likely to reoccur.
I might not be able to back out of the deal so it might be all academic at this point.
If you end up with the car, protect yourself with extra warranty coverage if you like, enjoy the car, and brace yourself for an uncertain future.
#12
Senior Member
"RECALL#2021060009 UPDATE 48V BATTERY SOFTWARE;PERFORMED CAMPAIGN#2021060009;12896 RECALL COMPLETE. SYSTEM UPDATED ON LINE E." Straight from the VMI. Performed at 12,896 miles. No indication of failure.
The following users liked this post:
Highline-Autos.com (09-05-2023)
#13
Seems like he might have sold it to the dealership and they then updated the software to prep it for resale, rather than him bringing it in because it failed?
Does this mean there is a recall on the battery that hasn't been published?
Last edited by felixopp; 08-16-2023 at 12:07 AM.
#14
Senior Member
Appreciate this Joe. Could you please help me understand what this means? Just a system update while it went in for a service rather than a response to an actual failure?
Seems like he might have sold it to the dealership and they then updated the software to prep it for resale, rather than him bringing it in because it failed?
Does this mean there is a recall on the battery that hasn't been published?
Seems like he might have sold it to the dealership and they then updated the software to prep it for resale, rather than him bringing it in because it failed?
Does this mean there is a recall on the battery that hasn't been published?
#15
Very interesting that there is an official and silent recall, but makes sense. I haven't seen this anywhere and I've been searching obsessively. Also very subtly worded.
#16
Senior Member
No worries. I can't promise you won't have issues with the 48v system, just figured I'd clear the air. It's a fantastic car otherwise, you'll love it.
Last edited by joeshannon095; 08-16-2023 at 12:52 AM.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
You can get an equally low mile E63s these days for high $70k... Just throwing that out there. I know E63s doesn't fit everyone's lifestyle but wanted to make sure you knew that was an option for you.
The following users liked this post:
6G Schnell (09-16-2024)
#18
SPONSOR
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 559
Received 382 Likes
on
229 Posts
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
learn to moonwalk, out of this deal
get an E63 of any vintage
get an E63 of any vintage
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Service Manager/Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Service Manager/Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
#19
My parents had a ‘19 E53 sedan and now have a ‘22. Not once have they ever had an issue with the EQ boost battery.
I think you’re reading too much into the Carfax. There is really only 1 service record on it. Ask the stealership to provide you with the service records for the MBUSA system. There would definitely be more one service record if there was a battery issue.
I think you’re reading too much into the Carfax. There is really only 1 service record on it. Ask the stealership to provide you with the service records for the MBUSA system. There would definitely be more one service record if there was a battery issue.
#20
Recently Purchased E53
Greeting,
I have recently purchased a pre loved E53, where can I find if 48v system had software update done or not?
the VIN is W1K1K6BB2MF160163
Thanks!
I have recently purchased a pre loved E53, where can I find if 48v system had software update done or not?
the VIN is W1K1K6BB2MF160163
Thanks!
#21
Senior Member
Greeting,
I have recently purchased a pre loved E53, where can I find if 48v system had software update done or not?
the VIN is W1K1K6BB2MF160163
Thanks!
I have recently purchased a pre loved E53, where can I find if 48v system had software update done or not?
the VIN is W1K1K6BB2MF160163
Thanks!
#23
Update:
Went through with it all and couldn't be happier. Actually a very good thing I scrutinized the Carfax in front of them as they offered CPO on it which gave me an additional year of warranty. Showed me a 78 point check on it, or whatever it is. With extended warranty that gives me 4 good years.
I think the recall will likely have fixed the issue and feel like it's generally overhyped online.
I was looking at an E63 but didn't want a sedan. This engine purrs with it's own charm and it drives magnificently. It's already quicker than I should be driving in LA. Absolutely love it.
Went through with it all and couldn't be happier. Actually a very good thing I scrutinized the Carfax in front of them as they offered CPO on it which gave me an additional year of warranty. Showed me a 78 point check on it, or whatever it is. With extended warranty that gives me 4 good years.
I think the recall will likely have fixed the issue and feel like it's generally overhyped online.
I was looking at an E63 but didn't want a sedan. This engine purrs with it's own charm and it drives magnificently. It's already quicker than I should be driving in LA. Absolutely love it.
Last edited by felixopp; 09-05-2023 at 05:41 PM.
The following 4 users liked this post by felixopp:
#24
Can you check my vin too ? WDDZF6BB2KA590650
#25
Newbie
I have a 2022 E53 with over 30K miles on it, and have zero issues.
Only problem I had was with right side cameras, and that was fixed with a software update at the dealership.
Only problem I had was with right side cameras, and that was fixed with a software update at the dealership.