2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cdi review from UK and Ireland
"Most unreliable vehicle ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The number of major faults I have had with this vehicle is unbelievable. It was bought at 6 months old from the original MB dealer. The following in chronological order are some of the major issues experienced over the two years of ownership. The vehicle has been fully MB serviced.
1. Engine running, but unable to engage transmission, fault occurred on dealer site. Apparently a broken switch within the auto select – off road for around 1 week whilst parts were ordered and fitted. Replacement hire vehicle provided.
2. Running rough – analysis discovered the membrane separating water from engine coolant was perforated resulting in replacement of major engine parts around £3000 of warranty - off road for around 2 weeks due to absence of parts. Replacement vehicle provided.
3. Battery discharge issues on leaving vehicle standing for more than a couple of days. Breakdown recovery around 4 times. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose fault for around 8 months.
4. Central control unit affecting operation of seats, locking etc. Electrical issues requiring replacement of whole unit. Vehicle off road around 3 days due part unavailability.
5. Front ball joints replaced
6. Cutting out when accelerating and moving to safe mode, repeatedly flagged to dealers. Eventually diagnosed as faulty turbocharger. Turbocharger replaced.
7. Fuel injectors faulty and replaced.
8. Steering knuckle failed (two weeks out of warranty) vehicle recovery. Replacement vehicle provided.
General comments?
This is without doubt the most unreliable car I have ever owned in 30 years of driving.
Roadside assistance is first class, but needs to be with such levels of unreliability.
The issues I have experienced are not unique and other business associates have experience identical problems to those outlined.
Search for New and Used Mercedes-Benz E-Classs available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| 2002 - E-Class 270 CDi Elegance 2.7 diesel Quality, safety, presence and practicality |
|
| 2001 - E-Class Elegance 2.6 petrol Comfortable but expensive rustbucket |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7 cdi Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 58000 miles |
| Previous car | Volvo 760 |
| Date of Entry | 1st November, 2005 |