2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cdi from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

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.

I think your car is badly maintained hence the unreliability. Every car need to be serviced at the recommended intervals. Every engineers knows this as well as most car enthusiasts.

I think, you haven't read the post properly, this person wrote at the beginning of the piece that "The vehicle has been fully MB serviced."

Unfortunately you got yourself a monday car. The E-class W211 and S211 are extremely reliable vehicles. Those I know of whom own one, never had such problems (as)described here.

I own a 52 plate 270 CDI with 53k miles on the clock. I agree with the previous correspondent that this model is totally unreliable and the trade are well aware of it. I have replaced the entire dashboard. (the speedo failed but the whole console has to be replaced) at a cost of £936.

The membrane between the radiator and gearbox cooland failed and leaked glycol into the automatic box which wrecked the torque converter. This fault is also well known to the trade. Cost £2836.Both rear door handles failed and had to be replaced at a cost of £119 each. This car has full service history and has never been neglected. The gearbox fault does not appear to happen on the 320 version. I will never buy another merc as long as I live.