Mercedes-Benz E 320
Three-valve V6 with individual ignition coils. Smooth and strong. Typical weak points: crankcase breather and intake manifold flaps. High mileages achievable.
Solid Base
165 kW — adequately powered for everyday use, without excitement.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The camshaft adjuster solenoid on the M112 develops a leak and draws oil by capillary action into the wiring harness. Oil can migrate as far as the engine ECU and destroy it.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattling that disappears after 1–2 seconds, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces at wiring connector, later ECU faults
The vacuum hose for the variable intake manifold on the M112 becomes brittle and breaks. The swirl flaps stick. The hose is not available individually — the entire intake manifold is needed.
Symptoms: Power drop, slight hesitation at part throttle, engine runs but without full power
On the M112 V6 the valve cover gaskets become porous over time. Especially the rubber seals on the front cover between the timing cover and engine block fail on virtually all high-mileage M112 engines.
Symptoms: Oil spots on the floor, oil smell after driving, oily engine bay, dropping oil level
The plastic linkage of the variable intake manifold in the M112 typically breaks around 150,000 km. The actuator and tumble flaps freeze in one position — according to forum reports, all M112 engines are eventually affected.
Symptoms: Engine enters limp mode, power drop at higher revs, intake flap fault code, stumbling on acceleration
The M112 V6 has two spark plugs per cylinder sharing a dual-output ignition coil. Neglected plugs prematurely destroy the coils.
Symptoms: Rough idle, individual cylinder misfires, CEL, power loss at cold start
The crankcase ventilation membrane in the M112 wears and causes elevated oil consumption and engine sweating. Engine power can also drop due to false air ingestion.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 1 L/5,000 km, light oil mist in engine bay, smoke from exhaust
The thermostat on the M112 V6 can stick in the open position. Engine only reaches 70–80°C instead of the target 87°C. Result: increased fuel consumption, poor heater output.
Symptoms: Engine doesn't warm up properly, heater stays cold, increased fuel consumption, temperature gauge permanently low
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Bacterial contamination in the electrophoretic coating bath compromised paint adhesion. Rust appears on doors, roof, boot lid and trim strips. Mercedes offered goodwill repairs.
Strut towers corrode severely and can break away from the bodywork. Safety-critical defect: the vehicle can drop uncontrollably.
Wheel arches, sills and strut towers rust heavily. Hidden rust forms beneath the sill cladding.
Front and rear strut towers rust through. At the front the towers can break while driving. At the rear this is an economic write-off.
Electronic ignition lock wears out over time. Key turns but vehicle won't start. Problems worsen in cold weather.
On the T-Model with optional rear air suspension the air spring bellows develop leaks. Compressor overheats from continuous operation.
Typical electrical problems: alarm system triggers false alerts, cruise control cuts out, air conditioning shows faults. Cable oxidation is frequently the cause.