Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W211
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
Business V8 — 525 hp in an Executive Saloon
Fun to Drive!457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
10 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W211 is available as Limousine and T-Modell — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W211 is available with 15 engine variants — from 95 to 525 hp. 7 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI (Diesel, 122–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM646 (2002–2009, Be Careful) und OM646 (2003–2006, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 200 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI (Diesel, 143–170 PS) comes with 4 different engines: OM646 (2002–2009, Be Careful) und OM646 (2002–2009, Be Careful) und OM646 (2006–2009, Be Careful) und OM646 (2006–2009, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 220 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz E 270 CDI (Diesel, 170–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM647 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und OM647 (2002–2006, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 270 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz E 280 CDI (Diesel, 177–190 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM648 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und OM642 (2005–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the E 280 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI (Diesel, 197–224 PS) comes with 3 different engines: OM648 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und OM648 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und OM642 (2005–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the E 320 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz E 400 CDI (Diesel, 260 PS) has the OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 420 CDI (Diesel, 314 PS) has the OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 (Benziner, 514 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 200 Kompressor (Benziner, 163 PS) has the M271 (1.8L Kompressor) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 240 (Benziner, 170–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M112 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und M112 (2002–2006, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 240!
The Mercedes-Benz E 280 (Benziner, 231 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 320 (Benziner, 224 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 350 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz E 500 (Benziner, 306–388 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und M273 (2006–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the E 500!
The Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Kompressor (Benziner, 476 PS) has the M113K (5.4L V8 Kompressor) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SBC brake system: failure and recall Sensotronic Brake Control on pre-facelift models (2002–2006) suffered hydraulic failure. Approximately 1.3 million vehicles were recalled worldwide. Repair cost €2,200–3,500. Symptoms: Strange brake pedal feel, extended stopping distance, brake system warning from 100,000 km | High | |
| SBC Sensotronic Brake — High-Pressure Pump Failure SBC electrohydraulic brake (2002–2006) suffered from faulty high-pressure pump control. Two recalls in 2004 and 2005. SBC vehicles require specialist workshop. Symptoms: Brake pedal travel suddenly too long or too short, SBC fault message, ABS activation without reason from 100,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 127 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W211 (2002–2009) — 120 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 8 problem engines: M271 (1.8L Kompressor), M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), OM612 (2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG), OM613 (3.2L R6 CDI), OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI). Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Electronics.
E-Klasse (OM611, 1998–2003) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel Prematurely Worn, Injectors leaking -- seating face failure, Intake manifold flaps break off. Power: 95–102 PS.
E-Klasse (OM611, 1998–2003) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel Prematurely Worn, Injectors leaking -- seating face failure, Intake manifold flaps break off. Power: 136–150 PS.
E-Klasse (OM612, 2000–2003) — Stay Away!: "Black Death" -- injector seal failure with tar formation, EGR cooler fails -- coolant in intake, Cylinder head crack -- coolant loss under load. Power: 163–177 PS.
E-Klasse (OM613, 2000–2003) — Stay Away!: Injector Sealing Washers Burnt In — Injectors Seized, Turbocharger Oil Supply Insufficient — Bearing Failure, Injector failure at high mileage. Power: 197–204 PS.
E-Klasse (OM646, 2002–2009) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 136–143 PS.
E-Klasse (OM646, 2002–2009) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 143–150 PS.
E-Klasse (OM647, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Serial Injector Failure — All 5 Cylinders Affected, Crankshaft Sensor Failure — Breakdown Risk, Dual-Mass Flywheel — High Torque Stresses the DMF. Power: 170–177 PS.
E-Klasse (OM648, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump — Common Rail Pressure Dropping, CDI Injector Failure, Turbocharger Bearing Failure. Power: 197–204 PS.
E-Klasse (OM648, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump — Common Rail Pressure Dropping, CDI Injector Failure, Turbocharger Bearing Failure. Power: 177 PS.
E-Klasse (OM628, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Bi-turbo failure (right turbocharger preferentially), Coolant loss through cylinder head. Power: 260 PS.
E-Klasse (OM646, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 122 PS.
E-Klasse (OM642, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 190 PS.
E-Klasse (OM642, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224–231 PS.
E-Klasse (OM629, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head warped -- coolant loss, NAG2 transmission at torque limit, Oil Cooler Leak in V-Section. Power: 314 PS.
E-Klasse (OM646, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 163–170 PS.
E-Klasse (M111, 1995–2003) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Ages and Leaks, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch Fails, Ignition Coils Wear Out Due to Neglected Spark Plugs. Power: 136 PS.
E-Klasse (M112, 1996–2003) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 193–204 PS.
E-Klasse (M111, 1997–2003) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Ages and Leaks, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch Fails, Ignition Coils Wear Out Due to Neglected Spark Plugs. Power: 163 PS.
E-Klasse (M112, 1997–2003) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 163–170 PS.
E-Klasse (M112, 1997–2003) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 220–224 PS.
E-Klasse (M113, 1997–2003) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 279 PS.
E-Klasse (M113, 1997–2003) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 354 PS.
E-Klasse (M112, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 170–177 PS.
E-Klasse (M112, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 224 PS.
E-Klasse (M113, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 306 PS.
E-Klasse (M271, 2002–2009) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Connector. Power: 163 PS.
E-Klasse (M113K, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Supercharger Bearings — Wear at High Mileage, Cooling System — Hoses and Thermostat Age, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch — Wear and Slipping. Power: 476 PS.
E-Klasse (M272, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 231 PS.
E-Klasse (M272, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
E-Klasse (M273, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 388 PS.
E-Klasse (M156, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 514 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee