Mercedes-Benz E 240
Three-valve V6 with individual ignition coils. Smooth and strong. Typical weak points: crankcase breather and intake manifold flaps. High mileages achievable.
Solid Base
130 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
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.
Airmatic air suspension fails due to compressor failure and defective air reservoirs. Replacement is only possible with the rear axle removed.
The Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module (SAM) fails, particularly when water ingress occurs. Leads to loss of lighting, windscreen wipers and instrument cluster.
SBC electrohydraulic brake (2002–2006) suffered from faulty high-pressure pump control. Two recalls in 2004 and 2005. SBC vehicles require specialist workshop.
AIRMATIC air suspension wears heavily. Air reservoir and compressor fail frequently. Replacement requires complete rear axle disassembly — very costly.
Control arm and track rod end bearings develop play. A common MOT failure point. Regular cause for failed MOT inspection.
SAM modules (front and rear) control lighting, wipers and door functions. Moisture damage and ageing lead to complete failures.