Mercedes-Benz E 350
Four-valve V6 with variable valve timing. Smooth and powerful. Known for balance shaft wear (revision sprocket) on early build years. Balance shaft gear problem addressed by Mercedes with a recall.
Solid Basis
215 kW — everyday-capable power, without excitement.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The plastic balance shaft sprocket on the M272 wears prematurely from the timing chain. The right cylinder bank goes out of timing. Affected up to end of October 2006.
Symptoms: Fault codes P0016/P0017 (camshaft right bank), chain rattling, rough running at idle, in extreme cases engine damage
Alongside the balance shaft issue the M272 shows premature timing chain stretch. Chain wear on softer sprockets leads to timing deviations.
Symptoms: Chain noise especially on cold start, camshaft fault codes, rough running, engine irregularities
Four camshaft adjuster solenoids (two per cylinder bank) develop leaks; oil creeps into the wiring harness as far as the ECU. Repair costs up to €1,700 documented.
Symptoms: CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure due to oil contamination, non-specific faults that recur
Plastic components of the M272 variable intake system become brittle and break. The intake flap linkage snaps and sets fault code P2006.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2004/P2005/P2006 (intake flap), slight power loss, check engine light
The thermostat on the M272 preferentially fails in the open position. Operating temperature is not reached; especially on motorway runs temperature drops to 75–80°C.
Symptoms: Engine doesn't reach 90°C after 10–20 km, coolant temperature fluctuates heavily, reduced heater output, fault code P0128
The hydraulic engine mounts on the M272 lose their damping effect with age. Jerky movements are especially apparent when lifting off the throttle and during gear changes.
Symptoms: Vibrations in steering wheel and gear lever during load changes, judder on gear changes, droning at low revs
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
Rear subframe rusts from the inside out. Faulty factory sealant allows water ingress. Flagged as safety-critical at MOT.
W212 steel rear subframe with powder coating cracks over time and allows moisture in. Rusts from the inside. Mercedes replaces as a goodwill gesture. Safety-critical.
Brake lines above the rear axle corrode through after 8–10 years. Brake fluid loss leads to brake failure. MOT refusal.
Rear axle corrodes through with age; suspension mounting points are flagged at MOT. Goodwill repairs possible but time-limited.
Brake lines corrode at two to twelve times the rate of comparable vehicles according to MOT data.
The rear axle is prone to severe rust-through from the inside at the weld seams of the subframe. The problem goes unnoticed for a long time. Mercedes granted goodwill replacements in some cases.
Worn joints and strut rod ends on the front axle are a recurring problem. Classic wear pattern at higher mileages.
Drain holes in the sills clog up; water collects and promotes rust from the inside.
Worn ball joints and strut top mounts on the front axle are a recurring problem. Individual owners reported multiple repairs.
The soft top tends to develop cracks in the fabric after about 10 years. Ignored cracks lead to water ingress, mould growth and control unit damage.
The drain channels in the sills clog regularly, causing water accumulation and corrosion in the sill area. Control units in the floor area can become damp.
Knocking and rattling from the front axle on uneven road surfaces. Causes: worn ball joints, anti-roll bar bushings.
The parking brake is regularly flagged at MOT. Corrosion from infrequent use causes it to seize or fail.
Reports & Tests
1486 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2009–2016). Most reported: Airbags (495), Brakes (150), Fuel System (148).