Mercedes-Benz E 200d
Renault-based small diesel, new generation. Economical with SCR catalyst, but still with little power reserve. Automatic only.
Diesel Standard
118 kW diesel. Functional and economical, devoid of emotion.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Like its Renault counterpart, the OM608 uses a timing belt. Prescribed change every 120,000 km or 6 years -- frequently forgotten as Mercedes buyers are accustomed to timing chains.
Symptoms: No warning on snap -- sudden engine failure and severe engine damage
The OM608 (Renault K9K base) uses a timing belt. Mercedes specifies 200,000 km change interval; Renault prescribes 120,000 km for the same engine. A snap causes immediate total damage on this interference engine.
Symptoms: No noticeable warning before snap; beforehand: faint squealing, occasionally starting difficulties
The Renault-based OM608 1.5 CDI sometimes shows increased oil consumption from early on due to a leaking turbocharger shaft seal. Oil mist in the intake tract behind the turbo.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil mist or blue smoke from exhaust, oil in air filter housing behind turbo
As a Renault K9K derivative, the OM608 shares the known EGR valve weakness. With frequent short-trip use, soot particles accumulate, the valve seizes and triggers limp mode.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, limp mode at around 3000 rpm, increased fuel consumption
With predominantly short-trip use, the OM608 is prone to DPF blockage. Regeneration intervals shorten until active regeneration is no longer sufficient and the filter must be manually regenerated or replaced.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, frequent active regeneration, fuel dilution in oil, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
An incorrectly routed gearbox wiring harness allows water ingress with an increased fire risk. Mercedes issued a recall.
Following software updates, the ECU in individual C238 units was permanently damaged. One owner reported a seven-month workshop stay.
A serial design defect: the tension cables in the soft-top headliner fray and snap after approximately 200–300 roof cycles. Mercedes revised the design from May 2020.
The electric parking brake generates fault messages and seizes, particularly in cold weather. Grinding noises when applying indicate worn components.
The soft-top tension cords fray after just a few hundred opening cycles. A design fault that led Mercedes to carry out goodwill repairs.
At higher mileages the electric motors in the roof kinematics or the hydraulic unit can fail. The roof can then no longer open or close fully.
Brake discs on the W213 show juddering after just a few thousand kilometres. Individual cases report renewed juddering after warranty replacement.
Elevated MOT failure rates at suspension mounts. The double wishbone front axle shows wear at bearings and joints.
Infotainment and driver assistance systems are prone to faults. Brake assist and cruise control warning messages appear without cause. Often resolved via software update.
The electric parking brake is prone to corrosion and seizing. Multiple recall actions for the brake system have been documented.
The electric parking brake generates fault messages and seizes, especially in cold weather. Grinding and creaking noises when releasing are common.
The optional Airmatic air suspension is prone to compressor and air bag failures. Replacement requires removal of the rear axle and is expensive.
The rotary push controller on the centre console is mechanically fragile and shows signs of failure after heavy use.
MBUX system freezes or reboots. Bluetooth connections drop, voice control unresponsive. Software updates only fix some issues.