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Mercedes-Benz · Mid-Size · 2023–2025

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

367–435 PS

3.0L I6 Turbo Benzin

Inline-Six Comeback in the E-Class

Fun to Drive!

Body Variants

The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 is available as Limousine and T-Modell — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 is available with 7 engine variants — from 116 to 435 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

E 200 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 197–204 PS Engine Change
2023 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2023 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
E 300 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 258 PS
2024 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
E 450 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 381 PS
2023 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
E 300e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 313 PS
2023 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
E 220d · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 194–200 PS Engine Change
2023 2025
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
2023 2025
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
E 450 d · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 367 PS
2023 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
E 300de · Diesel Plug-in-Hybrid· 313 PS
2023 2025
Be Careful 11 weaknesses

The Mercedes-Benz E 200 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 197–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M254 (2023–2025, Be Careful) und M254 (2023–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 200!

The Mercedes-Benz E 300 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 258 PS) has the M254 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 381 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz E 300e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 313 PS) has the M254 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz E 220d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 194–200 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM654 (2023–2025, Be Careful) und OM654 (2023–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the E 220d!

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 367 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz E 300de (Diesel Plug-in-Hybrid, 313 PS) has the OM654 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!MBUX 3.0 complete failures and software bugs

MBUX 3.0 shows complete screen blackouts with loss of climate control, navigation and vehicle functions while driving.

Symptoms: Central screen completely black, climate control unresponsive, navigation failed
Low
!MBUX 3.0 Software Faults — Emergency Mode

MBUX 3.0 starts in emergency mode with barely any functions available. Spotify/Apple Music show only a loading screen. Mainly affects early production vehicles from 2023.

Symptoms: Display stuck on startup screen, music services unusable, system reboots spontaneously.
Low
!MBUX Superscreen Total Failure

MBUX 3 system can fail completely — only the speedometer remains functional. Spotify, Apple Music and navigation fail to load. Software updates are applied regularly.

Symptoms: Screen shows only the speedometer, navigation freezes, streaming services fail to load
from 20,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
1 complaints · 2023–2025
Engine
1

Top Reported Issues

Engine (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 (2023–2025) — 32 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, Other, Suspension.

E-Klasse (M254, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 197–211 PS.

E-Klasse (M256, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 381 PS.

E-Klasse (M254, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 252–258 PS.

E-Klasse (M254, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 313 PS.

E-Klasse (OM654, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 194–200 PS.

E-Klasse (OM656, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 367 PS.

E-Klasse (OM654, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 313 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 has 32 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: OM654 (2.0L Diesel), M254 (2.0L Turbo), M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo), OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo).
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} After years of the M276 V6, the M256 returned as a proper inline-six — and the difference is tangible. Smoother running, more torque from 1,800 rpm, the 48V system fills every hesitation. Not a sports car, but a very competent mile-eater with character. Under 9 litres on motorways is achievable.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214? +
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214 is available with engine variants from 116 to 435 hp. Petrol: M254 (2.0L Turbo), M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo). Diesel: OM654 (2.0L Diesel), OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee