Mercedes-Benz E 450 d
Modern inline-six diesel with aluminium block and steel pistons. Efficient and powerful, few known weaknesses to date. Timing chain long-lived.
Strong Diesel in the Modern E
270 kW diesel in the W214 is a sovereign touring engine. Modern, efficient, comfortable — but emotionally it stays restrained.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The vacuum-controlled coolant pump can develop leaks between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant enters the EGR solenoid valves; an electrochemical reaction creates a fire hazard.
The Bosch CP4 high-pressure pump is more sensitive to fuel contamination than its predecessors. Poor diesel quality can damage the pump and injectors.
Symptoms: Power loss, hesitation, injection system fault codes, in severe cases engine damage from metal swarf
The switchable coolant pump does not reliably seal between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant can overheat electrical solenoid valves — fire risk. Campaign code 2090008.
Symptoms: No direct driver symptoms — preventive recall. Possible coolant loss, electrical faults, unusual odour
Early OM656 units had overly soft roller rocker arms. From engine number 80278367 (10/07/2018) a reinforced version was fitted. Older engines develop camshaft wear and timing chain problems.
Symptoms: Clattering tick in the valvetrain, especially on cold start, increased oil consumption, CEL, rough running
The variable valve lift system Camtronic shows failures at solenoid valves and actuators, especially up to 2022. Camshaft wear generates metal particles in the oil.
Symptoms: Rough idle, knocking noises while driving, elevated oil consumption, variable valve train fault code
DPF, EGR and SCR/AdBlue system are sensitive to frequent short-trip driving. Premature blockages with warning lights are common.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, DPF warning lamp, power reduction in regeneration mode, elevated AdBlue consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Faulty MBUX software can deactivate lane-keep assist and emergency braking assistant. Affects production 10.11.2021–29.01.2024.
MBUX 3.0 shows complete screen blackouts with loss of climate control, navigation and vehicle functions while driving.
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.
The optional AIRMATIC air suspension is prone to pressure loss at the air spring bellows or pressure hoses. Vehicle sags on one side.
MBUX 3 system can fail completely — only the speedometer remains functional. Spotify, Apple Music and navigation fail to load. Software updates are applied regularly.
Rattling noises from doors and interior trim appear shortly after delivery. Individual vehicles with heavily rattling passenger door from the factory.