Which is the most reliable Mercedes Benz?

This article will answer the following questions: Which is the most reliable Mercedes Benz? What makes it so reliable? Lastly, some tips to increase reliability and avoid unexpected expensive repairs.

Which is the most reliable Mercedes Benz?

The Mercedes Benz E Class is considered to be the most reliable Mercedes Benz, it is also the highest-selling Mercedes Benz model in many international markets. All the generations of the E class didn’t have major mechanical or electrical issues that affected the reliability of the vehicle. 

The first generation of the E class started with the model series W124 in 1993 and currently, the E class is in its fifth generation which was introduced in 2016. The latest generation of E class has new Mercedes Benz onboard electrical systems which use the latest networking protocols like flex ray. It is the second most technologically advanced model after the S class.

Mercedes Benz E class can easily last more than 10 years, the highest recorded mileage in E class is one million kilometres. Periodic maintenance and taking care while operating the vehicle helps to increase longevity of the vehicle. Mercedes Benz always uses good quality materials which do not wear even in repeated use. The standard warranty period is three years and has unlimited mileage. 

What are the different body types the E Class is available in?

The Mercedes Benz E class range is available with different body styles like estate, convertible, 2 door sports coupe, 4door sedan and AMG sports models like E53, E63 and E 63 s.

The wheelbase of the E Class is longer than the C class but not as long as the S class, longer wheelbase models are available in some markets like China and India which makes it the most sought after model in the Mercedes Benz line-up.

The E class has been the best selling Mercedes Benz model with more than 13 million cars sold by the end of 2015. A New E class generation with a facelift model was also introduced to keep the lineup updated and fresh. E class is also a popular choice for taxis and special purpose vehicles due to its durable built quality and vast network of authorised dealerships.

What are the drivetrain options available in the latest E Class?

The Mercedes Benz E Class has choices in petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric drivetrain. The Mercedes Benz E class has a 2.0 litres inline 4, 3.0 litres V6 and 4.0 litres V8 engine configurations. Engines in petrol variants are M274, M264, M276 and AMG M177. 

The petrol engine produces power between 115kW till 225kW and AMG produces up to 375kW. M276 is being replaced by a 3.0 litres inline 6 cylinder M 256 engine. It also has an integrated starter- generator with a 48 volts high voltage system. All the ancillary components like coolant water pump, air conditioning compressor, alternator are operated on the high voltage system, Hence the M256 is truly a beltless engine.

The E class is available in the plug-in hybrid models. The combined output of the 2.0 litres engine and electric motor is 320 bhp. With the help of 13.5kWh of the battery pack, the E class plug-in hybrid can drive in electric mode for 35 miles.

Diesel variants of the E class use OM 654 & OM656 with an AdBlue injection system for exhaust after-treatment producing a maximum power output of 140kW and 400NM torque.  OM 656 is only available in the E 350 D model currently. Diesel engines are equipped with low and high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation to reduce NOX emissions. AdBlue injection with selective catalytic reduction can be also found in the latest models. These exhaust gases after treatments are present to fulfil emission regulations.

All the engines are mated to Mercedes Benz’s latest 9 Gtronic transmissions and can send power to the rear wheels via a mechanical differential. The E 63 S has 4 Matic all-wheel-drive systems.

What makes the Mercedes Benz E class so reliable?

E class has several features and advanced computer systems onboard but they are not as much as the S class. Hence, there are fewer reliability issues in the E class. The overall weight is also lighter therefore the design and complexity of suspension components is less. 

All the engines that are available in the Mercedes Benz E class have NANOSLIDE coating on the cylinder walls. This is an extremely thin coating applied to the inner surface of the cylinder to reduce friction between the piston. Twin-wire arc spraying (TWAS) is used to spray an extremely thin coat of iron-carbon alloy on the cylinder walls.  The friction between the piston and piston rings is reduced by almost 50 per cent.

Cylinder heads for both petrol and diesel engines are constructed using a special alloy of aluminium metal.

The cylinder head houses intake and exhaust valves, rocker arms with rollers and hydraulic lifting elements. The engines are also rigorously tested during the initial assembly phase of the vehicle.

The petrol engine has special functions like multi-spark mode. Spark plugs generate an ignition voltage of 15000 to 45000 volts in a Mercedes Benz petrol engine. Multi spark mode is active during the warm-up phase and instead of discharging the ignition coil completely, it is changed again in small intervals. This results in multiple sparks which increase the combustion temperature and the engine can reach the operating temperature more quickly.

The material used in the leather seats and dashboard trim is very durable and as the vehicle is under 3 years standard warranty, any material defected are covered under the warranty. Mercedes Benz also offers extended warranty programs like the Advanced assurance program and gives additional warranty to the vehicle from the fourth to the sixth year of operation.

No major mechanical or electrical problems were reported in the E class. Minor problems like suspension noise and excessive noise have been quickly rectified in the facelift models.

Periodic maintenance also plays a big role in the reliability of the E class. In the Mercedes Benz E class, the service intervals are at every 15000 km or 1 year, whichever comes early. During service of the engine, the engine oil and oil filter is replaced. If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, air filters are also replaced.

The service approach is different from its competitors like Audi and BMW. When the vehicle reports to the workshop for service, a complete 360-degree check is performed and the technician generates a vehicle health card based on the checks performed according to the service checksheet.

Any additional jobs are quickly identified and an estimate is provided to the customer to carry out additional jobs such as replacing brake pads or brake discs or rectifying any engine oil or coolant leak.

Thanks to the in-depth service performed at the authorised service centre, the Mercedes Benz E class can continue to perform without any major faults.

Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in

What is the meaning of CDI in Mercedes Benz?

How reliable is the Mercedes C class?

Why does the Mercedes Benz parking brake light stay on continuously?

Conclusion

The E class is the most reliable Mercedes Benz model- provided it is operated properly and periodic maintenance is done regularly. Extended warranty programs can benefit the customer in the long run by covering the costs of any unexpected repairs. Operating the vehicle under partial loads and reporting to the workshop if any malfunction occurs helps to ensure the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

FAQs: which is the most reliable Mercedes Benz?

Which old Mercedes is most reliable?

The old Mercedes Benz E class launched in 1993 is the most reliable old Mercedes Benz. the vehicle body was constructed using steel and the onboard electronics was all analogue. There were no reliability issues in the car.

Is any Mercedes reliable?

All Mercedes Benz models are very reliable, it is the market leader in the luxury passenger car segment and offer up to 5 years of the standard warranty.

Which Mercedes is best to buy?

The Mercedes Benz S class is the best Mercedes to buy as it has the latest features and most advanced safety systems.

What Mercedes should I avoid?

Old generation models of the S class model series W220 and W221 should be avoided. The cars are more than 20 years old now and any problems can cost as much as the value of the car in the used car market.