A well-built executive sedan that restored Mercedes' reputation after the problematic 2000s. Widely used as taxis and fleet cars in Europe, proving durability. The M271 engine (pre-facelift) has notorious timing chain issues requiring vigilance – cold start rattle is a red flag. Post-2013 facelift models with the M274 engine are significantly more reliable. AIRMATIC suspension is complex but improved over previous generations. The 7G-Tronic transmission (722.9) is generally robust. Expect premium repair costs but better reliability than the W211 predecessor.
The M271 engine (1.8L turbo used 2009-2013) has a well-documented timing chain issue. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. The chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing together. Complete repair costs €1,000-2,200 depending on whether you use independent shop or dealer. Ignoring this leads to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. The M274 engine (2.0L used post-2013 facelift) has improved design but still monitor for rattle.
Excessive oil consumption€1,000 - €5,000
Worn piston rings or valve seals allow oil into combustion chamber · more· less
Many W212 E200 owners report frequent oil top-ups. Primary causes are worn piston rings or valve seals allowing oil to enter combustion chamber and burn off. Carbon deposits can worsen this by clogging engine ventilation. Solutions range from cleaning ventilation system (€200-400) to replacing piston rings and valve seals (€1,000-5,000). The higher cost applies when engine needs significant disassembly. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil help prevent further wear. Check oil level frequently - excessive consumption (more than 1L per 1,000 km) requires investigation.
Sprockets wear prematurely from chain stretch, causing timing misalignment · more· less
The M271 camshaft adjuster sprockets are known for premature wear - unusual for most engines where sprockets rarely fail. As the timing chain stretches (up to one full link), the pitch changes causing wear on the gear teeth. Eventually the tensioner reaches maximum travel and the chain jumps teeth. Genuine Mercedes sprockets cost around €1,400 for the pair, with aftermarket alternatives at €500-600. Total repair including labor runs €1,400-2,500. The proper fix requires new gears, chain, and tensioner all replaced together. This is typically done preventively when addressing timing chain issues.
AIRMATIC suspension leaks€1,200 - €3,000
Air struts develop leaks, compressor fails from overuse · more· less
If equipped with AIRMATIC air suspension, be aware it's complex and expensive to repair. Air struts can develop leaks causing suspension to sag, typically after 150,000 km or 10+ years. Single strut replacement costs €1,200-2,000 per corner at dealer. Compressor replacement runs €1,100-1,200. The W212 AIRMATIC is improved over earlier generations but experts still recommend standard coil spring suspension for cost-conscious buyers. The compressor relay can fail causing pump to run constantly, draining battery. Aftermarket air springs available for €100-200 per corner offer significant savings. Address leaks quickly to prevent compressor damage.
Engine mount wear€400 - €1,500
Mounts deteriorate causing steering wheel and cabin vibration · more· less
As the W212 ages, engine mounts wear out allowing vibrations to transmit to the cabin. Symptoms include steering wheel vibration, especially at idle. The car has two engine mounts and one transmission mount, all should be replaced together for best results. Quality aftermarket mounts (Lemfoerder OEM supplier) cost €60-80 each. Independent shop labor runs €200-400, dealer charges €1,000-1,500 total. Mounts typically last 60,000-100,000 km but can fail earlier with aggressive driving or extreme climates. This is a common age-related issue on higher mileage examples.
High pressure fuel pump failure (CGI models)€500 - €1,500
Direct injection pump fails from contaminated fuel or wear · more· less
E200 CGI models with direct injection experience high pressure fuel pump failures. Symptoms include long crank times, engine won't start, stalling under load, or loss of power. Common causes: contaminated fuel (dirt, debris, water), high mileage wear, running on low fuel consistently. The pump costs €250-650 depending on brand (Bosch OEM recommended), plus several hours labor. Total cost €500-1,500. Use premium fuel and avoid running tank below quarter full. DIY replacement possible for experienced mechanics, saving significant labor costs. Replacing pump early when symptoms appear prevents being stranded.
Thermostat housing failure€500 - €1,600
Plastic housing cracks causing coolant leaks and overheating · more· less
The thermostat housing is plastic and cracks over time from heat cycles. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, visible coolant leaks. The housing integrates with other components requiring significant disassembly (approximately 6 hours labor). Part costs €80-275, labor adds €400-1,300 depending on shop. Total at dealer runs €1,500-1,600, independent shop €500-900. Mercedes design requires removing multiple components to access thermostat, making this job more expensive than most vehicles. DIY possible but challenging. Monitor coolant level regularly and address leaks immediately.
Window regulator failure€160 - €1,400
Regulator mechanism fails, window won't operate or falls · more· less
Power window regulator failure is extremely common on Mercedes, especially older models. The inner door panel is riveted to the outer shell and must be removed, requiring significant labor. Symptoms include window won't move, moves slowly, falls into door, or makes grinding noise. Dealer quotes run €1,400, Mercedes specialist shops €900, independent shops €250-400, glass specialists €160-320. Aftermarket regulators cost €50-110 (eBay/Amazon). DIY requires drill and rivet gun, takes 2-3 hours per window. Front windows fail more often than rear. Expect to replace at least one regulator on higher mileage W212s.
Fuel injector failure (CGI models)€800 - €1,500
Direct injection injectors fail causing misfires, rough running · more· less
CGI (direct injection) models suffer from injector failures, particularly pre-facelift four-cylinder engines. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light, white smoke on cold start. Injectors typically fail after 80,000-120,000 km. The intake manifold must be removed to access injectors, requiring coolant and oil drain. Parts cost €200-500 for set of four (OEM Bosch recommended), labor adds €400-800. Total €800-1,500. Use premium fuel and fuel system cleaner regularly to extend injector life. All four should be replaced together for best results.
Intake manifold tumble flap linkage€600 - €2,200
Plastic actuator arm breaks from carbon buildup stress · more· less
The tumble flaps help swirl air for better combustion. Over time, carbon builds up on flaps causing stress on plastic actuator arm, which eventually breaks. Symptoms include poor low-end performance, reduced fuel economy, check engine light. Mercedes solution: replace entire intake manifold (€1,800-2,200 dealer). Better option: aftermarket aluminum lever repair kit (€100-200) plus labor (€300-500 independent shop), total €600-900. Complete intake manifold costs €600 alone. DIY possible with repair kit for significant savings. This mostly affects M272 V6 engines, less common on four-cylinder E200 but still possible.
Good reliability for a luxury sedan, but timing chain needs attention
The W212 is widely regarded as a return to Mercedes quality after the problematic 2000s era. Many examples serve as taxis exceeding 300,000 km with proper maintenance. The critical issue is the M271 timing chain (pre-facelift) - any cold start rattle must be addressed immediately. Facelift models (2013+) with M274 engine are significantly more reliable. Overall maintenance costs are reasonable for this class, but parts and labor are premium-priced. Choose facelift model if possible, avoid AIRMATIC suspension, and inspect timing chain thoroughly on M271 engines.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Mercedes dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 15,000 km or annually).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Standard sizes: 225/55R16 or 245/45R17 depending on trim.
Cold start
CRITICAL: Start engine completely cold. Any rattling noise in first 30 seconds indicates timing chain issues.
Body condition
Check for rust (rare on W212), accident damage, paint mismatch indicating previous repairs.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including highway speeds. Listen for transmission shifting smoothly through all gears.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle (M271 engines)
MOST IMPORTANT CHECK. Engine must be completely cold (parked overnight). Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates stretched chain/worn tensioner requiring immediate €1,000-2,200 repair. Walk away if seller won't allow cold start test.
Check engine oil level and consumption
Check dipstick for correct level. Ask owner about oil consumption between services. More than 1L per 1,000 km indicates worn piston rings/valve seals. Look for blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration.
AIRMATIC suspension operation (if equipped)
Start car and check suspension raises to normal height within 30 seconds. Press down on each corner and release - should rise back smoothly. Look under car for oil leaks on damper bodies. Listen for compressor running excessively.
Transmission shifting quality
7G-Tronic should shift smoothly through all gears. Any harsh shifts, hesitation, or warning lights indicate valve body or conductor plate issues. Let transmission warm up fully (15+ minutes driving) to assess properly.
Steering wheel vibration test
At idle in Park and Drive, check for excessive steering wheel vibration. Indicates worn engine/transmission mounts. Also test at highway speed for wheel balance/alignment issues.
Test all power windows
Operate each window fully up and down multiple times. Listen for grinding noises, slow operation, or windows falling. Window regulator failure is very common on Mercedes.
Check coolant level and condition
When engine cold, check expansion tank. Coolant should be pink/red, not brown or milky. Low level indicates leaks (thermostat housing common). Check under car for coolant stains.
Verify pre-facelift vs facelift model
Pre-facelift (2009-2013): Quad headlights, 5-speed gearbox (early models), M271 1.8L engine. Facelift (2013-2016): Single-piece LED headlights, column-mounted gear selector, M274 2.0L engine. Facelift is more reliable.
White smoke on cold start (CGI models)
Start cold and watch for white smoke from exhaust. Common on E200 CGI due to turbo gasket or fuel injector issues. Usually fixed by ECU reprogramming and turbo gasket replacement.
Chain tensioner gasket oil leak (fire risk)Inspect for leaks
Software issue causing loss of power (pre-May 2016)Software update available
Contact Mercedes-Benz dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and Technical Service Bulletins have been completed. TSBs document common issues but repairs are not necessarily free unlike safety recalls.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all W212s
Extended warranty optionsAvailable from third parties
Rust perforation warranty (30 years)Still active if no accident damage
All W212 E-Class models (2009-2016) are outside their original factory warranty. Extended warranty coverage is available from third-party providers and some Mercedes dealers. The 30-year rust perforation warranty remains valid if the car has been properly maintained and has no accident damage affecting the body structure.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.