Premium German executive sedan with modern tech and comfort, popular with company car buyers and long-distance drivers. The OM654 diesel is a significant improvement over the OM651, but AdBlue/NOx sensors remain problematic - expect €800-1,500 for sensor replacements. 9G-Tronic transmission is generally reliable with regular fluid changes. AIRMATIC air suspension (if equipped) develops leaks after 80,000-120,000 km. Watch for DPF clogging on short-trip cars and rocker arm wear after 150,000 km.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€1,100 - €2,000/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€650-1,050
Risk buffer
€450-950
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
NOx sensor failure (AdBlue system)€800 - €2,500
Common fault on diesel Mercedes, sensors fail due to exhaust heat and moisture · more· less
The W213 uses two NOx sensors as part of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. These sensors fail frequently, typically between 60,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include AdBlue warning lights and countdown messages. Mercedes dealers charge €800-1,250 for sensor replacement. If both sensors fail, costs reach €1,500-2,500. Parts are often on backorder for weeks. Mercedes sometimes offers goodwill contributions on cars under 5 years old with full service history. Some owners report sensors failing repeatedly. Water condensation in the exhaust system accelerates sensor failure - Mercedes' remedy involves drilling drain holes in the exhaust.
AIRMATIC air suspension leaks (if equipped)€1,200 - €3,500
Air struts develop leaks after 80,000-120,000 km, compressor failure also common · more· less
AIRMATIC-equipped W213s commonly develop air suspension problems after 5-7 years. Air struts leak from cracked rubber seals, causing the car to sag overnight or after parking. Each air strut costs €900-1,200, labor adds €300-500. The air compressor can fail due to moisture ingress when the dryer stops working properly - replacement costs €1,500-2,000. Damping valve failures (fault codes C153213/C153313) add €700-1,500 per corner. Important: Mercedes extended warranties explicitly exclude oil leaks, so suspension leaks aren't covered even under New Power warranty. Models without AIRMATIC use conventional steel springs which are far more reliable.
DPF clogging (city use)€300 - €4,000
Diesel Particulate Filter blocks if driven mainly short distances · more· less
The DPF requires exhaust temperatures above 600°C to regenerate and burn off trapped soot. This only happens during sustained driving at 60+ km/h and 2,000+ rpm. Short city trips prevent proper regeneration. Symptoms include reduced power, poor fuel economy, and DPF warning lights. Professional DPF cleaning services cost €300-650 and typically resolve the issue. Dealers may recommend DPF replacement for €4,000+ but this is rarely necessary under 200,000 km. A forced regeneration (€100-200 at specialist) often solves the problem. Prevention: weekly 20+ minute highway drives. The W213 E220d regenerates approximately every 750 km regardless of driving style.
EGR valve clogging€400 - €1,500
Carbon buildup clogs EGR valve, causing rough running and error codes · more· less
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system recirculates exhaust gases to reduce NOx emissions but accumulates carbon deposits over time. This is accelerated by short trips and low-quality diesel. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and check engine lights. The EGR valve can sometimes be cleaned for €200-400, but severely clogged or damaged valves require replacement at €800-1,500. Extreme exhaust temperatures can burn out EGR electronics. On the OM654, EGR issues typically appear after 80,000-120,000 km. Regular long drives and quality fuel help prevent buildup. Some specialists recommend EGR cleaning every 60,000-80,000 km as preventive maintenance.
9G-Tronic transmission issues€400 - €3,500
Jerky shifts or hesitation if fluid not changed, mechatronics can fail · more· less
The 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic is generally reliable but requires fluid and filter changes every 80,000 km (or 5 years) despite Mercedes claiming "sealed for life." Skipping services leads to harsh shifts, hesitation, and early failure. Fluid change costs €400-650 at dealers, €300-450 at independents. The filter is integrated into the sump pan, requiring full pan replacement. Common issues include rough 1st-to-2nd gear shifts (especially when cold), delayed engagement, and occasional limp mode. Solenoid failures cost €700-1,200. Complete mechatronics replacement reaches €2,500-3,500. Most issues can be resolved with software updates and fluid service if caught early.
OM654 rocker arm wear€1,000 - €3,500
Known issue: rocker arms wear excessively, typically after 150,000 km · more· less
The OM654 engine has a documented rocker arm wear problem causing rough idling and rattling noises from the air intake. This typically appears around 150,000-180,000 km. The cause is suspected to be insufficient oil supply to the upper engine or excessively long service intervals (Mercedes recommends 25,000 km which many consider too long for this engine). Replacing just the rocker arms costs €1,000-2,000. If caught late, camshaft damage occurs, pushing costs to €3,000-3,500. Prevention: change oil every 10,000 km maximum using MB 229.52 or 229.71 spec oil. Mercedes has not issued a recall but dealers stock replacement parts, indicating they're aware of the issue. With proper maintenance, the OM654 can reach 250,000-300,000 km without major problems.
Brake judder and premature wear€400 - €1,200
Some W213s experience brake judder even at low mileage · more· less
Brake judder and vibration during braking is reported frequently on W213 E-Class models. Some owners report all discs and pads needing replacement by 40,000-50,000 km despite mostly highway driving. Mercedes changed from solid to bonded discs on later W213s which may contribute. Front brake discs and pads cost €400-600 at independents, €800-1,200 at dealers. Normal brake pad life should be 60,000-80,000 km. Some dealers aggressively recommend early replacement. Check pad sensors - they light up when pads genuinely need replacing. Ensure rotors are measured for thickness before agreeing to replacement. Quality of replacement parts matters - OEM or Brembo recommended.
Battery drain / electrical issues€200 - €1,500
Parasitic drain from control modules, MBUX system glitches common · more· less
Battery drain is common on W213s. Some owners report 8-10 amp parasitic draw when the car is off, draining batteries in just 4 hours. Causes include control modules failing to enter sleep mode, stuck relays, and MBUX infotainment issues. The MBUX system experiences frozen screens, unresponsive controls, and connectivity problems requiring software updates or module replacement. Diagnosing parasitic draws requires methodical testing with multimeters. Normal standby current should be under 50 milliamps. Battery replacement costs €200-350. Control module repairs/replacements range from €500-1,500 depending on which module fails. Some electrical issues are resolved with software updates, others require hardware replacement.
Interior rattles€100 - €500
Dashboard and door panel rattles reported by many owners · more· less
Interior rattles are surprisingly common for a premium Mercedes. Most frequent complaints include dashboard rattles (described as hoses rattling against metal deep in the dash), door panel squeaks, and rattles from the A-pillar area. Fixing dashboard rattles can require removing half the interior to access problem areas, costing €300-500 in labor. Door pin mechanisms sometimes stick or rattle. Some rattles come from poorly secured trim clips. This is an ongoing issue across multiple Mercedes models and has frustrated many owners who expect better build quality. Some owners have reported four consecutive Mercedes with some form of rattle issue.
Solid drivetrain but expect AdBlue/emissions hassles
The OM654 diesel is a major improvement over the OM651 and can easily exceed 250,000 km with proper maintenance. The 9G-Tronic transmission is reliable if serviced correctly. However, AdBlue/NOx sensor failures are almost inevitable on diesel Mercedes, and AIRMATIC suspension (if equipped) will need attention after 100,000 km. Budget €500-1,000 annually for emission system repairs. Cars driven predominantly on highways fare better than city-only examples with DPF issues.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Mercedes dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km maximum.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Premium tires recommended for best ride quality.
Cold start
Engine must start completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling (rocker arm wear) in first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Check transmission shifts smoothly through all 9 gears.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, panel gaps, paint condition. Check windshield and mirrors for chips.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for AdBlue warning lights or messages
Start car and check dashboard for any AdBlue countdown or NOx sensor warnings. These repairs cost €800-2,500.
AIRMATIC suspension check (if equipped)
Car should sit level when parked overnight. Listen for compressor running excessively. Inspect air struts for oil residue or leaking.
DPF regeneration status
Ask about DPF regeneration frequency. Cars used mainly for short trips may have clogged DPF. Check for DPF warning lights.
9G-Tronic transmission fluid service
Verify transmission fluid was changed at 80,000 km. Feel for smooth shifts without jerking or hesitation.
Cold engine rattle check
Start engine completely cold. Listen for rattling or ticking from valve cover area. Indicates rocker arm wear.
Brake condition and judder test
Test brakes from highway speed. Check for vibration or judder. Inspect discs for scoring or uneven wear.
Battery and electrical system
Check battery voltage (should be 12.6V+ when off). Test all MBUX infotainment functions. Look for error messages.
Interior rattle check
Drive over rough roads and listen for dashboard or door rattles. This is common but annoying.
EGR valve and intake condition
If possible, check EGR valve for carbon buildup. Ask if intake manifold has been cleaned (should be done every 80,000 km).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
NOx sensor wiring issues (LI49.10-N-059066)Check with dealer
AdBlue system faults (various TSBs)Ask for history
Contact Mercedes-Benz with the VIN to verify all recalls and TSBs have been completed. Multiple TSBs exist for AdBlue/NOx sensor issues. Early 2016 models had connectivity issues that Mercedes couldn't fully resolve. Post-2020 facelift models are generally more reliable.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on 2016-2022 models
Extended warranty available€800-1,500/year
Battery warranty2 years from new
Most 2016-2020 W213s are now outside factory warranty. Extended warranties are available through Mercedes dealers but check exclusions carefully - oil leaks and suspension leaks are typically NOT covered. Independent warranty companies may offer better coverage for older models. Some specialists offer drivetrain-only warranties at lower cost.
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.