2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ▼
- Price Range: $15,000 - $71,300
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Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Rumbling or squealing noises may come from the A/C compressor due to a bad pulley or bearings for which there are improved components. (2003-06)
Air conditioner:
The air conditioning runs in only one mode due to a faulty connection at connector C1 on the driver side. (2003-06)
Alternator belt:
The alternator may not provide adequate charging due to a faulty internal voltage regulator (2003-05) and if the "Battery-Visit WorkshopÓ message appears the battery control module may need to be reset or replaced (2003-04).
Ball joints:
Noises from the upper control arm caused by bad ball joint caused by torn rubber cover on joint. (2005-07)
Blower motor:
The blower motor may quit working after a minute or so, then work momentarily and quit again due to internal circuit breaker in blower regulator which must be replaced. (2005-06)
Brakes:
The Sensotronic Brake Control may quit working (reverting to the backup hydraulic mode) due to weakening wiring harness connector. (2003-05)
Headlights:
The halogen headlight bulbs may burn out repeatedly because they are receiving too much voltage and a software revision of the control unit drops the voltage from 13.2 to 12.8 volts to prolong bulb life. (2003)
Starter:
Moisture gets into the crankshaft position sensor causing hesitation, rough idle and hard starting requiring that both the sensor and wiring harness be replaced. (2003)
Tail/brake lights:
Water leaks onto the fuse box on the passenger side if the air intake drain valve gets clogged, water and dust enter the tail light housings due to poor sealing of the gasket, and water may enter the trunk if the extra license plate holes are not plugged. (2003)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,280 |
| Alternator | $950 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,895 |
| Brakes | $650 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $915 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $4,490 |
| Exhaust System | $660 |
| Radiator | $700 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $3,250 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,305 |
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