IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)

The facelifted W212 brought improved styling and the BlueTEC diesel emissions system. The rear subframe corrosion issue persisted and affected many UK cars, while diesel NOx sensor and AdBlue faults became common from this point onwards.

What changed for 2013

  • •Facelift with updated styling
  • •BlueTEC diesel emissions system
  • •Updated COMAND
  • •Improved safety features

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear subframe corrosion (major UK issue)
  • !NOx sensor and AdBlue faults on diesels
  • !Airmatic air spring leaks
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2013 period has 3 more issues than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Rear Subframe Corrosion

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Like the W204, the rear subframe can corrode badly enough to fail an MOT and require full replacement.

Most affected: Saloon, Estate, Coupe

Estimated cost: £0 (Goodwill) – £1,800Affects: 2009–2016Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy corrosion advisories
  • •Visible rust on suspension mounting points

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Request a Mercedes subframe inspection
  • ✓Check MOT history for corrosion notes
  • ✓Inspect around rear suspension mounts

Airmatic Air Suspension Leaks

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Higher-spec cars with air suspension can sag or throw warnings once bags and compressors age.

Most affected: Models with Airmatic

Estimated cost: £800–£2,000Affects: 2009–2016Often appears around: 70k-140k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •One corner sits low
  • •Suspension warning
  • •Compressor running often

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Leave the car parked before viewing if possible
  • ✓Listen for compressor noise
  • ✓Check for recent air-suspension work

OM651 Diesel Chain Tensioner Oil Leak

ModerateEngine

The gasket on the timing chain tensioner is a frequent source of oil leaks. This can lead to decreased oil pressure for the tensioner, causing chain rattle.

Most affected: E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI, E 250 CDI, E 300 Hybrid

Estimated cost: £200–£500Affects: 2009–2016Often appears around: 50,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Oil leak on the side of the engine block
  • •Rattle from the engine when starting from cold

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the side of the engine for oil leaks
  • ✓Listen for timing chain noise

NOx Sensor and AdBlue Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

BlueTEC diesels regularly trigger engine lights, limp mode or restart countdowns when sensors or heaters fail.

Most affected: E 220 BlueTEC, E 250 BlueTEC, E 350 BlueTEC

Estimated cost: £400–£1,000Affects: 2013–2016Often appears around: 40k-110k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine management light
  • •AdBlue countdown
  • •Reduced power

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for recent NOx or AdBlue invoices
  • ✓Drive it until fully warm
  • ✓Confirm no warnings reappear after restart

Buying Tips for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)

  • ✓Request Mercedes subframe inspection
  • ✓Diesel NOx sensor history critical
  • ✓Airmatic inspection recommended
2010–2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)2014–2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)

Browse 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) vehicles.

View 2013 Directory

Other Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) Year Periods

20092010–201220132014–20152016

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