IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2016–2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2016–2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2016–2018 period has 3 more issues than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Airmatic Leaks and Compressor Wear

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Air-suspension cars can still sag or throw warnings once the bags or compressor start to leak.

Most affected: Models with Airmatic

Estimated cost: £900–£2,200Affects: 2016–2024Often appears around: 50k-120k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Car sits low after standing
  • •Suspension malfunction warning
  • •Noisy compressor

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the car stands level overnight
  • ✓Inspect for recent Airmatic repairs
  • ✓Listen for compressor activity after start-up

OM651 Diesel Chain Tensioner Oil Leak

ModerateEngine

Early W213 models with the OM651 engine can suffer from oil leaks at the chain tensioner gasket, which can lead to timing chain noise if ignored.

Most affected: E 220 d (early models), E 300 h

Estimated cost: £200–£500Affects: 2016–2018Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Oil leak on the right side of the engine
  • •Chain rattle on cold start

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for oil residue around the tensioner area

NOx Sensor / AdBlue Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Diesel W213s commonly suffer emissions-system warnings that can lead to limp mode or no-restart countdowns.

Most affected: E 220 d, E 300 d, E 350 d

Estimated cost: £400–£1,000Affects: 2016–2024Often appears around: 30k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine light
  • •AdBlue warning
  • •Reduced power

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for recent NOx-sensor invoices
  • ✓Drive until fully warm
  • ✓Confirm the warning does not return after restart

Widescreen Cockpit / Infotainment Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Digital dash and infotainment systems can freeze, reboot or lose menu functions, especially on early cars.

Most affected: Premium, Premium Plus, AMG Line

Estimated cost: £0–£900Affects: 2016–2021Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Blank screen
  • •Rebooting display
  • •Bluetooth or navigation faults

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test navigation, phone and cameras together
  • ✓Check software-update history
  • ✓Watch for slow or patchy screen start-up

Buying Tips for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)

  • ✓Check the widescreen cockpit, COMAND/MBUX functions and all driver-assistance systems thoroughly.
  • ✓Diesels need evidence of NOx-sensor or AdBlue-system work rather than repeated warning resets.
  • ✓Cars with Airmatic deserve extra caution if the seller cannot explain any previous suspension warning lights.
2019–2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)

Browse 2016–2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2016–2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) vehicles.

View 2016–2018 Directory

Other Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) Year Periods

2016–20182019–20212022–2024

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