REDLINE ALLEYMercedes Benz E-Class W212 buying guide
2009 to 2016. A W212 suits a buyer who wants a comfortable, solid executive car and budgets for specialist servicing.
Big jobs
- Timing chain adjusters and tensioners. Worn timing chain adjusters and tensioners are reported on pre 2013 petrol and diesel engines, and diesel chains will not last the life of the car.
- 7G-Tronic and column shifter. The 7G-Tronic is expensive to fix, and a software fault can stop the column shifter talking to the gearbox.
- Diesel turbo seals and DPF. Failing turbo seals let oil into the turbo, shown by a puff of white smoke at start up, and the DPF fails on cars used for short trips. The early V6 diesel oil cooler can leak.
Workshop jobs
- Water pump and diesel coolant leaks. Water pumps are a common failure point, and diesels leak coolant round the EGR cooler and water pump.
- Rear subframe and axle rust. Rust on the rear subframe and axle is worth checking, and heavy corrosion can point to accident repair or neglect.
- Engine mounts, hoses and intake manifold. Engine mounts commonly fail, and air hoses and intake manifolds crack with age and can trigger limp home mode.
- Power steering and fuel leaks. Power steering leaks are reported, and a fuel smell outside the car needs a professional diagnosis before buying.
Small jobs
- Recalls. Recalls since 2011 have covered the fuel pump and a driver airbag sensor.
Questions for the seller
- Which engine is it, petrol or diesel?
- Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced?
- Have the fuel pump and airbag recalls been done?
- Does it have air suspension, and has it been repaired?
- Is there a full Mercedes service history?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.