Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 is known for (2009–2016), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Ask for proof the Takata airbags were replaced, or check the VIN on the NZ Takata lookup.
Why it matters: The notices describe the inflator housing rupturing and propelling metal fragments into the cabin, with a risk of serious injury or fatality; an open Takata recall is also a hard problem on a retail car.
What to look for: Look at the back of the engine near the gearbox for fresh oil, and ask for the tensioner seal recall record.
Why it matters: Oil loss from the tensioner can stall the engine and is a fire risk per the recall notice; loss of tensioner preload also accelerates chain wear on an engine whose chain replacement is labour-heavy.
What to look for: From cold, check for smooth shifts through every gear, no thump into Drive and no flare between gears.
Why it matters: A failing conductor plate can put the car into limp mode without warning, and while some confused shifting is fixed by a software update or reset, a hard failure needs the valve body or plate replaced.
What to look for: Check that no airbag warning message or red airbag light stays on after start-up, and ask for the recall record.
Why it matters: The notice describes the driver's airbag deploying without a collision, which could injure and distract the driver; a live airbag warning also needs resolving before the car is retailed.
What to look for: Look and smell for diesel wetness or stains around the fuel filter, and ask for the recall record.
Why it matters: Diesel on the road or on hot components is the hazard the notices describe, and both campaigns land on W204/W212 diesels of an age now common in NZ stock.
What to look for: Look inside each headlight and tail light for condensation droplets, and check every LED segment lights up.
Why it matters: Trapped moisture can kill xenon igniters and control modules, and a failed LED headlight unit on a facelift car costs thousands to replace, so this should be weighed into the price.
What to look for: Look closely at the armrest, console buttons and climate switches for peeling finish, and test the COMAND knob.
Why it matters: Individually the parts are cheap, but a tatty console lowers the car's appeal and resale price, and some switch panel replacements need dealer coding to work correctly.
Got a question about a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.