Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Mercedes-Benz E300 is known for (2005–2007), 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: With the ignition on, check for any brake warning message, and feel for a hard or long brake pedal.
Why it matters: When the SBC unit faults the car drops to a back-up hydraulic mode with a much harder pedal and longer stopping distances, and Mercedes dropped SBC altogether at the 2006 facelift after persistent problems.
What to look for: Look under the scuttle panel for leaves and standing water, and lift the boot floor for damp or tide marks.
Why it matters: Water in a SAM module causes a scatter of dash warnings, lights or wipers acting up and flat batteries, and a water-damaged module usually needs replacing and re-coding rather than drying out.
What to look for: On a cold start listen for front-of-engine rattle, and check the engine serial number is outside the affected range.
Why it matters: The repair is a big job - balance shaft, chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets, often with the engine out - and costs thousands of dollars; it led to a US class action over the affected engines.
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.
Got a question about a Mercedes-Benz E300? 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.