Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 de 4MATIC Estate AMG Line common faults.

2020–2023, estate, diesel, 194 HP.

The fault list covers: OM654DE20SCR engine, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

3 fault write-ups. All are important. 6 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

critical1

OM654 / OM656: vacuum controlled coolant pump leak, fire risk

critical

On the OM654 and OM656 diesels the maker started a recall over the vacuum controlled coolant pump (maker action code: 2090008). The fault: a leak can develop between the coolant and the vacuum circuit; if coolant reaches the electric switching valves, an electrochemical reaction can raise the temperature of the part, and a fire risk cannot be ruled out.

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The fix: replacing the electric switching valve and a software update. The campaign started at the end of 2021; the affected group is the C-Class, E-Class and other OM654/OM656 models.

A recall on the model does not mean it was carried out on this car. Only the franchised dealer can tell you, by VIN.

What to check

Ask the franchised dealer by VIN: is action 2090008 OPEN or CLOSED
Check the coolant level and look around the vacuum system for leaks
Ask for the service sheet: a switching valve replacement plus a software update is part of the campaign

1 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

OM654 / OM656 diesel: roller finger follower wear and DPF driven oil dilution

expensive

The modern OM654 four cylinder diesel (and the modular OM656 six cylinder) carries two weaknesses on the used market that reinforce each other.

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1) Roller finger followers (Rollenschlepphebel). According to the German technical press, on some cars the followers wear early at around 100,000 to 120,000 km. On 10 July 2018 the maker introduced a strengthened follower from engine number 80278367 (new part number A6540505701 in place of the old A6540501100). On early built cars the risk is higher. A faulty follower develops so much heat that the removed metal shows blue discolouration (Anlaufspur).

2) Oil dilution. The post injection needed to regenerate the particulate filter puts diesel fuel into the engine oil. With short urban use the engine does not get warm enough, the fuel does not evaporate, the oil thins out, and the follower and valvetrain are exactly what suffers most from poor lubrication.

The timing chain sits on the gearbox side: if it stretches, the replacement is labour intensive. There are few complaints of a broken chain, but on the early series about 5,000 cars were recalled for a weak chain, and the Tritan 15 coating was changed to Tritan 18.

between 80,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

Listen to the engine on a cold start: metallic ticking or rattling from the follower or the chain is suspect
Ask for the engine number: cars below 80278367 (before July 2018) are the old follower group
Check the service book: how often and with what oil (MB 229.52 is recommended) it was changed. Long intervals plus urban use is the worst pairing

2 more steps in the write-up

Airmatic air suspension: leaking air spring, overworked compressor

expensive

The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers. The most common faults over time are the relay, the compressor and a leaking air spring or air line.

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The rear air springs of the 2003 to 2009 E-Class (W211) are particularly prone to leaking along the clamps. If the system leaks, the compressor runs continuously, overheats and fails, so an unrepaired leak takes the compressor with it.

Symptoms: one corner of the car sinks by morning, an "Air Suspension" or level control fault message, and compressor noise while standing. It was an option (or standard) across several generations from the W220 S-Class onwards; the estate E-Class often has air springs with level control on the rear axle as standard.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

In the morning, before setting off, look at all four corners: an uneven stance means a suspected leak
With the car standing, listen to the compressor: continuous running indicates it is overworked
Ask for a fault code read on the suspension controller (level and pressure sensor codes of the C1132 / C1144 kind)

3 more steps in the write-up

Official recall6 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 9 February 2024

24V100000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING9 February 2024 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 CLS450, E450, E450 All-Terrain, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, and 2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.

Risk: An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024MMNNNN.

The authority's notice

A12/00463/24Safety recallEnvironment, Fireno date · EU Safety Gate

The 48V ground cable bolt in the engine compartment may be incorrectly secured. This could increase electrical transition resistance at the point of connection. As a result, the high electrical currents that can flow through this connection could increase the temperature, increasing the risk of fire. Furthermore, the 48V electrical power supply failure may increase exhaust emissions. This could have a negative impact on the environment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.