Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Faults in Ireland
W213, 2016–2023 — premium executive saloon. Updated 2026-05-04.
The W213 Mercedes E-Class (2016–2023) is the most refined of the German big three but suffers from OM654 diesel injector recalls (2017–2019), 9G-Tronic harsh shifts requiring software update, and rear air suspension leaks on Estate variants. Post-2020 examples are most reliable. Best-buy: 2020–2022. Worst: early 2017 OM654.
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Quick-stats values are indicative editorial estimates aggregated from owner-forum sentiment, recall portals, and reliability surveys. For Autoza-derived median asking prices per cohort with sample size and confidence tier, see the open dataset at huggingface.co/datasets/Autoza/irish-used-car-price-index.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should you avoid?
Avoid 2016 to early 2018 (W213) Mercedes-Benz E-Class models if you can. On the W213 (2016-2023), the years to avoid are the early diesels — 2016 to early 2018 — which were caught by the OM654 injector recall (2017-2019) and are more prone to AdBlue/NOx-sensor faults, plus harsher 9G-Tronic shifts before the 2019 software update. Verify by VIN that all recalls were done; injector or sensor work can run €800-€1,800 (2026).
Best and worst years to buy
Post-2020 examples have the OM654 injector recall fully completed, the 9G-Tronic gearbox software is matured, and MBUX 2 voice control is far more stable than initial release.
On the W213 (2016-2023), the years to avoid are the early diesels — 2016 to early 2018 — which were caught by the OM654 injector recall (2017-2019) and are more prone to AdBlue/NOx-sensor faults, plus harsher 9G-Tronic shifts before the 2019 software update. Verify by VIN that all recalls were done; injector or sensor work can run €800-€1,800 (2026).
Known faults — Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, 2016–2023
Documented from HonestJohn, owner forum sentiment (boards.ie, Reddit), Irish RSA recall portal, and Autoza dealer-feedback aggregation. Severity is colour-coded.
OM654 diesel injector recall
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- Rough idle, smoke under acceleration, rare cases of fuel-air mixture issues
- Years affected
- 2017–2019 (E220d, E300d, E350d)
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- Free under recall; €1,800+ if not completed and fault has developed
- What to check before buying
- Verify recall completion via VIN at Mercedes Ireland or RSA recall portal. Recall reference: campaign 5499006.
9G-Tronic harsh shifts
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Notchy 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts; flare on downshifts
- Years affected
- 2016–2018
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- Free under software update at MB dealer; €600+ if mechatronic affected
- What to check before buying
- During test drive, hold gears manually and observe shift quality. Service history should show software update applied.
Rear air suspension leak (Estate)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Tail end sits low overnight; pump cycles excessively; "AIRMATIC fault" warning
- Years affected
- All Estate variants with rear air suspension — 120,000+ km
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- €500–€900 per side air bellow + valve service
- What to check before buying
- Park overnight on level ground. Check rear ride height next day. Listen for compressor at idle (pump should rest).
MBUX voice control glitches
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- "Hey Mercedes" not responding; wake-word recognition errors; UI freeze
- Years affected
- 2018–2020
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- Free under software update
- What to check before buying
- Test "Hey Mercedes" wake-word during inspection. Three failed attempts in a row signals software not updated.
EQ Boost 48V mild hybrid
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Stop-start unavailable; "EQ Boost" warning; reduced fuel economy
- Years affected
- 2018+ on E300, E450
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- €900–€1,300 battery / starter-generator
- What to check before buying
- Stop-start should engage reliably at every junction once warm.
COMAND headunit failure (pre-MBUX)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Screen blank on startup; navigation unavailable; CD player won't recognise discs
- Years affected
- 2016–2017
- Indicative repair (Ireland)
- €600–€1,400 used unit + coding
- What to check before buying
- Use COMAND through full warm-up. Try every menu including SD card and Bluetooth pairing.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Long-distance comfort buyers; motorway commuters; buyers prioritising interior refinement above sportiness.
Short-trip city users (DPF on diesel), drivers who don't budget for MB-specialist servicing (€500+ per service).
Alternatives to consider
If the Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the Irish market:
- →BMW 5 Series G30
- →Audi A6 C8
- →Volvo S90
Before you buy or sell a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Two quick checks pay for themselves on any used E-Class. First, check the car's NCT history before you buy — a missed or repeat-fail NCT often signals a chronic fault the seller is hoping you'll miss. Second, if you're weighing the E-Class against rival models, you can compare the E-Class against its rivals side-by-side on price, running costs and spec.
Selling instead? See what your Mercedes-Benz E-Class is worth with our free Irish valuation — it reads live comparable listings and returns a resale and trade-in figure in seconds, no signup.
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