Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2024)

Table of Contents
Featured Problems & Solutions Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom Inside Door Related Problems 1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement Solutions Finder: Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim Fixing the Tilting Sunroof Brake ProblemsView All How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System Climate Control ProblemsView All Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control Heater Blower Motor Won't Run Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems Electrical ProblemsView All Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure Engine ProblemsView All Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks Interior ProblemsView All Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming Inside Door Related Problems Lights ProblemsView All Replacing W116 Tail Lights Seals Moisture Buildup Inside Your Headlights Replacing a Plastic Headlight Door Surround on a W126 or W124 Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out Suspension ProblemsView All Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension W126 Chassis Front End Clunking Due to Support Rod Joint Failure Transmission ProblemsView All Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing? Vacuum ProblemsView All 126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing 123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit? FAQs

Featured Problems & Solutions

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (1)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (3)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (4)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (5)

  • Brake Problem:

    Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts

    Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds

    Recently, I set out with the goal to provide our customers with all the resources they would need to troubleshoot and repair the brake systems on their own cars. As your favorite Benz ages brake problems will arise and they can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Since brakes are a safety related system it is also VERY important that any repair work be done properly and with great care.

    Read More >

  • Engine Problem:

    Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade

    Injectors do not last forever. Changing over to Monark nozzles can boost performance!

    Of all the upgrades for diesel engines that we offer on this site, I believe changing over to Monark injector nozzles will give you more performance improvements for the money than any other single product.

    Read More >

  • Interior Problem:

    Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom

    D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats

    Broken down springs on 116, 123, and 126 chassis front seat bottoms are so common on older Mercedes that Kaia finally convinced me I just had to do something about it! And by something I mean more than just using pool noodles, plywood, blocks of wood, wads of bubble wrap, or heavy dense foam chunks.

    Read More >

  • Interior Problem:

    Inside Door Related Problems

    Failure to do preventative maintenance could lead to some very expensive repairs

    This is one area on an old Benz that really gets neglected.

    Read More >

  • Engine Problem:

    1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement

    Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage

    Produced from 1984 to 1993 these lighter weight aluminum head engines replaced the venerable cast iron 616 and 617 engines of the 1970's and early 1980's. Theses engines were more powerful and more fuel efficient. They did have a few teething problems but have proven to be very durable as long as they are treated and maintained properly.

    Read More >

If you have a problem with yourolder Mercedes and are trying to figure what is causing it or how to fix it, you have come to the right place.

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (12)

Let Kent explain how his solutions finder works: "Just select the location of the problem you are experiencing, the chassis designation of your car and a few key words and click Search. If I have written a description of the problem or one related to it, it will show up on the results page. The causes of the problem will be explained and all possible solutions we offer to diagnose and fix it will be listed. Read More

You can learn a lot about your Mercedes by just browsing through all the problem descriptions I have written related to your model. My new solutions finder replaces our old benz aid forum and tech help page. Even if you have never work on your car before it is never too late to start. With the right knowledge, tools and parts you can do it.

If you can not find your problem listed for your chassis then it has not yet been written. I am working on and adding new problem descriptions weekly. I will be adding more content on the W140, W202, W210, and W220 chassis later this year.If you have a problem that has not been addressed, send it to me as a COMMENT through our contact page describing your particular problem. I will not be able to answer these requests directly, but I will add it to my list of problems to work on....the list is not getting smaller. :-)

There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you can find and fix a mechanical problem yourself,
Kent Bergsma

Close ^

Solutions Finder:

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (13)

Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All

Body and Exterior Trim

Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof

Nothing like a good smooth working power or manually operated non tilting sunroof (up to 1985)!

Body and Exterior Trim

Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim

It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work

Body and Exterior Trim

Fixing the Tilting Sunroof

A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.

Brake ProblemsView All

Brake

Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts

Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds

Brake

Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System

Efficient and affordable pressure bleeding, system flush and fluid capture is here for all.

Climate Control ProblemsView All

Climate Control

Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control

Applies to late 123 and 107 chassis and all 126 chassis 1981 to 1991

Climate Control

Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control

No heat or heat all the time are common problems with 1977 to 1980 models with automatic controls

Climate Control

Heater Blower Motor Won't Run

A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.

Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All

Driveline and rear end

Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure

Start with inspection and replace at first signs of wear to prevent expensive damage to transmission

Driveline and rear end

Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble

Watch for signs of impending failure

Driveline and rear end

Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems

The Differentials are very rugged. It is the associated parts that usually fail due to age and high mileage

Electrical ProblemsView All

Electrical

Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair

Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay

Electrical

Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem

Unknown battery drain, electrical shorts, blown fuses - these can be difficult to isolate!

Electrical

O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure

One of the most common problems we see on older Mercedes.

Engine ProblemsView All

Engine

Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke

Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics

Engine

Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine

Yes, Kent has seen it first hand. Don't neglect this!

Engine

Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off

Could be any number of things causing the problem. Proper diagnosis is a must!

Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All

Fuel Delivery

Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance

You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen

A plugged filter inside your fuel tank can lead to hard starting and power loss

Fuel Delivery

Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks

The sources of fuel leaks and procedures needed to repair them are many

Interior ProblemsView All

Interior

Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom

D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats

Interior

Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming

Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!

Interior

Inside Door Related Problems

Failure to do preventative maintenance could lead to some very expensive repairs

Lights ProblemsView All

Lights

Replacing W116 Tail Lights Seals

Watch Kent's free video tip to avoid frustration

Lights

Moisture Buildup Inside Your Headlights

This can happen on a number of models for a number of reasons

Lights

Replacing a Plastic Headlight Door Surround on a W126 or W124

Get rid of and change that ugly head light door yourself. What a difference!!

Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All

Rust / Corrosion

Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes

Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.

Rust / Corrosion

Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding

You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!

Rust / Corrosion

Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out

Not always the best solution as you will see here.

Suspension ProblemsView All

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension

Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension

Know what to look for and understand the parts you will need

Suspension

W126 Chassis Front End Clunking Due to Support Rod Joint Failure

Very very common on those chassis with over 150,000 miles

Transmission ProblemsView All

Transmission

Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts

Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.

Transmission

Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions

You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!

Transmission

Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing?

Be careful to not let someone sell you a rebuilt transmission!

Vacuum ProblemsView All

Vacuum

126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure

Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot

Vacuum

Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing

When troubleshooting your vacuum system you must know where the hoses and lines go

Vacuum

123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure

A very common problem that requires precise troubleshooting

SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All

SVO / Biodiesel

Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion

We offer an easy to install kit or you can build one from our components

SVO / Biodiesel

Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil

The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil

SVO / Biodiesel

Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit?

Questions and answers to help you decide if this is right for your diesel

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What are common faults in Mercedes? ›

Engine misfires are one of the most common problems we see in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

At what mileage does Mercedes start having problems? ›

There are not likely to be any definitive timescales to expect your Mercedes-Benz to start developing issues, but as with many cars, problems generally begin after around 7-10 years and around 100,000 miles. This is when items such as suspension arms, hydraulic engine mounts, and timing belts can need replacing.

Is Mercedes a high maintenance car? ›

Mercedes-Benz maintenance costs are pretty expensive compared to other brands and drivers pay about $908 on average per year to maintain and repair their Mercedes vehicles, according to RepairPal.com.

What is the disadvantage of Mercedes-Benz? ›

High Purchase and Maintenance Costs

The initial purchase cost can be significantly higher, and maintenance and repair costs can also be steep.

What are the bad years for Mercedes? ›

The early 2000s and late 2010s were the worst years for Mercedes-Benz. Their cars had big recalls and numerous issues that led to expensive repairs. While every model has its pros and cons, some problems are widespread.

What is the life expectancy of a Mercedes car? ›

How Many Miles Can Mercedes Cars Last? Giving a precise number of miles or years your Mercedes will last is almost impossible. It's due to the various factors and variables that can influence your vehicle's longevity. Yet, most Mercedes-Benz vehicles last anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 miles.

What model year Mercedes is most reliable? ›

Here are the 7 most reliable Mercedes-Benz used models you can get from Olympic Auto Sales.
  • 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS. Year 2015. ...
  • 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS. Year 2015. ...
  • 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE. Year 2016. ...
  • 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS. Year 2017. ...
  • 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS. ...
  • 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS. ...
  • 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-CLASS.
Aug 15, 2023

Is it a good idea to buy a Mercedes with high mileage? ›

A pre-owned vehicle with 50,000 miles that drives well could be a good purchase. However, a cheap pre-owned car with 100,000 miles could last another few years as long as it's in decent condition.

Are Mercedes reliable after 100k miles? ›

While 100,000 miles used to be regarded as high mileage, hitting six digits no longer means your vehicle is at the end of its life. Today, thanks to advances in technology, many Mercedes-Benz vehicles can last well beyond the 100,000-mile mark with proper care.

Are Mercedes expensive to insure? ›

On average, Mercedes drivers could pay an average of $1,664 annually for insurance. This is relatively expensive compared to other cars, but costs can differ greatly depending on the actual model.

Do Mercedes breakdown a lot? ›

Mercedes-Benz Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Mercedes-Benz Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 27th out of 32 for all car brands. This rating is based on an average across 345 unique models. The average annual repair cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908, which means it has average ownership costs.

Why are Mercedes so expensive to fix? ›

There are a few reasons this is the case and one of the main ones is innovative technology. Mercedes-Benz is known for developing advanced technologies in its models, this provides a high-quality vehicle but it also comes with the cost of innovation and research for the unique parts that are manufactured abroad.

What is Mercedes weakness? ›

Weakness. One of the weakness in Mercedes Benz is the maintenance cost of cars are expensive. Servicing cost is one of the important factors that consumers have to …show more content… It is one of the oldest and reputed car manufacturers which bring high brand awareness.

Is a Mercedes a good car to own? ›

Mercedes-Benz cars uphold a particular reputation among luxury brands, one that balances cutting-edge technology with high-quality materials and powerful engines. More affordable brands, such as Toyota and Honda, rank higher in their reliability ratings, but there's no mistaking the value and status of a Mercedes.

Why don't Mercedes hold their value? ›

This steep depreciation is because of their higher price tags and high-tech features. Luxury car owners are more likely to trade their vehicles in as soon as the tech becomes outdated, and the used-car market becomes saturated with them. Used-car buyers don't want to pay high prices for a dated model.

What is the most reliable Mercedes? ›

  • Mercedes Benz E Class. If you didn't know already, Mercedes Benz E Class vehicles have always been known as one of the most reliable cars that Mercedes have ever produced. ...
  • Mercedes Benz GLC Class. ...
  • Mercedes Benz C Class. ...
  • 2015 Mercedes Benz GLK Class. ...
  • Mercedes Benz GLA 2014-2020.
Jun 20, 2023

Are Mercedes cars good or bad? ›

Mercedes-Benz cars uphold a particular reputation among luxury brands, one that balances cutting-edge technology with high-quality materials and powerful engines. More affordable brands, such as Toyota and Honda, rank higher in their reliability ratings, but there's no mistaking the value and status of a Mercedes.

What are the list of recalls for Mercedes-Benz? ›

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles.

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