2002 Mercedes-Benz E500

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz E500 is a luxurious and comfortable mid-size sedan known for its powerful V8 engine and smooth ride. The E500 came equipped with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2002 E-Class included a 2.6L V6, a 3.2L V6, and a 3.2L inline-5 diesel. The E500 was available exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E500 for its comfortable interior, strong acceleration, and elegant styling, but common complaints revolve around the car’s complex electronics and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

5.0L V8 (M113)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the leak location and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found
• MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. A diagnostic scan will typically reveal a fault code related to the MAF sensor.
  • Solution: Replacing the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, rattling noises from the exhaust, and a check engine light. Diagnostic codes will indicate catalytic converter inefficiency.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty catalytic converter(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (due to the number of converters)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. Transmission may also slip or fail to engage properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, limp mode, and diagnostic trouble codes related to solenoids or speed sensors within the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacing the conductor plate (also known as the valve body) and potentially the connector sleeve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may sag on one or more corners, the air compressor may run constantly, and ride quality may be poor. Warning lights related to the Airmatic system may illuminate on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking air struts, the air compressor, or the valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per air strut, $500 - $1,000 for the compressor, $300 - $600 for the valve block.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Loose or sloppy steering. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per ball joint.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster display fade or disappear, making it difficult to read information such as the odometer, temperature, or warning messages.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The windows may operate slowly, erratically, or not at all. Clicking or grinding noises may be heard when attempting to raise or lower the windows.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may fail to open or close properly, become stuck, or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or other components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can form on the rocker panels, door sills, around the wheel wells, and under the door handles.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out rusted metal, welding in new panels, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the severity and location of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Cup Holder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The spring mechanism in the center console cup holder often breaks, rendering it unusable.
  • Solution: Replacing the cup holder assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz E500, while a comfortable and powerful vehicle, is prone to several issues that can lead to significant repair costs. The air suspension, transmission, and electrical components are particularly problematic. Oil leaks are also common. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as those involving the Airmatic suspension or catalytic converters, can be very costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, or obtain a pre-purchase inspection.