2006 Mercedes-Benz E350
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfort, elegant styling, and advanced features for its time. The E350 came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options included the E320 CDI diesel engine. Drivers often praised the E350 for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and powerful engine, while common complaints included electrical issues and higher than average maintenance costs.
Engine
3.5L V6 (M272)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The balance shaft sprocket, which is responsible for engine timing, can wear prematurely, especially in earlier production M272 engines (reportedly those manufactured before 2007). Symptoms include a check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing, rough idling, and decreased engine performance.
- Solution: Replacement of the balance shaft sprocket. Requires significant engine disassembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The camshaft position sensor can fail, leading to rough running, stalling, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Runner Flap Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Plastic components within the intake manifold runner flaps can break, leading to a check engine light and potentially reduced engine performance.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L Diesel (OM648)
- Glow Plug Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Diesel engines rely on glow plugs to heat the cylinders for starting in cold weather. When glow plugs fail, the engine may be hard to start, especially in cold conditions.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty glow plug(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors can become clogged or fail, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and increased emissions.
- Solution: Replacement or cleaning of the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on how many injectors)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic (722.9)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The 722.9 transmission valve body is prone to wear and failure, leading to harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. In some cases, flushing the transmission and replacing the conductor plate may resolve the issue if caught early.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate, which houses the transmission’s electronic sensors, can fail. Symptoms include erratic shifting, limp mode, and error codes.
- Solution: Replacement of the transmission conductor plate.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Failure (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with Airmatic suspension can experience issues with the air struts, compressor, and valve block. Symptoms include the car sitting low, uneven ride height, and a warning light on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut, compressor, or valve block.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per component
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint and Control Arm Wear
- Description/Symptoms: The front ball joints and control arm bushings are prone to wear, leading to clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn ball joints and/or control arms.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The EIS, also known as the ignition switch, can fail, preventing the car from starting or recognizing the key.
- Solution: Replacement of the EIS unit and reprogramming of the keys.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The SAM controls various electrical functions and can fail, leading to issues with lights, wipers, and other electrical systems.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM unit and reprogramming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Parasitic draws can drain the battery overnight, especially if aftermarket electronics are installed.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic draw.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housings, causing condensation and potentially damaging the bulbs or wiring.
- Solution: Removal and resealing of the headlight housings, or replacement of the headlight assemblies.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing it to stick or not open/close properly.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system, including the navigation, can experience software glitches, screen failures, or complete system failure.
- Solution: Software update, screen replacement, or complete COMAND unit replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a comfortable and luxurious vehicle, but owners should be aware of the common issues that can arise as the car ages. The most prevalent issues involve the engine (especially the balance shaft problem in the 3.5L V6), the 7-speed transmission valve body, Airmatic suspension failures (if equipped), and various electrical problems. Repairs can be costly, so pre-purchase inspections and diligent maintenance are essential. Severity ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures that require extensive repairs. Potential repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for sensor replacements to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission overhauls.