2006 Mercedes-Benz E500

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine, and elegant styling. It was also offered with a 3.5L V6 engine (E350) and a 3.2L Diesel engine (E320 CDI). The E500 boasts a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Owners appreciate its smooth acceleration, luxurious interior, and advanced features for its time. Common complaints revolve around the cost of maintenance and repairs, especially concerning the air suspension system and electrical components.

Engine

5.0L M113 V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop around the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the affected gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location and complexity.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty camshaft position sensors can cause rough idling, stalling, and difficulty starting. The check engine light will usually illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+

Transmission

722.9 7G-Tronic 7-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during low-speed acceleration, particularly when the torque converter locks up. This can also result in jerky shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or failure to shift gears. Diagnostic codes related to valve body solenoids or pressure regulation may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+

Suspension

• Airmatic Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic system is prone to leaks in the air struts, compressor failure, or issues with the valve block. Symptoms include sagging suspension (especially overnight), the car sitting unevenly, error messages on the dash, and a noisy air compressor.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts, compressor, or valve block. Sometimes individual components within the system can be rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor, $300 - $800+ for the valve block.

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty or inability to start the car. The key may not turn in the ignition, or the car may start intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the EIS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical malfunctions affecting various systems, such as lights, wipers, windows, or door locks. Can also cause parasitic battery drain.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
• Tele Aid Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Tele Aid system malfunctions can cause a “Tele Aid Malfunction” message to appear on the instrument cluster. This can be due to the system’s internal battery dying or other hardware/software issues.
  • Solution: Deactivate the Tele Aid system or replace the module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust bubbles on body panels, especially around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and trunk lid.
  • Solution: Repair the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may become stuck, fail to open or close properly, or make excessive noise during operation. The sunroof motor or the sliding mechanism may be faulty.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or sliding mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Recalls

• None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, can be prone to certain issues, especially with its air suspension and electrical systems. The engine and transmission, while generally reliable, can also develop problems over time. Repair costs can be significant, particularly for suspension and electrical issues, making it crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection and be prepared for potential maintenance expenses. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and costs can quickly escalate due to the complexity of the vehicle and the cost of parts.