2008 Mercedes-Benz E350

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style. The E350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0L Turbocharged V6 Diesel engine producing 210 Horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque was also available in the E320 Bluetec trim. For transmissions, both engines were paired with a 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E350 for its comfortable ride, elegant interior, and strong performance, while some common complaints include electrical issues, particularly with the lighting systems. The E350 also has potential issues with the airmatic suspension system.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may experience rough idling, stalling, decreased engine power, and the check engine light illuminates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are often observed around the valve cover gaskets, leading to a burning oil smell and potential oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

3.0L V6 Diesel

• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult cold starting, rough running engine, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Seal Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the oil cooler assembly, often dripping onto other components.
  • Solution: Replacing the oil cooler seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Transmission

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, especially at lower speeds. Can also cause the check engine light to come on.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter or rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement of gears, or getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may sit unevenly, the suspension may be very stiff or very bouncy, or the car may not raise or lower properly. Error messages may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking air struts, the air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut; $500 - $1000 for the compressor; $300 - $600 for the valve block
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear, and loose steering.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per ball joint

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with various electrical systems, including lights, wipers, and power windows. Can also cause issues with starting the car.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Flickering, dimming, or complete failure of headlights, often related to the ballast or control unit.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight ballast or control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per headlight
• Power Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seats won’t move forward, backward, up, or down. Also common is headrest and lumbar failure
  • Solution: Replacement of a faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per seat

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may not open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors may not lock or unlock with the remote or the interior switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door

Interior

• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or non-functional air conditioning or heating, often due to a faulty blend door actuator or climate control module.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator or climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
• Navigation System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may freeze, become unresponsive, or display errors.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the navigation system module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500

Summary: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from moderate engine-related problems to more costly suspension and electrical system failures. While some issues, like camshaft position sensor failure and oil leaks, are relatively inexpensive to address, problems with the Airmatic suspension, transmission, and SAM modules can lead to significant repair bills. The severity of these issues varies, but owners should be prepared for the possibility of higher maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle of this age.