2009 Mercedes-Benz E500
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E500 is a luxury sedan appreciated for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and elegant interior. The E500 was powered by a 5.5L V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2009 E-Class included a 3.5L V6 in the E350 and a 3.0L diesel V6 in the E320 Bluetec. All engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Common complaints include the car’s complex electronics which can be prone to failure and the higher maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle. However, owners generally praise the car’s performance, comfort, and safety features.
Engine
5.5L V8 Engine
- Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, reduced engine performance. Often related to oil leaks as well.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible near the oil filter housing, oil dripping, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic) Transmission
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can also cause harsh shifting or a delay in gear engagement.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter or, in some cases, a complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift into certain gears, transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the valve body. Sometimes a fluid flush and adaptation reset can help, but usually only temporarily.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, failure to maintain ride height, error messages on the dashboard related to the suspension. The air compressor may also run constantly.
- Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,000 for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Uneven tire wear and loose or vague steering.
- Solution: Replacement of the ball joints, either individually or as part of a control arm assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, intermittent electrical issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the EIS module and potentially reprogramming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
- Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic drain. This can involve tracing faulty modules or circuits.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of various electrical components such as lights, wipers, or power windows. Can cause a wide range of seemingly unrelated electrical issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM unit and reprogramming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise. Water leaks.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism, motor, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Navigation System/COMAND System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: System freezing, screen going blank, navigation errors, inability to control certain functions.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of associated wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the severity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making unusual noises, seat stuck in one position.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or repair of the seat mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E500, while a luxurious and capable vehicle, can be prone to a range of issues. The most concerning are potential problems with the Airmatic suspension (if equipped) and transmission, which can result in high repair costs. Electrical problems related to the EIS, SAM modules, and battery drain are also common. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can quickly escalate into significant expenses. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into the overall cost of ownership. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified mechanic familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles are highly recommended.