2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant styling, and advanced features. The E350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. While generally reliable, some owners have reported specific issues. Common praises include its comfortable interior, smooth ride, and overall build quality. Some criticisms include higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury brands and some electrical gremlins. Other engine options for this model year include the E550 which features a 5.5L V8 engine, and the E63 AMG with a 6.2L V8 engine.

Engine

3.5L V6 Engine

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Camshaft Position Sensor) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, decreased engine performance, potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking valve cover gaskets or oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800 (depending on location and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Water Pump, Thermostat Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, low coolant level, visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty water pump or thermostat housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, inability to shift properly.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension (Airmatic) Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, error message on the dashboard, failure to maintain ride height.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air strut(s) or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear, loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per ball joint.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the car, steering wheel locked.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or other electrical components failing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. Common sources include faulty door control modules, seat modules, or aftermarket electronics.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making noise, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 presents a mixed bag of potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not universally prevalent, can be costly, especially concerning the torque converter and valve body. Electrical issues, such as EIS and SAM module failures, can also lead to significant repair bills. Suspension issues, especially with the Airmatic system, can be quite expensive. Overall, while the E350 offers luxury and performance, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potentially higher maintenance costs.