2010 Mercedes-Benz E550

Introduction

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 is a mid-size luxury sedan powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Other engine and transmission options include:

• 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
• 5.5-liter V8 with 388 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque with a 7-speed automatic transmission

The E550 is praised for its luxurious cabin, powerful engine, and refined handling. However, it has also been criticized for its high price and potential reliability issues.

Engine

• 5.5-liter V8

  • Intake manifold runner issue
    • Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold runners can become brittle over time, causing vacuum leaks and a decrease in engine performance. Symptoms may include rough idle, stalling, and reduced power.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold runners.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms may include rattling noises from the engine, loss of power, and check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and possibly the timing chain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

• 3.0-liter V6 diesel

  • Diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The DPF can become clogged, causing a buildup of soot in the exhaust system. This can lead to a loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Clean or replace the DPF.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Injector failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can fail, causing a rough idle, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per injector
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 7-speed automatic transmission

  • Transmission fluid leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid can leak from the pan, cooler lines, or other seals. This can lead to a loss of fluid and transmission damage. Symptoms may include slipping gears, delayed shifts, and check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking component(s) and refill the transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque converter shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder or vibrate when the vehicle is shifting gears. This can be caused by a worn torque converter, dirty transmission fluid, or other issues.
    • Solution: Flush the transmission fluid and replace the torque converter if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to fail to start or experience electrical issues. This can be caused by a parasitic draw, faulty alternator, or other electrical component.
  • Solution: Test the battery and identify the source of the parasitic draw. Replace or repair the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Adaptive cruise control malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive cruise control system may malfunction, causing the vehicle to accelerate or brake unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Recalibrate or replace the radar sensor and/or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight assemblies, causing them to fog up or become cloudy.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight assemblies or use a desiccant packet to absorb moisture.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per headlight assembly
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door handle breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles can become brittle and break when used, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door handle(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Panoramic sunroof rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof can rattle or make noise when opening or closing.
  • Solution: Lubricate or adjust the sunroof tracks and mechanisms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear seat release cable failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cable that releases the rear seats may fail, making it impossible to fold the seats down.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 is a capable luxury sedan, but it is not without potential issues. Engine problems, such as intake manifold runner failures and timing chain tensioner failures, can be costly to repair. The transmission may also experience fluid leaks or torque converter shudder. Electrical problems, including battery drain and adaptive cruise control malfunction, can also occur. In addition, various minor exterior and interior issues, such as headlight condensation and sunroof rattling, have been reported. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the condition of the vehicle.