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2012 Mercedes-Benz E250

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E250 is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and elegant styling. The E250 is powered by a 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel engine, producing 195 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2012 E-Class include a 3.5-liter V6 (E350), a 4.6-liter V8 (E550), and a 5.5-liter AMG V8 (E63 AMG). The E250 is generally praised for its fuel economy, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior, while some owners find the diesel engine to be somewhat noisy and the performance less exhilarating compared to the gasoline engines.

Engine

2.1L Turbo Diesel

  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The DPF can become clogged, leading to reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and warning lights on the dashboard. This is often exacerbated by short trips where the DPF regeneration cycle is not completed.
    • Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF, cleaning the DPF, or replacement of the DPF.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • AdBlue System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system, including faulty sensors, pump failures, and leaks, can trigger warning lights and potentially limit engine performance.
    • Solution: Replacing faulty sensors, repairing or replacing the AdBlue pump, or fixing leaks in the system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop. This can be caused by wear or failure of the torque converter.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, or failure to shift properly. These issues can stem from problems with the valve body, which controls the flow of hydraulic fluid within the transmission.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The E-Class, especially higher trim levels, could be equipped with air suspension. Common problems include air leaks in the struts, compressor failure, or issues with the air suspension control module. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle, especially overnight, or failure of the suspension to adjust properly.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut(s), replacing the air compressor, or replacing the control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per strut; $500-$1500 for compressor and control module respectively
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Glow Plug Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather, can be caused by a faulty glow plug module or faulty glow plugs. The check engine light may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replacing the glow plug module and/or glow plugs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as issues with lighting, wipers, or other electronic components. SAM modules control various electrical functions, and failure can lead to a range of problems.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the specific problem related to the SAM module and replacing or reprogramming the module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may become stuck, fail to open or close properly, or make excessive noise during operation. Problems can range from a simple lubrication issue to motor failure or broken tracks.
    • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, or replacing damaged tracks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Navigation/Infotainment System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system may experience freezing, glitches, or failure to boot. Software updates or hardware issues can be the cause.
    • Solution: Performing a software update, resetting the system, or replacing the head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to operate or may overheat. This can be caused by a faulty heating element or a problem with the seat heater control module.
    • Solution: Replacing the heating element or the control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E250 can have various issues, ranging from moderate to severe. The diesel engine is prone to DPF and AdBlue system problems, while the 7G-Tronic transmission can experience torque converter and valve body issues. Electrical problems with SAM modules and glow plugs are also common. Suspension issues, mainly with the air suspension systems, can also be present and costly. Interior issues relating to the infotainment and seat heaters are also possible. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major component replacements.

Mercedes-Benz, E250
Mercedes-Benz E250 2012
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