2012 Mercedes-Benz E350

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant interior, and sophisticated features. The E350 is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Other engine options for the 2012 E-Class include a diesel engine in the E350 Bluetec and a more powerful V8 in the E550. Transmission options consist of a 7-speed automatic. Owners often praise the E350 for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and premium materials. Common dislikes include the complicated infotainment system and the potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor performance, and potential stalling. This is commonly caused by the camshaft adjuster solenoid failing on either bank of the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level, and potential check engine light. Leaks often originate from the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or oil filter housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $300 - $700+, Oil filter housing: $400 - $1000+

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during light acceleration. Can also manifest as harsh or delayed shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the torque converter. In some cases, a software update may temporarily alleviate the issue, but replacement is often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, or getting stuck in a gear. Often caused by worn or sticking valves within the valve body.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly, “Vehicle Level Malfunction” warning light. This is more common in models equipped with the Airmatic suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air struts: $800 - $2000+ per strut, Air compressor: $500 - $1500+

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module, malfunctioning component, or leaving accessories on.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic draw and repair or replacement of the offending component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause)
• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, key not recognized, or complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EIS module and potentially reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving, window moving slowly, clicking sounds when operating the window, window falling down into the door.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise. Can be caused by a faulty motor, damaged tracks, or debris buildup.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the tracks, repairing or replacing the motor, or replacing damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the complexity of the repair)

Interior

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, system crashing, navigation issues, or inability to control certain functions.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+

Recalls:

• 2012070002 (July 2012): Recall for the front SAM control unit software update on certain MY2012 C-Class, E-Class, SLS, CLS, and SLK vehicles.
• 2016070005 (July 2016): Recall for Takata airbags on certain MY2009-2012 vehicles.
• 2017020012 (February 2017): Recall for emergency call system malfunction on certain MY2013-2017 vehicles.
• 2019020008 (February 2019): Recall for power steering failure in certain MY2012-2014 C-Class and E-Class vehicles.

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle, does have some common issues. Engine problems like camshaft adjuster solenoid failure and oil leaks can be relatively common and moderately expensive to repair. Transmission issues, particularly with the torque converter and valve body, can be more significant and costly. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating, and suspension issues, especially with the air suspension, can also lead to expensive repairs. Addressing these potential issues proactively can help ensure a more enjoyable ownership experience.