Post
Research the Car Logo

2013 Mercedes-Benz E350

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its blend of comfort, performance, and technology. The E350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2013 E-Class include a turbocharged four-cylinder in the E250, a diesel V6 in the E350 BlueTec, and a more powerful V8 in the E550. All engine options are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E350 for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features. Common complaints revolve around higher maintenance costs, occasional electrical glitches, and the complexity of the infotainment system.

Engine

3.5L V6 (M276)

  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Camshaft Adjuster Magnet) Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from the camshaft adjuster solenoids (also known as magnets). This can lead to oil dripping onto other engine components, causing a burning smell and potential damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid and cleaning of any affected areas.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Can lead to more significant engine damage if left unresolved.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner, and potentially the timing chain and guides if significant wear is present.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, transmission not shifting properly, getting stuck in gear.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the valve body. In some cases, flushing the transmission and replacing the conductor plate may resolve the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4000+ depending on if the transmission is rebuilt/replaced or if only the valve body is replaced
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during light acceleration.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Fluid dripping from the transmission area, difficulty shifting, transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replacement of the transmission pan gasket, electrical connector sleeve (pilot bushing), or other seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the source of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly or not at all, “Visit Workshop” warning light related to the air suspension.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or valve block. Checking for and repairing air leaks in the system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and alignment issues.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • COMAND System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, system rebooting, navigation malfunctions, Bluetooth connectivity problems, no sound.
    • Solution: Software update (if available), replacement of the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
    • Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty module, light, or other electrical component. Replacement of the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnosis and repair, $200+ for a new battery.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, unable to start the car, steering wheel locked.
    • Solution: Replacement of the ESL module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
    • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing damaged components, or realigning the sunroof panel.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or interior switch.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating, or only working intermittently.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or use of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ for dashboard replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, making grinding noises, or falling into the door.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+ per window.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle, can be prone to certain issues. Engine issues like oil leaks and timing chain tensioner problems can be costly, as can transmission problems related to the valve body and torque converter. Air suspension failures are also a potential expense if the vehicle is equipped with that option. Electrical gremlins with the COMAND system, battery drain, and electronic steering lock can also arise. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection and awareness of potential maintenance needs essential for prospective buyers. The severity of the issues range from minor inconveniences to significant mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the issue.

Mercedes-Benz, E350
Mercedes-Benz E350 2013
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.