Post
Research the Car Logo

2014 Mercedes-Benz E400

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfort, technology, and performance. It’s powered by a 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2014 E-Class include a 2.1L Turbo Diesel Inline-4, a 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6, and a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V8. All engine options are paired with the 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the E400’s smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced features. Common complaints often revolve around electronic glitches and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, or rear main seal, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Visible oil spots under the car and a burning oil smell are common symptoms.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the source and extent of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine bay, reduced power, and potential check engine lights due to turbocharger failure or issues with the turbocharger wastegate actuators.
    • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger or repairing the wastegate actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ for turbocharger replacement. Wastegate actuator repair can range from $500-$1500.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic Plus 7-Speed Automatic

  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. May also include delayed engagement or slipping.
    • Solution: Performing a transmission service (fluid and filter change), or reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM). In severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 for service, $150 - $300 for reprogramming. Valve body replacement can be $1,500 - $3,000, and a full rebuild/replacement could cost $4,000 - $7,000+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop. May also cause stalling or difficulty shifting.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Problems (Airmatic)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height, failure to maintain proper ride height, or a malfunctioning air compressor. “Visit Workshop” message may appear on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500 for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • COMAND System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in the infotainment system, including screen freezes, audio problems, navigation errors, or connectivity issues with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
    • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for unit replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not used for a few days. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine or requiring a jump start.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, malfunctioning sensor, improperly installed aftermarket accessories).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning sensors such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, or crankshaft position sensors can cause a variety of engine performance issues, including rough idling, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+ depending on the sensor and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
    • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, or replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for cleaning and lubrication, $300 - $800 for motor replacement, $1,000 - $3,000+ for full assembly replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Power seats failing to adjust properly or making grinding noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the seat motor or repairing the seat mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Delamination
    • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard begins to peel or crack.
    • Solution: Replacing the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential owners should be aware of common issues. Engine oil leaks, turbocharger problems, transmission issues, and electrical glitches are among the most frequent concerns. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements. Air suspension issues are also common and can be costly to repair. While not all E400s will experience these problems, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.

Mercedes-Benz, E400
Mercedes-Benz E400 2014
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.