2015 Mercedes-Benz E250
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250 is a diesel-powered luxury sedan known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. The E-Class lineup also includes gasoline engine options like the E350 (3.5L V6 with around 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque) and the E400 (3.0L Turbo V6 with around 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque), paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E250’s fuel economy, luxurious interior, and smooth ride. Common complaints revolve around the diesel engine’s potential for expensive repairs and the complexity of the car’s electronic systems.
Engine
2.1L Diesel (OM651)
- Oil Leaks from Oil Filter Housing/Cooler
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are observed around the oil filter housing or the oil cooler. Low oil levels and visible oil on the engine.
- Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket or the oil cooler.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Injectors
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, loss of power, and excessive smoke.
- Solution: Replace the faulty injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noises from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9)
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during low-speed acceleration, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear. Delayed engagement of gears.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Problems (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly, error messages on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut or compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Glow Plug Module Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting in cold weather, check engine light, glow plug fault codes.
- Solution: Replace the glow plug module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery dying frequently, requiring jump starts. Can be caused by faulty modules or accessories not shutting down properly.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the drain. This may involve replacing faulty modules, fixing wiring issues, or addressing aftermarket accessories.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
- Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or other components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Command System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: COMAND screen freezing, rebooting, or failing to display information. Navigation, audio, or other functions may be affected.
- Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Heater Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working or only partially working.
- Solution: Replace the heating element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per seat
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, while fuel-efficient and luxurious, can be prone to specific issues related to its diesel engine and complex electronic systems. Engine oil leaks, injector failures, and turbocharger problems are common. Transmission issues such as torque converter shudder and valve body failure can also occur. Electrical problems, including glow plug module failures and battery drain, and interior malfunctions with the COMAND system or seat heaters, also happen. While some issues have fairly low repair costs, other repairs such as turbocharger or air suspension replacements can be quite expensive. Before purchasing a used 2015 E250, a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is recommended, with a focus on the items mentioned here.