2016 Mercedes-Benz E400

Introduction:

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 is a midsize luxury sedan known for its refined styling, advanced technology, and powerful performance. It is powered by a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine that delivers 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The E400 is available with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a choice between a 7-speed automatic transmission or a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Owners appreciate the E400’s luxurious interior, ample space, and robust engine performance. However, they have also reported several issues with the vehicle.

Engine

3.0L V6 Biturbo

• Oil Leaks:
  • Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks:
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks transmission fluid, causing shifting issues and potential transmission damage.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission oil cooler line.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive noise from the engine, reduced power, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift Delay:
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or delay when shifting gears, especially from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gears.
  • Solution: Update the transmission control module (TCM) software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, slipping, or shuddering during shifts.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Hard Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or sudden gear changes, particularly when downshifting.
  • Solution: Update the transmission control module (TCM) software or replace the transmission valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Noise:
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or humming noises coming from the transmission, especially when accelerating or decelerating.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission oil filter and fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Suspension failure, resulting in uneven ride height or complete suspension collapse.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor or air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Noise:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or clunking noises from the front suspension when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead prematurely, even with the vehicle off.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty module, trunk light switch failure).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions:
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, glitches, or complete failure of the COMAND infotainment system.
  • Solution: Update the infotainment software or replace the COMAND module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors fail to lock or unlock properly, requiring manual intervention or key fob replacement.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators or door lock control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Panoramic Roof Leakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin through the panoramic sunroof, causing water damage to the headliner and interior components.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof seals or drainage system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 is a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, but it has faced several significant issues. The most common problems include oil leaks, timing chain issues, transmission slipping, hard shifting, suspension malfunctions, battery drain, infotainment system glitches, door lock failure, and panoramic roof leakage. While these issues can be costly to repair, they are generally not severe enough to compromise the vehicle’s overall reliability.