2016 Mercedes-Benz E550

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E550 is a luxury sedan that offered a blend of performance and comfort. Its main competitor was the BMW 550i. The E550 was praised for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. Some common complaints revolved around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some issues with the electronics. The 2016 E550 was equipped with a 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The E550 only had one engine option, but other E-Class models offered a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4, a 3.0L Turbo V6, and a diesel option. The E550 was paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The twin-turbochargers can experience failures, leading to reduced engine power, unusual noises (whining or whistling), and potentially an engine check light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Transmission

7G-Tronic 7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 722.9 transmission, while generally reliable, can experience valve body issues. Symptoms include harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can lead to shuddering during acceleration, abnormal noises, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped with Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with the Airmatic air suspension, the system can develop leaks in the air struts, compressor failure, or issues with the control module. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, or a suspension malfunction warning light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut, compressor, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500-$1500 for compressor

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience various issues, including screen freezing, navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and audio system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1000+
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules or electrical components not shutting down properly. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, or warning messages related to the electrical system.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors can fail, causing the seats to be stuck in one position, or operate slowly or erratically.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor

Recalls

• Recall Number: 2017030004
  • Description: The affected vehicles have a driver’s side front airbag module that may not have been manufactured to specifications. In the event of a crash, the airbag may not deploy as intended.
• Recall Number: 2017070015
  • Description: On certain vehicles, the steering coupler flange may not meet current production specifications. As a result, the steering coupler flange could fracture.
• Recall Number: 2019080015
  • Description: On certain vehicles, the eCall (emergency call) system may transmit an incorrect vehicle position following a crash.

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E550, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, does have some common issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger problems can be costly to repair. Transmission valve body issues are also a concern. Air suspension failures, if equipped, can also add to the maintenance costs. Electrical issues and sunroof malfunctions can also occur. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in the potential for higher maintenance costs when considering this vehicle.