2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG is a performance-oriented sedan that slots between the standard E-Class and the more powerful E63 AMG. It’s equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 396 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. While praised for its brisk acceleration, agile handling, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, some owners have reported specific issues. Dislikes often center around the firm ride quality, particularly with the optional performance tires, and the high cost of maintenance and repairs. Other available engines in the 2017 E-Class lineup include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (M276)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine bay, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, visible oil around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Transmission software update, transmission valve body replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (software update), $1,500 - $3,000 (valve body replacement)
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting unevenly, suspension warning light, inability to adjust ride height.
  • Solution: Replace the air struts, air compressor, or associated components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800-$1500 for the compressor.

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start after sitting for a short period, frequent jump starts needed.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the parasitic draw (often related to a faulty module), replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (diagnostics & parasitic draw repair), $300 - $600 (battery replacement)
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Bluetooth pairing problems, navigation malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (software update), $1,500 - $3,000+ (COMAND unit replacement)
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning parking sensors, error messages for driver assistance systems.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, rattling, or failure to open/close properly.
  • Solution: Lubricate the tracks, repair or replace the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 (lubrication/minor repair), $1,000 - $3,000+ (motor/mechanism replacement)

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving in one or more directions, grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common issues outlined above. Turbocharger and transmission issues are among the most expensive to address, while electrical glitches can be frustrating. Air suspension failures (if equipped) can also be costly. Overall, while many owners report positive experiences, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify and address any potential problems before purchase. The severity of the issues varies, but the cost of repairs can be significant, especially for complex systems like the air suspension or COMAND system.