Post
Research the Car Logo

2018 Mercedes-Benz E300

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant interior, and advanced technology features. The E300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2018 E-Class included a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and a diesel engine. All engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the E300 for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and fuel efficiency, while some common complaints revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system and occasional electrical glitches.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)

  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine may exhibit rough idling, decreased power, or illuminated check engine light. Fault codes P0011 or P0014 might be present. This is often attributed to the camshaft adjuster solenoid malfunctioning, preventing proper oil flow to the camshaft adjusters (phasers).
    • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Extended cranking, rough idling, loss of power, or engine stalling. A distinct clicking or ticking noise might be audible from the engine bay. Diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel pressure or fuel delivery might be stored.
    • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

  • Rough or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or harsh shifts between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration. The transmission might hesitate or delay shifting, leading to an unresponsive feeling.
    • Solution: Perform a transmission adaptation reset using a diagnostic scan tool. If the issue persists, inspect the valve body for wear or damage. Valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Adaptation reset: $100-$200. Valve body replacement: $1500 - $3000+. Transmission rebuild: $4000+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Fluid Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible transmission fluid leaks underneath the vehicle, often near the transmission pan or around the transmission cooler lines. Low transmission fluid levels can lead to slipping or erratic shifting.
    • Solution: Identify the source of the leak (pan gasket, cooler lines, seals) and replace the faulty component. Ensure proper transmission fluid level after repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ (depending on the source of the leak)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped with Airmatic)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height, especially after being parked overnight. The air suspension compressor might run continuously or fail to engage. “Visit Workshop” warning message related to the suspension may appear.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty air suspension compressor. Also, inspect the air struts for leaks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (compressor replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • COMAND Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, lagging, or rebooting unexpectedly. Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation errors, or display glitches can occur.
    • Solution: Software update of the COMAND system, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update $100 - $300. COMAND Unit Replacement $1500-$3000+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven frequently. Jump-starting may be required.
    • Solution: Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the excessive current drain. Common culprits include faulty modules, lights staying on, or a failing battery. Repair or replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis $100-$300, Battery $200-$500, Module Replacement $300-$1000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • LED Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more LED elements in the headlight failing to illuminate, resulting in reduced visibility. Warning messages about headlight malfunctions may appear on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$3000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck or fail to open or close properly. Unusual noises during operation.
    • Solution: Inspect and lubricate the sunroof tracks and mechanism. Repair or replace any damaged components, such as the sunroof motor or cables.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, while generally reliable, does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. Engine issues like camshaft adjuster solenoid and high-pressure fuel pump failures, transmission problems like rough shifting and leaks, and electrical issues such as COMAND system glitches and battery drain are common issues with this vehicle. Suspension issues with the airmatic systems are another common issue as well as the LED headlights failing. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to more costly repairs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and address these common problems to ensure a better ownership experience.

Mercedes-Benz, E300
Mercedes-Benz E300 2018
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.