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2020 Mercedes-Benz E300

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E300 is a popular luxury sedan known for its refined ride, comfortable interior, and elegant styling. The E300 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Other E-Class models offer more powerful engine options. Owners often praise the E300 for its comfortable ride, advanced technology features, and luxurious interior. Common complaints typically revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system and occasional electrical glitches.

Electrical

  • MBUX Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, which controls navigation, audio, and vehicle settings, may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash entirely. This can occur randomly or when using specific features like voice control or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
    • Solution: A software update from the dealership is typically needed to address these issues. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update - $0 (covered under warranty); Head unit replacement - $1,200 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • 12V Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s 12V battery drains quickly, especially if the car sits unused for a few days. This can result in difficulty starting the car or a complete failure to start. Issues may arise from a faulty module that doesn’t shut down properly, continuing to draw power.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the parasitic draw and replacing the faulty module or component causing the drain. The battery may also need to be replaced if it has been repeatedly drained.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis - $150 - $300; Battery replacement - $300 - $500; Module replacement - $500 - $1500+ (depending on the module)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Driver Assistance Systems Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Issues with driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. These may include error messages, intermittent failures, or complete system shutdown.
    • Solution: recalibration, sensor replacement (radar, camera), or software update depending on the cause of the malfunction.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Recalibration - $200 - $500; Sensor replacement - $500 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof/moonroof may fail to open or close properly, make excessive noise, or leak water. The mechanism may be faulty or the seals may be damaged.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof tracks, replacement of the sunroof motor, or replacement of the seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Lubrication - $50 - $150; Motor replacement - $300 - $800; Seal replacement - $200 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat heater may fail to heat up, overheat, or only heat up intermittently. This can be caused by a faulty heating element or a problem with the control module.
    • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or the control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Heating element replacement - $300 - $700; Control module replacement - $200 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M264)

  • Camshaft Adjuster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illumination, rough idling, decreased engine performance, and unusual engine noises. The camshaft adjuster, responsible for adjusting valve timing, may fail or become faulty leading to suboptimal engine operation.
    • Solution: Replacement of the camshaft adjuster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, and potential smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, especially at lower speeds. This can feel like a “clunk” or a noticeable hesitation during acceleration.
    • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM) or replacement of the valve body within the transmission. In severe cases, a transmission replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update - $0 (covered under warranty); Valve body replacement - $1,500 - $3,000+; Transmission replacement - $5,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E300, while generally a reliable and luxurious vehicle, does exhibit some common issues. Electrical problems, particularly with the MBUX system and 12V battery drain, appear to be the most frequently reported. Engine issues with the camshaft adjuster and turbocharger failure are also less common, but still relevant. The cost of repairs can vary greatly depending on the specific issue, ranging from relatively minor software updates to more expensive component replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Mercedes-Benz, E300
Mercedes-Benz E300 2020
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