We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 65, about average

2006: 130, worse than average

2005: 67, about average

In all three cases the sample sizes are small. Since the results for the 2005 and 2006 are so different, they are probably not accurate. The actual repair frequencies are probably in between these two results.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons

 

We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 48, about average

2007: 63, about average

2006: 113, worse than average; actual repair rate probably lower, based on other results

2005: 83, about average

Small sample sizes in all four cases.

Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons

 

330 E-Class owners now signed up to participate--a good start, but more remain needed to properly cover all model years from 1995 on. Updated results next month.

Help get your year included in our results:

Car reliability research

 

Updated results again later this month.

We're going to start providing new stats for the odds of requiring no repairs and the odds of getting a lemon. These require larger sample sizes, so additional participants would be helpful.

For the details, and to sign up:

Car reliability research

 

We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 33, better than avearge

2007: 67, about average

2006: 126, worse than average; actual repair rate probably lower, based on other results

2005: 84, about average

Small sample sizes for all but the 2006.

Everyone who has been helping, I certainly appreciate it. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons

 

93 400E typical maintenance replacement parts, nothing major failing
163k still running strong

00 E320 4MATIC only problem was leaking front (passenger side) differential axle seal had to replace
Also blower motor regulator replaced (fan is working well)
97k miles everything else in tip top
although it has the "Life Time" transmission with no dipstick
it's beginning to smell like it needs a change

 

Stay away from the 2003, I am well known at the dealership. List of things that have gone wrong with a certified pre owned I bought in 2006: Torque Struts $800, Both front ball joints $360, both batteries $400, rear SAM module (replaced with an 09) $900, lock actuators $395, heater/AC valve $495. Car runs great now, adding the new rear SAM was the biggest difference, but what a money pit. I bought the car with 27k miles on it an now have 76k. From all of my conversations with mechanics, if you want to go newer, look at 2006 and up.

 

Newer is definitely better with all of the German manufacturers. With the E-Class, the 2008 and 2009 MIGHT be the best--wish I had enough data to provide some conclusive stats.

We might have a partial stat for the 2010 with the May update. Have a 2010? You can help us provide the first reliability stats anywhere for it.

402 E-Class owners now signed up. A good start, but more needed to cover all years from 1995 on.

Not yet signed up? Details here:

Car reliability research

 

We have updated results for the E-Class to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 35, better than avearge

2007: 73, about average

2006: 107, worse than average

2005: 97, about average

Small sample sizes for the 2005 and 2008.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability comparisons

 

Now 450 E-Class owners now signed up. A very good start, but more are needed to provide precise results for all model years from 1995 on.

Not yet signed up? Details here:

Car reliability research