Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2024)

Table of Contents
Featured Problems & Solutions 1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement Oil Cooler Hose Leaks and Failure on Older Mercedes (especially OM 616 and OM 617 Diesels) Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes Solutions Finder: Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim Fixing the Tilting Sunroof Brake ProblemsView All How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System Climate Control ProblemsView All Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control Heater Blower Motor Won't Run Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems Electrical ProblemsView All Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure Engine ProblemsView All Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks Interior ProblemsView All Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming Inside Door Related Problems Lights ProblemsView All Replacing W116 Tail Lights Seals Moisture Buildup Inside Your Headlights Replacing a Plastic Headlight Door Surround on a W126 or W124 Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out Suspension ProblemsView All Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension Diagnosing and Repairing Hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension (SLS ) Transmission ProblemsView All Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing? Vacuum ProblemsView All 126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing 123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit? Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil FAQs References

Featured Problems & Solutions

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (1)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (3)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (4)

  • Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (5)

  • Engine Problem:

    1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement

    Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage

    Produced from 1984 to 1993 these lighter weight aluminum head engines replaced the venerable cast iron 616 and 617 engines of the 1970's and early 1980's. Theses engines were more powerful and more fuel efficient. They did have a few teething problems but have proven to be very durable as long as they are treated and maintained properly.

    Read More >

  • Engine Problem:

    Oil Cooler Hose Leaks and Failure on Older Mercedes (especially OM 616 and OM 617 Diesels)

    Failure of these hoses can lead to total destruction of your engine

    Along with radiator neck failure, the rupture of one of the large oil cooler lines on your diesel engine can easily ruin your engine. When one of these lines goes you can lose all your engine oil in just a few minutes. If you are driving and not watching your oil pressure gauge you can destroy the engine bearings in short order.

    Read More >

  • Suspension Problem:

    Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension

    Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast

    Front suspension overhaul is almost always left until one has fixed everything else on the car. We know that most owners can live with some looseness in the suspension, especially when you consider the age of the 123 chassis.

    Read More >

  • Body and Exterior Trim Problem:

    Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim

    It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work

    This is one problem that has plagued anyone who owns and loves old Mercedes Benz. Short of replacing the trim, the solution has been evasive for some and near impossible for others. Over the years I have tried every metal polish and rubbing compound I could get my hands on (I estimate over 30 different products) to try to remove the oxidation and bring back some shine in the trim.

    Read More >

  • Rust / Corrosion Problem:

    Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes

    Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.

    Welcome to Our Miracle Rust Cure Products.From years of working on many different makes of rusty old cars we have developed some unique tips and techniques that can stop this menace for good. We have chosen only the best products to put on our website. All these products have been thoroughly tested and are used regularly in our shop... and they really do work!

    Read More >

If you have a problem with yourolder Mercedes and are trying to figure what is causing it or how to fix it, you have come to the right place.

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (14)

Let Kent explain how his solutions finder works: "Just select the location of the problem you are experiencing, the chassis designation of your car and a few key words and click Search. If I have written a description of the problem or one related to it, it will show up on the results page. The causes of the problem will be explained and all possible solutions we offer to diagnose and fix it will be listed. Read More

You can learn a lot about your Mercedes by just browsing through all the problem descriptions I have written related to your model. My new solutions finder replaces our old benz aid forum and tech help page. Even if you have never work on your car before it is never too late to start. With the right knowledge, tools and parts you can do it.

If you can not find your problem listed for your chassis then it has not yet been written. I am working on and adding new problem descriptions weekly. I will be adding more content on the W140, W202, W210, and W220 chassis later this year.If you have a problem that has not been addressed, send it to me as a COMMENT through our contact page describing your particular problem. I will not be able to answer these requests directly, but I will add it to my list of problems to work on....the list is not getting smaller. :-)

There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you can find and fix a mechanical problem yourself,
Kent Bergsma

Close ^

Solutions Finder:

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (15)

Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All

Body and Exterior Trim

Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof

Nothing like a good smooth working power or manually operated non tilting sunroof (up to 1985)!

Body and Exterior Trim

Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim

It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work

Body and Exterior Trim

Fixing the Tilting Sunroof

A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.

Brake ProblemsView All

Brake

How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles

Shake, side pull, binding, grabbing, grinding, squealing, overheating and soft / hard pedal issues.

Brake

Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts

Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds

Brake

Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System

Efficient and affordable pressure bleeding, system flush and fluid capture is here for all.

Climate Control ProblemsView All

Climate Control

Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control

Applies to late 123 and 107 chassis and all 126 chassis 1981 to 1991

Climate Control

Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control

No heat or heat all the time are common problems with 1977 to 1980 models with automatic controls

Climate Control

Heater Blower Motor Won't Run

A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.

Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All

Driveline and rear end

Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure

Start with inspection and replace at first signs of wear to prevent expensive damage to transmission

Driveline and rear end

Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble

Watch for signs of impending failure

Driveline and rear end

Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems

The Differentials are very rugged. It is the associated parts that usually fail due to age and high mileage

Electrical ProblemsView All

Electrical

Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair

Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay

Electrical

Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem

Unknown battery drain, electrical shorts, blown fuses - these can be difficult to isolate!

Electrical

O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure

One of the most common problems we see on older Mercedes.

Engine ProblemsView All

Engine

Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke

Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics

Engine

Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine

Yes, Kent has seen it first hand. Don't neglect this!

Engine

Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off

Could be any number of things causing the problem. Proper diagnosis is a must!

Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All

Fuel Delivery

Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance

You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen

A plugged filter inside your fuel tank can lead to hard starting and power loss

Fuel Delivery

Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks

The sources of fuel leaks and procedures needed to repair them are many

Interior ProblemsView All

Interior

Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom

D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats

Interior

Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming

Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!

Interior

Inside Door Related Problems

Failure to do preventative maintenance could lead to some very expensive repairs

Lights ProblemsView All

Lights

Replacing W116 Tail Lights Seals

Watch Kent's free video tip to avoid frustration

Lights

Moisture Buildup Inside Your Headlights

This can happen on a number of models for a number of reasons

Lights

Replacing a Plastic Headlight Door Surround on a W126 or W124

Get rid of and change that ugly head light door yourself. What a difference!!

Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All

Rust / Corrosion

Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes

Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.

Rust / Corrosion

Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding

You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!

Rust / Corrosion

Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out

Not always the best solution as you will see here.

Suspension ProblemsView All

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension

Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension

Know what to look for and understand the parts you will need

Suspension

Diagnosing and Repairing Hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension (SLS )

If you have a Mercedes station wagon and want to use it to haul loads best to fix it right

Transmission ProblemsView All

Transmission

Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts

Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.

Transmission

Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions

You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!

Transmission

Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing?

Be careful to not let someone sell you a rebuilt transmission!

Vacuum ProblemsView All

Vacuum

126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure

Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot

Vacuum

Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing

When troubleshooting your vacuum system you must know where the hoses and lines go

Vacuum

123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure

A very common problem that requires precise troubleshooting

SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All

SVO / Biodiesel

Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion

We offer an easy to install kit or you can build one from our components

SVO / Biodiesel

Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit?

Questions and answers to help you decide if this is right for your diesel

SVO / Biodiesel

Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil

The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil

Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common problem with Mercedes? ›

Engine misfires are one of the most common problems we see in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

At what mileage does Mercedes start having problems? ›

There are not likely to be any definitive timescales to expect your Mercedes-Benz to start developing issues, but as with many cars, problems generally begin after around 7-10 years and around 100,000 miles. This is when items such as suspension arms, hydraulic engine mounts, and timing belts can need replacing.

Do Mercedes have maintenance issues? ›

Issue: Mercedes-Benz cars are known for their smooth and comfortable ride, but over time, suspension components like shocks, struts, and bushings can wear out. This wear can lead to a bumpy ride, reduced handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Regular suspension system inspections are essential.

Is Mercedes a high maintenance car? ›

Mercedes maintenance costs are higher than the industry average. Drivers should budget between $600 and $1,200 annually for Mercedes repairs and maintenance. An extended auto warranty can help lower ownership costs and out-of-pocket expenses for Mercedes drivers.

What is the disadvantage of Mercedes? ›

High Purchase and Maintenance Costs

The initial purchase cost can be significantly higher, and maintenance and repair costs can also be steep. It's important to consider the long-term financial commitment associated with owning a Mercedes-Benz.

Are Mercedes cars good or bad? ›

Mercedes-Benz cars uphold a particular reputation among luxury brands, one that balances cutting-edge technology with high-quality materials and powerful engines. More affordable brands, such as Toyota and Honda, rank higher in their reliability ratings, but there's no mistaking the value and status of a Mercedes.

What is the most reliable used Mercedes to buy? ›

What is the Best Used Mercedes to Buy for Reliability?
  1. 2008 and 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. ...
  2. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. ...
  3. 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. ...
  4. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. ...
  5. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Which year is Mercedes the most reliable? ›

The most reliable Mercedes Benz GLA models are those built in 2014 – 2020 so if you are looking for a long-lasting, durable entry-range Mercedes vehicle these are the ones to choose. Typically, 2014-2020 GLA models visit our garage 0.7 times a year.

How many miles is too high for a Mercedes? ›

So, how long do Mercedes-Benz vehicles last? Many experts agree that Mercedes-Benz vehicles can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles on average with routine maintenance. In fact, you may even get more mileage out of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle if it has been properly taken care of.

Are Mercedes reliable after 100k miles? ›

While 100,000 miles used to be regarded as high mileage, hitting six digits no longer means your vehicle is at the end of its life. Today, thanks to advances in technology, many Mercedes-Benz vehicles can last well beyond the 100,000-mile mark with proper care.

Is Mercedes better than BMW? ›

Mercedes-Benz vs BMW: Which Brand Has Better Performance? Performance is a crucial factor to consider when buying a luxury car. BMW has a slight edge over Mercedes in terms of performance and driving dynamics. However, Mercedes offers a more refined and luxurious driving experience.

Which is better, Mercedes or Lexus? ›

On the whole, Mercedes-Benz models offer higher performance capabilities, unique interior features as standard, and greater efficiency than Lexus models. We compare the two brands side by side for Rancho Cucamonga drivers below to show them why Mercedes-Benz is truly a one-of-a-kind brand.

What is the life expectancy of a Mercedes car? ›

Giving a precise number of miles or years your Mercedes will last is almost impossible. It's due to the various factors and variables that can influence your vehicle's longevity. Yet, most Mercedes-Benz vehicles last anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 miles.

Is insurance expensive for Mercedes? ›

On average, Mercedes drivers could pay an average of $1,664 annually for insurance. This is relatively expensive compared to other cars, but costs can differ greatly depending on the actual model. To help you find the best price, MoneyGeek broke down costs for all of Mercedes' major models by year and driver age.

Do Mercedes hold their value? ›

The average Mercedes-Benz vehicle will retain over 47% of its value after five years. There are also models, such as the GLA, GLB, and GLC SUV, that will retain over 50% of their original value. Mercedes-Benz SUVs generally hold their value better because they have a higher level of popularity.

Why is Mercedes so poor this year? ›

Mercedes' struggles date back to 2022, the year the ground effect regulations were introduced in F1. As is well documented, the Brackley-based team opted for a zero pod concept in 2022 and stuck to it for 18 months, unsuccessfully.

Why is Mercedes reliability so low? ›

However, in recent years this has changed, with Maserati and Bentley taking its place. One of the main reasons that Mercedes and other premium brands have been awarded poor reliability scores is down to the fact that they include a great deal of new technology, which means that there is a lot more that can go wrong.

What is Mercedes weakness? ›

Weaknesses. High production costs: Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their high-quality materials, advanced technology, and precision engineering, contributing to increased production costs.

Do Mercedes breakdown a lot? ›

Frequency. The average Mercedes-Benz visits a repair shop approximately 0.7 times a year for unscheduled repairs. This compares to 0.4 across all models.

References

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