Is a Mercedes More Expensive to Repair?

close-up of a car's ignition

Taking Care of Your Mercedes

Mercedes Benz has always been a car with class and style. Known for their durability, a high price tag, and rarely needs repairs. But when Mercedes repairs are needed, they can be expensive too. So, if you can afford the car, be prepared for the Mercedes repair costs and specialized maintenance needs. 

With that introduction, if you’re not a Benz owner currently, it may have you asking do Mercedes have a lot of problems? Why would you spend the kind of money a Mercedes Benz costs if you’re going to have it in the shop a lot, right?  

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing repute for producing reliable vehicles, but that doesn’t mean they are without problems. The issues and problems aren’t common, they may be more than you want to be concerned about. So, what are common problems with Mercedes? The 5 top problems that require professional Mercedes repair service are: 

#1 – Noisy Struts: This is a common problem in the 1989 to 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class. The complaint is the banging and rattling from struts because they come loose or are leaking fluid. 

#2 –Engine Harness Wire: Mercedes owners who live and drive in hot climates, they often find they need an authorized Mercedes repair due to the engine wiring harness insulation is prone to get too hot and cause it to crack, putting the engine at risk.

#3 – Oil Leaks: A common Mercedes repair need for models manufactured after 1995 is the electronic transmission for graphite buildup caused by oil leaks on the clutch. 

#4 –Mass Airflow Sensor: Owners of a Mercedes that have problems with it being hard to start, engine hesitating, or having a rough idling is typically the mass airflow sensor is clogged because it hasn’t been cleaned and maintained as recommended. A Mercedes repair is done by cleaning the air flow sensor or replacing it if has been neglected too long, or an adjustment to the airflow measurements which are known to provide faulty readings. 

#5 – Ignition Failure: Mercedes Benz is an expensive car and requires a strict regime of maintenance, like replacing the spark plugs between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. Mercedes repair garages see a high number of these cars coming in with ignition problems and loss of engine power, all due to not following the recommended spark plug change. 

Do Mercedes have electrical problems?

As with any make of vehicle, the electrical system has become more complex over the years. Advancements in engineering, new technology, even the most sophisticated cars like Mercedes, repairs are needed using Electrical System Diagnostics more today than there were 30 years ago. A big part of what makes Mercedes Benz as efficient and effective as they are due to three key components of the electrical system:

  • Alternator
  • Battery
  • Starter

The importance of care, maintenance, and upkeep on a Mercedes can’t be stressed enough, including being careful with not overloading the electrical system. The battery should never be disconnected while the motor is running and never jumpstart a Mercedes battery using the alternator are other instructions by the manufacturer and Mercedes repair technician. 

Do Mercedes have engine problems?

Mercedes Benz engines are durable and long-lasting. However, a common Mercedes repair request is because of firing problems when the engine surpasses 100,000 miles. This can be avoided with the recommended routine of having the coils and spark plugs replaced between 75k and 90k miles. This is standard for the normal wear and tear of a Mercedes used for daily driving. 

At what mileage do Mercedes start having problems?

The 100,000-mile mark seems to be when you may start needing more Mercedes repairs. This can vary from model to model and how the car is driven.  A car driving on highways every day may need Mercedes repairs and maintenance more frequently than a Mercedes Benz driven only on Sundays. 

What is the average life of a Mercedes-Benz?

By following the recommended maintenance schedule, and having only authorized and certified Mercedes repairs done, you can expect up to 15 years of lifespan from your Benz. This is based on an average of 15,000 miles annually, so you’ll have happy motoring for as many as 250,000 miles before any major Mercedes repairs are needed.

close-up of a black car's headlights

Stop By For Mercedes Repairs

When you buy an expensive car, you can expect expensive repairs, and nothing could be truer than Mercedes repairs.  A Mercedes brake repair cost for replacing the brake pads can cost upward of $400 per axle, depending on the brake pad type used. The brake rotor replacement can cost up to $750 for all four. 

Is there any financing a Mercedes repair? If your Mercedes repair needs aren’t covered by a new car warranty, used car warranty, extended warranty, or collision insurance, there are some Mercedes repair centers that offer short-term financing. Expect a higher interest rate but knowing this available can give you peace of mind.