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You don’t have to be a gearhead or driving enthusiast to know that Mercedes-Benz has a pretty solid reputation for building luxury vehicles which can be expected to perform for many years, provided you don’t cut corners on maintenance of course.
While this is true for the most part, there are some exceptions to the rule. Below you’ll find a list of some models from the famed German manufacturer that can spring some pretty hefty bills onto owners, or at least they have the potential to. They’re not necessarily unreliable cars you should strive to avoid, some are actually pretty awesome – but you should at least be aware of the potential unreliability of these 10 models.
10 The 2008 C63 AMG Is Hiding Big Bills
The C63 AMG was introduced in 2007 and for the most part has built a solid reputation as a very desirable performance sedan, with a thumping great V8 motor and the usual refinements you’d expect from a flagship model – although as prices for used examples continue to drop, new owners should be made aware of some pretty hefty bills that could be looming.
The main issue with the early 6.3-liter V8s is the head bolts, which are unfortunately prone to rust – this leads to all sorts of issues, namely head gasket failure which can pretty easily run up a four-figure bill. If you’re considering one, either look for a post-2012 example or pay close attention to the service history, it’s worth paying extra for one that’s had all the issues ironed out.
9 A 2006 ML63 AMG Costs A Fortune To Run
This era M-class was a huge improvement over the previous generation, benefiting from a much more comfortable ride, an impressively technical specification, and a sharp, modern exterior. There’s a lot to love with this meaty SUV.
However, the potential for weeks in the workshop is also present, especially considering that the ML63 suffers from the same head-bolt issue as the C63 above, and the problems don’t end there. When you cram a 510-hp V8 into a hefty SUV like this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that mechanical components get put under an awful lot of stress – for example, the NHTSA has over 200 customer complaints logged, many connected to faulty steering racks, plus excessive tire, brake, and suspension wear.
8 The 1997 C36 AMG Is Unreliable And Will Rust Away
The 1990s were a rough period in Mercedes’ history when it came to quality, with models like this handsome C36 AMG succumbing easily to terminal rust even under normal usage. This came as quite a shock at the time, as these rust-prone models were replacing the impossibly reliable and durable ’80s models, such as the dependable 190e.
If you’re considering purchasing one today, take extra care to inspect the bodywork for poor previous repairs, which could be hiding thousands of dollars worth of necessary future repairs. With potential headaches like this, is it any wonder the C36 AMG seems so cheap in comparison to the E36 M3?
7 Avoid The 2006 SL-Class If You’re Scared Of Spending
The Mercedes SL-class has been a long-running success for the manufacturer, offering effortless performance, reserved style, and luxury cruising capabilities for decades now. It’s a convertible that can do it all!
The R230 model pictured here does offer incredible value for money, although potential buyers should tread with caution, as they can prove very expensive to maintain if the following issues crop up. Water can find its way through the seals of the roof and boot, and travel down into the motor for the electric roof – even with reconditioned or aftermarket parts, this is never going to be a cheap repair on a luxury flagship convertible.
Avoid V8 and V12 models too, as they make use of self-leveling hydraulic suspension which is a common failure point, and costs a fortune to repair. The SL350 is the sweet spot, having traditional suspension but enough power to still be a great drive.
6 The R63 AMG Is Pointless And Unreliable
At the other end of the spectrum we find the R-class, a frankly hideous and wildly unpopular model, that is best left in the history books as a lesson on what not to build for the prestigious German manufacturer.
Sharing the same 6.3-liter V8 engine as some of the aforementioned models, we already know this Mercedes is going to suffer from the unsettlingly expensive head bolts issue. However, on this occasion, we just don’t feel the car justifies the risk of the issue, nor the expense of fixing it once it arrives. Oil consumption issues and failing catalytic converters are the final straw for the R63 AMG. There are just too many problems looming, and far more desirable performance family cars to choose from.
5 The 2014 B-Class Electric Had Teething Issues
The current range of EQ electric cars from Mercedes-Benz is proving a pretty popular alternative to the comparatively dull Tesla offerings, but the technology had to be trialed somewhere, and that trial car was the 2014 B-class electric.
Production only lasted a few years, and for good reason too, as the B-class had some pretty significant reliability issues – namely failing batteries and malfunctioning electric motors; fairly terminal then, for an electric car…
With the extraordinary asking prices of EQ models, you may be tempted to go for an older used electric car, we just beg you steer well clear of the B-class featured here. It could well end up owing you just as much as a used EQ!
4 The Original A-Class Is Potentially Costly In Bills
This original A-class helped to transform the compact-car market when it was first launched in the 1990s, proving incredibly popular for a small and luxurious commuter – especially when compared to the direct competition, like the revolutionary (but sales flop) Audi A2.
As times marches on though, these early A-class models are worth peanuts, which means even the smallest of reliability hiccups could be enough of an expense to justify sending one to the scrapheap in the sky. The ECU, power steering and starter motor issues then are all common issues that make owning one a risk, especially when you consider their age. These issues are more likely to crop up as the models age.
3 The W212 E63 Is Excellent But Could Be Troublesome
Luxury performance cars like the E63 AMG are always welcome in gearhead circles, especially in modern times as most new releases are either hybrid or fully electric, so these modern V8 powerhouses are beloved, mainly because we know our chances of getting many more are slim to none.
Tread carefully though, because as these cars age the repair bills go through the roof – estimates are as high as over $4,000 a year for maintenance and repairs, which is a pretty considerable chunk of money, especially relative to the value of an E63 AMG in the first place.
As always, do your homework and buy one with immaculate service history – although even this is no guarantee that big bills won’t crop up.
2 The W203 C-Class Is Prone To Rust
This third-generation of Mercedes-Benz C-class certainly has a healthy number of fans, and it was just as popular when new too, proving to be a huge success for the prestigious German brand. Unfortunately though, as the model ages, common issues started to arise, and they weren’t simple either, which means reliability could be a serious issue for prospective buyers.
Unsurprisingly for a Mercedes of this era, rust was the big killer. It can take hold quickly and if not treated, can cost thousands to properly repair when it becomes a structural issue. Mechanically, many small common issues combine to mean the average annual running cost is more than $700, which is a significant chunk of the car’s actual value.
Don’t be surprised then if you end up spending the car’s worth in two or three years, just trying to keep it on the road.
1 The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Has So Many Potential Issues
At the top of the charts we find the W221 S-class; since the first model was released, the S-class range has always represented the pinnacle of luxury motoring, and often the most innovative tech features are first released in these cars, and then trickle down to cheaper models as time progresses.
It’s such a shame then, that this model has so many significant reliability issues that could totally ruin your ownership experience. Firstly, they are known for randomly entering limp mode, which dramatically reduces performance – the answer being a new ECU from Mercedes-Benz, costing multiple thousands. Engine balancing shafts also wear prematurely, which causes extra wear on the timing chains which ultimately fail and render the engine useless; naturally, this is enough to write the car off, and completely ruin your day too.
Unless you’re wealthy enough to enjoy a new S-class with years of manufacturer warranty, steer clear of this model, as the potential reliability issues are just not worth it.
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