Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2005 - 2012 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Mercedes-Benz B Class?

All models have air conditioning, which is just as well, because the B-Class's large glass area means it can become quite hot inside on a sunny day.

There were two recalls for this generation of Mercedes B-Class, which were for potential fuel tank leaks and seatbelts that could possibly fail in an impact, so make sure any remedial work has been carried out.

As with any car that’s likely to have been used for family transport, check the interior for signs of wear and tear.

Is a used Mercedes-Benz B Class reliable?

As mentioned, at the time the B-Class entered production, Mercedes was getting over a period of reliability issues and there’s little doubt that extra effort was put into the B-Class to make sure that it would be solidly made. Mercedes even went so far as to offer tacit extended warranties on some components to make sure that customers would feel reassured.

That said, there are still some recurring problems. A loud whirring noise from the engines is usually a faulty pulley for the air-conditioning system, while a huffing noise from a diesel engine, or a smell of fuel inside the car, usually means leaky injector seals.

The central locking system and the lights by the sun visor mirrors can also give trouble, and they are surprisingly expensive to repair or replace.

Knocking front suspension is usually a sign of worn anti-roll bar bushes. And the electronic control units for the CVT automatic gearbox are also suspect.