Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2010-2016 reliability review

Name: Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2010-2016
Rating: 5
Author: Stuart Milne

The Mercedes E-Class Estate is one of the most spacious estates around, not to mention one of the most luxurious

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

There’s not much to be worried about when buying a Mercedes E-Class Estate of this generation. Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping an eye out for certain problems.

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Listen for suspension creaks and clonks on your test drive, and if you have a chance to inspect the brake discs through the alloy wheels, do so, because the E-Class is a heavy car and will wear its suspension and brakes relatively quickly.

Check there’s no white or blue smoke from the exhaust, and if you’re driving an automatic, check the transmission changes up and down smoothly without lurching or holding on to gears.

Maintenance is essential with complex cars such as this, so keep an eye out for signs that money has been spent. Look for premium-brand tyres, and make sure they match from one side of the car to the other, and of course, make sure you buy an example with a full service history, preferrably from a Mercedes dealership or an independent specialist.

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Is a used Mercedes-Benz E Class reliable?

It seems to be. Very few owners complain of problems with their E-Class Estates, and the What Car? Reliability Index backs that up with a commendably low score for the E-Class as a whole. In those terms, it compares rather well with its rivals, all of which seem to be considerably less dependable.

Tips & Advice

Don’t miss a recall

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Check for outstanding recalls

Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy

Choose the right breakdown cover

You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice

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Thousands of What Car? readers deliver their verdict on the best breakdown companies helping you to choose the best cover

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2.6 E240 Avantgarde 5dr

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2.1 E250 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport Tiptronic Euro 5 5dr

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2.1 E220 CDI Avantgarde 5dr

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2.1 E220 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

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2.1 E250 CDI BlueEfficiency Avantgarde Edition 125 G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

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2.1 E220 CDI BlueEfficiency Executive SE G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

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3.0 E320 CDI Sport G-Tronic 5dr

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2.1 E250 CDI BlueEfficiency Avantgarde Tiptronic Euro 5 5dr

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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