"Is the E Serisi E250 reliable, and what should you check?"
When buying a used 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E250 (213/238), the most frequently mentioned issue is cooling system problems (thermostat/water pump). Oil consumption and leaks (gaskets) are also commonly reported.
Engine: M274
M274.920 · turbo petrol · E250 · Used in this car from 2018-2018
Strengths
Very economical for this power
No problems with service and spare parts
Watch-outs
Very demanding on fuel quality
Chain and camshaft adjusters have short life
Plagued by regular oil leaks
Known engine issues
Camshaft adjuster rattlingIn engines up to 2014, camshaft adjusters started rattling quite quickly; later the manufacturer improved the design and lifespan increased to 150-200 thousand km. Around the same mileage, the timing chain stretches and many replace them together.
Impulse disc displacementMany owners of cars with this engine family complain about starting problems, the main cause being displacement of the impulse disc relative to the camshaft axis. Usually an error from the camshaft position sensor signals this.
Piston destructionIn 2015, engines of this series were modernized and became slightly more economical, but this led to more frequent detonation with piston destruction. Also, poor fuel severely affects the direct injection piezo injectors.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Cooling system problems (thermostat/water pump)
Often reported
Cooling circuit failures affecting the thermostat and water pump have been reported. A faulty thermostat or less efficient pump can cause short-term overheating, risking cylinder head and engine durability.
Cooling
Oil consumption and leaks (gaskets)
Often reported
Oil consumption and leaks are frequently reported on the M274 engine: valve cover gasket and front crankshaft seal leaks have been reported by many users. This may require more frequent oil top-ups and checks to prevent major damage.
Engine Internal
Camshaft phaser failure and sensor issues
Often reported
In some early M274 engines, camshaft phasers can break and camshaft position sensors can fail, causing diagnostic errors, rough running, and the check engine light to come on.
Engine Internal
Timing chain stretch and failure
Often reported
Many M274 engines have reported timing chain wear, stretch, and tensioner issues. This can cause metallic noises during startup or idle. Chain replacement is recommended around 80,000-120,000 km.
Timing chain
Turbocharger and injectors (reliability at high mileage)
Often reported
Issues with turbocharger and injection components have been reported on M274 turbo petrol engines; turbo actuator, sensors, and piezo injectors may wear, leading to performance loss and increased fuel consumption.
Turbo
Mercedes-Benz E Serisi E250 technical specs
Mercedes-Benz E Serisi E250 (2018): boot 540 L; fuel use 6,3 l/100 km (urban 8 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,3 l/100 km); 0–100 in 6.9 s.
Boot capacity
540 L
Fuel consumption
6,3 l/100 km (urban 8 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,3 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class E250?+
When buying a 2018 E250, check the service history, take a test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. The most commonly reported issues are: cooling system problems (thermostat/water pump); oil consumption and leaks (gaskets); camshaft phaser failure and sensor issues.
What are the chronic problems of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E250?+
The most commonly reported issues are: cooling system problems (thermostat/water pump); oil consumption and leaks (gaskets); camshaft phaser failure and sensor issues.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E250 reliable?+
Rather than a simple yes or no, it is necessary to weigh the proven pros and cons together. This page lists 5 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from Difetti fault database records; the source vehicle is verified to match the target vehicle in brand, fuel type, engine, and generation. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.
We only publish claims we can verify. Cards come from Difetti fault records matched to this vehicle on brand, fuel, engine and generation.
Looking at another car?
Pick make, model and year — see the report in about 30 seconds.