"Is the E Serisi E350d reliable, and what should you check?"
When buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d 2015 (207 / 212 / facelift), the most frequently mentioned issues are: engine oil leaks and intake swirl flap failures. Also, NOx sensors and start lock are commonly reported.
Engine: OM642
OM642.838 · diesel · E350d · Used in this car from 2014-2015
Strengths
High service life with proper maintenance
Provides excellent vehicle dynamics
Watch-outs
Intake swirl flaps jam
Oil leaks quite common
Short-lived membrane of crankcase ventilation valve
Known engine issues
Oil cooler leaksThe most known problem of this diesel is oil cooler gasket leaks. Since the cooler is located in the V of the engine, replacing the cheap gaskets is expensive. Around 2010 the design was revised and such leaks no longer occur.
Fuel system issuesThe engine uses a reliable Bosch Common Rail fuel system, but its piezo injectors are very sensitive to fuel quality and expensive. Also, regular failures of the fuel quantity control valve in the high-pressure pump are noted.
Swirl flap problemsThe intake manifold has steel swirl flaps, but they are actuated by a servo with plastic rods that often break. The problem is worsened by intake clogging due to a weak crankcase ventilation membrane.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Engine oil leaks and intake swirl flap failures
Often reported
The 3.0 V6 OM642 engine is known for oil leaks due to degraded gaskets/oil coolers in the 'valley' of the V, and intake swirl flap failures due to carbon buildup from the EGR. Both issues can cause performance problems and require labor-intensive repairs.
Engine Internal
NOx sensors and start lock
Often reported
NOx sensors on the OM642 engine fail with moderate frequency, causing the ECU to enter protection mode and trigger emission-related counters/emergencies, potentially limiting the number of remaining starts until the vehicle stops.
Exhaust Emissions
Injectors and leaks/sealing ('black death')
Often reported
Reported to leak from injectors or seals, causing black deposits around the cylinder head, black smoke from the exhaust, and rough engine running.
Fuel System
Turbocharger and actuator issues
Often reported
The turbocharger and VNT actuators/valves can fail due to oil contamination, particulate buildup, or wear, leading to power loss, exhaust smoke, and unusual noises.
Turbo
Mercedes-Benz E Serisi E350d technical specs
Mercedes-Benz E Serisi E350d (2015): boot 300 L; fuel use 5,6 l/100 km (urban 6,5 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,2 l/100 km); 0–100 in 6.5 s.
Boot capacity
300 L
Fuel consumption
5,6 l/100 km (urban 6,5 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,2 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d?+
When buying a 2015 E350d, check the service history, test drive, and engine/transmission warnings. Most commonly reported issues: engine oil leaks and intake swirl flap failures; NOx sensors and start lock; injectors and leaks/sealing ('black death').
What are the chronic problems of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d?+
Most commonly reported issues: engine oil leaks and intake swirl flap failures; NOx sensors and start lock; injectors and leaks/sealing ('black death').
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d reliable?+
Instead of a simple yes/no, it's better to evaluate the proven pros and cons together. This page lists 4 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from the Difetti fault database; brand, fuel, engine, and generation compatibility between the source vehicle and target vehicle is verified. 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.