The Mercedes-Benz E350 in its W213 generation is a genuine luxury executive sedan sold in Australia with the turbocharged 2.0-litre M264 four-cylinder petrol engine, a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, and the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic. (Earlier W212-generation E350s used a 3.5-litre V6 or a diesel — the shift to a four-cylinder from 2018 surprised many buyers.) Reliability is mixed: the W213 is technologically accomplished but carries real-world risks from its 48V mild-hybrid architecture, documented M264 cylinder-head concerns, and a string of Australian safety recalls. Buyers should go in well-informed rather than relying on brand prestige alone.
M264 Engine: Cylinder Head and Exhaust Valve Issues
The M264's most serious documented fault is premature wear of the exhaust valve guides and valve seat rings, which causes poor valve sealing. Symptoms include engine misfires (codes P0300–P0304), rough idle, check engine light, and in advanced cases sudden power loss or blue smoke from the exhaust. Most failures surface between 60,000–120,000 km; cylinder head repair or replacement can cost $4,000–$9,000 or more at an Australian dealer. Mercedes-Benz USA extended warranty coverage on M264 exhaust valve systems to 15 years / 240,000 km for 2018–2023 models; Mercedes-Benz Australia has not publicly announced an equivalent program, though some dealers have performed goodwill repairs. Check cylinder head history and confirm any applicable warranty before buying.
48V EQ Boost Mild-Hybrid System
The 48V Integrated Starter-Generator handles start-stop, electric boost, and energy recovery — but when it fails, the consequences can be severe. A failed 48V battery or Battery Management System software fault can prevent the engine from starting; unlike a flat 12V battery, a jump-start will not help. Some owners have reported the vehicle shutting down while moving. The 48V battery alone can cost $2,500–$4,500 to replace at a Mercedes-Benz dealer, plus labour. The separate 12V auxiliary battery is also worth checking on any used E350.
Electrical: Turbocharger Oil Return Line Fire Risk (Recall)
A documented and significant recall affected W213 E350 models sold in Australia in early 2019 (recall campaign RC2675). Incorrect screws were used for the exhaust turbocharger oil return line, which could allow the line to loosen, leak oil onto hot engine components, and create a fire hazard. This was a factory assembly issue on vehicles available for sale from approximately February to March 2019. Affected vehicles should have had the recall completed free of charge at a Mercedes-Benz dealer; confirm on any used car you inspect by checking with a dealer using the VIN.
Steering System Recall (2018 Build)
A separate recall (campaign RC2654) covered some 2018 model year W213 E-Class vehicles sold in Australia — specifically those available for sale from March 2018 to August 2019. The concern was production-deviation lock nuts in the steering system that could fracture and cause steering to lock. This is a serious safety issue. If a used E350 you are considering falls within this window, verify that the recall was completed before committing to a purchase.
9G-TRONIC Transmission Behaviour
The nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic is generally a capable gearbox, but some W213 E350 owners have noted unwanted behaviour, particularly in the early years of ownership or at higher kilometres.
- Jerky low-speed shifts: at slow speeds in urban traffic, some drivers experience jolts or hesitation during gear changes, commonly attributed to Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software calibration or contaminated fluid.
- Solenoid faults: if a valve body solenoid fails, the transmission can enter limp mode — restricting gear selection and limiting vehicle speed.
- Fix: a TCU software update via a Mercedes-Benz dealer often resolves calibration complaints; a transmission fluid and filter service (recommended every 60,000–80,000 km) helps prevent solenoid-related faults. Fluid and filter service typically costs $400–$700; a TCU reprogram is usually covered under warranty or carried out at no charge at a dealer.
COMAND Infotainment: Screen Freezes and Software Glitches
The 2018 W213 uses COMAND; refreshed 2019 models gained MBUX. Both have attracted complaints about screen freezing, slow boot times, and navigation glitches. A Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin addressed COMAND freeze symptoms and mandated minimum firmware versions — a dealer software update resolves most cases. Persistent head unit failures are less common but replacement costs are significant.
AIRMATIC Air Suspension (If Fitted)
AIRMATIC air suspension was an option on the W213 E350 — not standard fit — so check before assuming the car you are inspecting has it. Where fitted, the known failure points are:
- Air spring leaks: rubber air bellows in the struts deteriorate over time, causing one corner or the rear of the car to sag. Dashboard warnings such as "Air Suspension Failure — Visit Workshop" or "STOP: VEHICLE TOO LOW" indicate the system needs attention.
- Compressor wear: a failing compressor will struggle to maintain ride height, especially when the car sits overnight.
- Repair cost: a single AIRMATIC air spring replacement can cost $1,500–$3,000 installed at an independent specialist; dealer pricing is typically higher. Replacing the compressor adds a further $800–$1,500.
Recalls & Safety
Carify has mapped recall data for the Mercedes-Benz E350 for the 2018 model year and the 2019 model year. The W213 E-Class was subject to several Australian recalls during this period, including the turbocharger oil return line fire risk (RC2675), the steering lock-nut defect (RC2654), an airbag control unit issue (RC2582), and an Active Brake Assist software fault (RC2707). A later recall (REC-006122, issued October 2024) also covers W213 E-Class vehicles from 2018–2022 for a transmission wiring harness defect that can allow moisture ingress and cause a vehicle fire — 802 units were affected in Australia.
You can browse the full list of Australian recalls across all models on the Carify recalls page or check the car problems and recalls hub. Always cross-reference with the official vehiclerecalls.gov.au database using the VIN before buying any used W213 E350.
Buying a Used Mercedes-Benz E350? What to Check
A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. Focus on:
- M264 cylinder head: ask for any Mercedes-Benz dealer service records and check for any evidence of misfires, oil burning, or prior cylinder head work. A compression test by an independent mechanic is worthwhile on any vehicle over 60,000 km.
- 48V EQ Boost system: scan the vehicle with a Star Diagnostic system (or equivalent Mercedes-capable tool) to check for stored 48V battery or starter-generator faults, even if no warning lights are showing.
- Recall status: ask the seller for the VIN and check it with a Mercedes-Benz dealer to confirm all open campaigns — particularly the turbocharger oil line, steering lock-nut, and transmission wiring harness recalls — have been completed.
- AIRMATIC (if fitted): let the car sit overnight and check whether it has settled on one corner by morning. Inspect the air springs for cracking or weeping oil from the struts.
- Transmission: check service history for fluid changes; note any harshness or hesitation during a test drive at low speed.
- Infotainment: test all screens through a full cold start; check that software is up to date with the dealer.
- Finance and history: run a PPSR check to confirm the vehicle is free of encumbrances and has not been written off — essential on any used luxury car.
The Verdict
The 2018–2019 Mercedes-Benz E350 W213 is a sophisticated, comfortable executive sedan that remains genuinely desirable on the used market — but it carries real ownership risks that a buyer needs to price into their decision. The M264 cylinder head concern, the 48V mild-hybrid system's propensity for expensive failures, and a string of Australian safety recalls mean this is not a car to buy on a whim or without a full service history. Buy a well-documented, low-kilometre example with all recalls completed, budget for Mercedes-Benz dealer servicing costs, and consider an extended warranty. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque-specialist workshop and run a full Carify vehicle history check before signing anything.