Mercedes-Benz makes some of the most impressive luxury cars on the road today. Their combination of power, performance, comfort and technology make Mercedes cars, vans and SUVs highly respected and place them at the top of their respective classes. As with any automobile, problems can present themselves. While Mercedes-Benz vehicles are generally quite reliable, there are some common problems that creep up on their various models.
When a problem occurs with a component that is shared across multiple platforms and models, such as engines, transmissions or electronic systems, a pattern of common car troubles can emerge. Our Burdi Motorworks technicians spend their days servicing and repairing new and late-model Mercedes vehicles and have years of experience that help them troubleshoot regular issues and concerns that range from minor annoyances to major drivability issues.
Here is a list of some of the common problems we see when servicing Mercedes models:
- Ignition switches: Mercedes uses advanced electronic security to ensure the right key is being used to start your car. Issues with the EIS (Electronic Ignition System) technology can mean your Mercedes won't start. The solution may be as simple as resetting an error code or can involve replacing your key, ignition switch or other EIS components.
- Electrical system: A few decades ago, Mercedes-Benz vehicles were known to have some pretty serious electrical gremlins. Recent models are more reliable, though faulty batteries and alternators are found.
- Window regulators: A sensitive point on many vehicles, stuck or broken window regulators affect a fair share of Mercedes models. In some cases, it is simply a faulty window switch, while in others the mechanism for raising and lowering the window breaks and needs to be replaced.
- Turbochargers: The downside of owning a powerful Mercedes turbo is that the high-performance turbos work hard and can suffer early failure due to excessive heat. If your turbo fails at high speed, the results can be dramatic for your engine, so have your turbo checked at the first sign of engine problems.
- Brakes: While Mercedes brake systems are particularly reliable overall, brake switches can cause your brake dashboard light to come on. Brake switches can't be serviced, so if one fails on your Mercedes it needs to be replaced. Faulty brake fluid level sensors are also a problem we see on a regular basis.
- Rear suspension rattle: Many midsize Mercedes models suffer from broken rear springs, which can result in noisy rattle from the rear. While there is little danger during low-speed driving, a broken spring can make your car unstable at high speeds, so if you hear a rattle from the rear get it replaced quickly.
- Mass air flow meter: This is another common car trouble that affects many makes and models of vehicle, not just Mercedes. This is because most mass air flow sensors come from a handful of global suppliers. An incorrect reading from a mass flow meter can lower your performance or put your Mercedes in limp mode.
- Transmission fluid leak: While a major transmission fluid leak isn't common, a small but steady loss of transmission fluid from underneath a Mercedes is a known problem. It occurs when the gasket for the transmission electrical plug cracks and starts to leak, which is a relatively easy fix.
- Sagging air suspension: Active suspensions are a sensitive issue for almost every car that comes equipped, and Mercedes-Benz is no exception. The S-Class is particularly susceptible, and you'll notice it with a sagging front end. The culprit is usually a leaking strut, but could also be the air pump or proportioning valve.
- Rust: To be fair, newer Mercedes models are mush less prone to rusting than older models, but lower door rusting seems to creep up on a fair share of them. Their SUV lineup seems particularly affected, perhaps due to the bottom door trim that catches and retains rain and road salt.
- Interior: The design and materials of Mercedes interiors are hard to beat, but some of the lower-end interiors suffer from a few quality hiccups. The plastic trim in the footwells and along the door sills commonly pops loose due to broken clips, and glovebox door latches often need replacement.
- Bad Wheel bearings: The large wheels and tires used on many V8 and V12 Mercedes models, especially the high-performance variants, put a lot of stress on the wheel bearings. While low-weight rims can cure this, some models with heavy rims and wide tires suffer from frequent wheel-bearing issues.
While any vehicle can suffer from a broad range of problems, these are the issues we most commonly encounter with the Mercedes-Benz range of cars, SUVs, and Sprinter Vans. To fix your vehicle and get you back on the road quickly, our Burdi Motorworks team of technicians use the same tools and techniques as Mercedes-Benz dealerships. We are an Independent Mercedes-Benz Repair Facility with the experience, knowledge, and training to repair any Mercedes or Sprinter vehicle.
Our family run business has more than 40 years of experience, and we have built our reputation on offering dealer-level repair and diagnostic services to our customers. We offer customized service and competitive prices to add value to our work in a warm and friendly atmosphere. If you're experiencing any of these common Mercedes issues or any issues with your vehicle, give us a call or visit our Schiller Park, Illinois, location.
We're conveniently located near the Chicago airport and are equipped to inspect, diagnose and repair your Mercedes or Sprinter today. It's important to treat a problem as soon as you detect it. In many cases, you can avoid costly major repairs by performing service and maintenance at the first sign of a problem. Make note of our list of common Mercedes-Benz problems and you'll be ready to react the moment they appear. Let our team here at Burdi Motorworks help you enjoy your Mercedes vehicle and keep it running like new.