Do you need Mercedes Benz repairs?
Mercedes-Benz is the most popular luxury car brand in the United States. It’s normally described by fanatics as reliable, good quality, luxurious, and expensive. With that being said, there has never been an automobile that didn’t have any issues.
No matter how much you spend on purchasing the nicest or most renowned car, you’ll still run into a few problems. It’s always best practice to keep up with regular maintenance on your car to try and avoid any mishaps. However, there are a few common Mercedes repairs to be on the lookout for.
Read on to find out what the more common car problems are with Mercedes!
1. Brake Issues
Mercedes CL-class and GL-class often experience issues with braking. Common signs of brake issues include the car pulling to one side, shaking steering wheel when braking, soft brake pedal, screeching sounds, and a pulsing brake pedal.
One of the easiest ways to fix a brake issue is by replacing your brake pads. This is what creates friction and causes your car to stop. It’s very important to have your brakes checked if you feel that something is wrong because it could prevent you from being able to stop your car.
More specific to Mercedes, brake issues might appear in the form of hissing/popping sounds, slow release, vibrations, and noise. It’s hard to diagnose any car repairs by simply describing the issue. These signs could mean there is trapped dirt, bad brake pads, or another more serious problem.
2. Engine and Transmission Mounts
An engine and transmission mount are both components that hold these vital pieces of machinery into place. They are usually made of rubber to reduce any noise or vibration.
If you notice any increased vibration, noise, or engine movement that could indicate that the mounts are failing. Modern Mercedes-Benz models use mounts that are filled with liquid to reduce sound and movement even further. Therefore, you may start to notice things slowly as the liquid dissipates.
These are important components, so they need to be inspected every so often. Have your garage look them over when you have your regular maintenance done to ensure that nothing is out of line.
3. Steering Components
Steering components translate the steering motion of the wheel to maneuver the tires left and right. On some Mercedes models, you may start to notice that the tire rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links begin to wear down over time. These are all parts that anchor the suspension.
Two big signs that this is happening is when you begin to notice significant tire wear down and poor steering alignment. If this is the issue, you may need to replace one or more of the steering components.
All steering components are critical safety repairs. That means as soon as you notice a problem, you need to get to a Texas auto repair garage as soon as possible.
4. Gas Cap and Check Engine Light
A loose gas cap is surprisingly common among Mercedes. This might be the cause of another issue that owners notice which is a constant check engine light.
The fuel system on newer models must be completely sealed. It’s a safety measure that ensures environmental protection from fuel vapors. This modern system is able to detect if there are vapors being released and causes the check engine light to illuminate.
If it’s found that the gas cap is the problem, it’s an easy fix. However, if that isn’t the problem then your technician can help you figure out the problem by using an OBD scanning tool to read the codes.
5. Window Regulators
Any time that you have powered windows, there tend to be problems. The days of hand-crank windows are behind us (for the most part). Which is a luxury that we are thankful for but often present more opportunities for something to go wrong.
On modern Mercedes-Benz models, they use a system of plastic pulleys and spools. These are powered by an electric motor that makes the windows move up and down.
Due to time and usage, the plastic pullers are known to wear down. This is generally a simple fix by replacing the ones that are worn out. You’ll need to replace them to open and close your windows.
6. Starting Problems
In older A-class models, there are often problems with the starter motor. These electronic components can’t keep up after many years of constant use.
More specifically the crankshaft position sensor can be the culprit of your Mercedes starting troubles. A crankshaft provides rotational energy to an internal combustion engine. It does this by converting reciprocating energy.
The sensor’s job is to detect how fast the crankshaft is spinning. As it detects how fast it’s spinning, it sends this information to the control engine control unit which regulates a number of other systems required to get your car started and moving.
Signs of a bad crankshaft position sensor include:
- Engine vibrations
- Check engine light
- Weak engine performance
- Stalled engine
- Cylinder misfire
7. Power Loss
Power loss can be chalked up to a variety of different culprits. Low-quality fuel is very common that can contribute to loss of power. Cheap fuel clogs fuel filters and fuel pumps. This restricts the proper amount of fuel flow to the engine.
Fuel system cleaners can help take care of this issue if the problem is mild. However, you still need to visit a technician so that they can be sure there hasn’t been further damage caused.
If this isn’t the problem then it could be low compression, bad air filter, clogged exhaust pipe, bad spark plugs, oxygen sensor malfunction, bad fuel injector, camshaft position sensor, Mass Air Flow sensor malfunction, and more. Any sort of power loss is best can be diagnosed by a professional mechanic.
8. Tire Issues
Tire issues are among the most common problem in automobiles as a whole. They are constantly suffering from wear down and they need to be replaced after a certain time. Most manufacturers provide a lifespan that indicates how long a tire can be safely used.
You can find the manufacturing date on your tire by searching for the Department of Transportation (DOT) code that’s stamped onto the sidewall. The last four numbers represent the date with the last two being the year. The first two numbers indicate the week of that year.
Every set of tires has a general lifespan of about six to ten years. However, there are plenty of issues that can arise before that lifespan hits the six-year mark. Signs that you may have a tire issue include:
- Unstable tire pressure
- Bubbling
- Tire tread wear
- Uneven tread wear
- Cracks
- Weathering
- Vibrations
- Flat tires
Any problem with a tire is a safety concern. Blow-outs at fast speeds can cause a major accident and severely hurt you or others on the road. If you suspect there is an issue with your tire, get your car to a tire specialist right away.
9. Air Conditioning
No one wants to experience air conditioning issues in the Texas heat. Being in a car that doesn’t have a working AC is not only annoying but it can quickly turn into a safety issue in high temperatures. There are several reasons that your air conditioner may not be working.
One of the more common culprits comes down to refrigerant leaking. When the rubber seals and pumps get worn out over time, they can develop small gaps or holes. This can quickly turn into a bigger problem because now moisture can get into your car’s cooling system. When refrigerant (Freon) and moisture mix together it can become incredibly acidic and cause more damage.
Cooling fans are another source of a bad AC system, which takes the cool air and pushes it into your cabin. Damage, blown fuses, and electrical shorts can cause cooling fans to stop working. These can simply be replaced.
Electrical problems are common in newer models and are usually easy to fix. This could be due to a bad fuse, failing switches, issues with the control module, and more.
10. Rust
S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, and ML-Class Mercedes seem to be prone to rust. Rust develops when the iron that makes up the structure of your car gets exposed to water and oxygen. Typically, the paint will have to be scratched or chipped for this to happen.
In the models that are prone, this usually happens around the license plate. Another common area that this happens is around the bottom of the doors. If you notice any chips or scratches in your paint, you’ll need to have it addressed as soon as possible to avoid rust from forming.
For minor spots of rust, the cost is minimal. When you let the problem continue and the rust becomes more severe, this could turn into a very expensive repair job. With some rust remover, sandpaper, paint, and sealant the problem can be resolved.
11. Cosmetic Damages
Rust is just one of the more frequently seen repairs for Mercedes drivers. There is a whole list of other cosmetic damages that can potentially occur to any model of vehicle. These types of damages don’t often the performance or the safety of the car.
That doesn’t make them any less unappealing! As a Mercedes driver, you most likely care about your car’s appearance. From everyday use to fender benders, these damages could occur at any moment.
Types of cosmetic damages include scratches, dents, dings, chips, discoloration, and more. Some of these may be covered by your insurance policy. Repair costs can vary substantially based on the severity of the damage.
While you don’t need to run to the garage for these issues, there is always the potential for the problem to lead to further damage. This is true in the case of scratches and chips starting to rust. Windshield damage is also more a concerning problem that you need to correct quickly.
12. Transmission Fluid Leaks
A Mercedes manufactured after a certain year is more prone to transmission leaks. This is due to an increase in graphite buildup from clutches.
Transmission fluid is important as it lubricates the gaskets and seals to prolong their lifespan. It’s typically a bright red color but can vary from different manufacturers. If you see a puddle under your car or notice that the car is taking longer to start, this might be a sign that you have a transmission fluid leak.
Failing to have a leak like this addressed will surely lead to a much bigger problem. While you should be able to drive your car during a problem like this, you should take it to a professional mechanic straight away. If left unrepaired, it may lead to an entire transmission breakdown (a repair you don’t want to need).
A mechanic can inspect your car and let you know exactly what is causing the leak. Catching this problem early will help you keep the repairs to a minimum.
13. Transmission
A failing transmission is one of the most expensive repairs that you will find when it comes to car repair. Transmission replacement could potentially cost $4,000 and up. Without a working transmission, your car’s wheels won’t be able to turn and you won’t be headed anywhere.
Your car’s transmission supplies the power between the engine and driveshaft. It has many moving and interacting components causing friction and heat. Indicators of a bad transmission are problems changing gears, burning smell, gears slipping, dragging clutch, and humming noises from a parked car.
If you get lucky and only have to replace certain components, then you’ll be spared the bill of complete replacement. The hard part is spotting this soon enough. When parts begin to wear out, they can easily affect the whole system because of its intricate design.
14. Catalytic Converter
Catalytic converters use chemical processes to convert toxic gases from the emissions of your car. This component turns carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and others into a safer substance like water vapor.
There are many types of catalytic converters out there. However, Mercedes typically uses a high-flow Mercedes catalytic converter or a regular Mercedes catalytic converter.
These devices usually last around 10 years before they need to be replaced. They can become clogged, overheated, contaminated, or physically damaged before they make it to that length of time. Contaminants might be leaded gas and engine coolant.
Symptoms that indicate a problem with a catalytic converter are poor engine performance, trouble accelerating, dark exhaust smoke, excessive heat under the car, and a rotten egg smell.
Something else worth noting is catalytic converter theft. This is a popular item for people to lift from parked cars because they are made up of precious metals.
15. Spark Plugs
A spark plug creates electricity that ignites the air-fuel mixture in your combustion engine. They put your engine into motion and continue to supply electricity as you move on down the road.
Over time, these parts need to be replaced. If you notice that the car is hard to start, the engine misfires, poor fuel economy, knocking from the engine, poor acceleration, loud noises, or a check engine light you may need to have your spark plugs replaced. Spark plugs will generally last you anywhere from 20,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the type.
This is one component that you’ll want to stay on top of. Having a simple maintenance routine in place can help you avoid a lot of common problems in auto repair.
16. Mass Air Flow Sensor
The Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) is a key part of an electronic fuel injection system. Its job is to measure the amount of air coming into the engine, in other words, the amount of airflow. There are various types of these sensors but the more common modern type is the hot-wire.
Problems with the MAF sensor occur mostly when it is damaged or contaminated. Signs of a bad MAF sensor include:
- Failing to start
- Stalling
- Poor acceleration
- Strange shifting pattern
- Decrease of power
It’s a fairly simple job to replace the sensor and it isn’t very expensive. However, if your mechanic feels that the sensor is just dirty they may suggest cleaning it first.
17. Gear Shifter
A bad selector module on the E-class and S-class Mercedes has caused problems with the gear shifter. While this is a minor problem, you might experience some difficulty when trying to shift the car from park.
There are a few other problems that could lead to a faulty gear shift like worn-out gear teeth, low transmission fluid, or damaged shift fork. Your mechanic will be able to help you identify the cause of the problem. This is mostly just an annoying issue that leads to you being stuck wherever you are.
18. V12 Runnability
If your Mercedes has a V12 engine, then this one is for you. Other types of engines can also experience a runnability issue but this is more common for the V12. Any time that you notice failing O2 sensors, check engine light, or engine misfire, this could be the culprit.
The problem is most often something to do with the oil pressure switch. This is a sensor that monitors the amount of oil pressure and then switches the oil pressure light on or off in the dashboard. When there is a failure in the switch, oil can leak out of it and into the engine wiring harness.
Replacing the switch is a fairly easy task. The hard part is cleaning up and removing the oil can be hard. This may lead to a recommendation to replace the wiring harness as well.
19. Limp-Home Mode Activation
Newer cars are equipped with a function that allows you to tone down the functions of your vehicle. When the electronic parts of your car aren’t functioning correctly, this is a really convenient mode.
The A-class Mercedes calls it the Limp-Home mode. It is activated when there are some serious issues with your car, most often the transmission. There is a part in the transmission that isn’t welded very well.
You’ll likely have to have the part welded properly. In some cases, you might also have to have the part completely replaced. If the clutch was also damaged, you may need to change the gearbox as well.
20. Air Suspension Failure
Not all Mercedes-Benz models are equipped with air suspension. The compressed air inside a tubing cushions the vehicle when running over bumps in the road.
You will be aware when an issue with air suspension occurs. You could notice sagging ride height, rough driving, noisy driving, and sloppy handling. The good news is that this isn’t a dangerous problem to face.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should just let it go. The longer that you wait to repair this will end up causing more damage. To fix issues with air suspension, you will probably just have to replace a part or two.
Staying on Top of Common Mercedes Repairs
These common Mercedes repairs are seen all across makes and models of autos. Staying on top of your Mercedes maintenance is incredibly important to protecting and prolonging the life of your car. When you are good about keeping up with the care, you can also avoid a lot of these costly repairs that can come up.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz is a well-respected car brand with great cars. Don’t let these repairs scare you away from being a proud owner.
Do you need help with a Mercedes-Benz repair? Contact us to talk about how we can service your car!
