Injector problems on early OM651 diesels
The 2.1 diesel used in many C220, C250, E220 and E250 models from about 2008 had well-reported injector failures on early cars. Check for rough running and a history of injector work.
Used Mercedes-Benz inspection
Mercedes-Benz pre-purchase inspection
A Mercedes-Benz should feel solid and quiet. When it doesn’t, the fix is rarely cheap. Air suspension, automatic gearboxes and modern diesel emissions systems are the expensive areas, and they can all seem fine on a short test drive.
We inspect used Mercedes from the A-Class to the GLE at dealers and private sellers, and tell you plainly what we find.
Known problems
What goes wrong on a used Mercedes-Benz
Common on A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLA, GLC, ML/GLE. Not every car has these faults. They're what we look for.
Airmatic air suspension
E-Class, S-Class, ML and GL models with air suspension can develop leaks or compressor failure. A car sitting low after standing overnight is the warning sign.
7G-Tronic gearbox faults
The seven-speed automatic can suffer from conductor plate and sensor faults that cause harsh changes or limp mode.
Balance shaft wear on early M272 V6 petrols
Some V6 petrol engines from about 2005 to 2008 wear a balance shaft gear, which shows up as an engine warning light with camshaft timing codes.
AdBlue and NOx sensor faults
BlueTEC diesels use AdBlue. Heater, pump and NOx sensor faults can bring up a countdown warning that stops the car starting.
Rust on older models
Older C-Class and E-Class models, roughly 2000 to 2009, can rust around the wheel arches, door bottoms and boot lid.
Our inspection
What we check on every used Mercedes-Benz
On top of our standard checklist of up to 180 points.
- Ride height before and after the road test on air suspension
- Gear changes from cold and warm, and kickdown
- OBD2 scan for engine, gearbox and emissions codes
- AdBlue warnings and level
- Corrosion on arches, sills, doors and boot lid
- Service history, including gearbox oil changes
Prices
Mercedes-Benz inspection prices
Fixed prices, the same for every make and model.
Basic110-point · No road test£69.99
Full135-point · Road test up to 10 miles£99.99
Premium160-point · Road test up to 15 miles£139.99
Ultimate180-point · Road test up to 20 miles£169.99
Questions
Mercedes-Benz inspection FAQs
Is a used Mercedes with air suspension a bad idea?
Not if it’s healthy. Check the car sits level after standing, raises and lowers properly and has no leaks. Repairs can run into four figures, so know before you buy.
What does an AdBlue warning mean on a used Mercedes?
It can be as simple as a low tank, or a failed heater, pump or NOx sensor. We read the codes and record any warning so you can ask the seller to fix it first.
How much does a used Mercedes-Benz inspection cost?
From £69.99 for Basic up to £169.99 for Ultimate. The price is fixed, with no travel charge, in London.
Can you inspect a used Mercedes-Benz at the dealer or a private seller?
Yes. The inspector comes to wherever the car is, on a forecourt or at the seller’s home or workplace. You don’t need to be there.
RevXpress is an independent inspection company and isn't connected to Mercedes-Benz. Faults listed are common patterns reported for these cars, not a sign that any particular car has them.
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