2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 W213

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Check engine light with bearing-related codes, Loss of oil pressure, Catastrophic seizure without warning in severe cases

Fix: Balance shaft module fails internally, sending metal debris throughout the oil system and destroying bearings, pistons, cylinder walls. No repair path—requires complete engine replacement or short block with 18-25 labor hours. Used engines run $4,000-6,000, new shortblocks $8,000-12,000. Mercedes extended warranty coverage expired for most 2017s.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping from bellhousing area, Red fluid spots under vehicle, Low transmission fluid warning on dash, Harsh or delayed shifting when fluid level drops

Fix: The cooler integrated into the transmission housing develops leaks at seals. Requires transmission removal for access—8-10 labor hours. Cooler assembly itself is $400-600, but you're paying for transmission drop and reinstall with fluid service.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that changes when shifting to Neutral, Visible transmission sag when inspecting from below, Excessive driveline movement during acceleration

Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates and loses damping. Straightforward replacement with 1.5-2.5 labor hours depending on lift access. OE mount is $300-450, aftermarket options run $150-250.

Estimated cost: $450-800

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Long crank time before starting, Intermittent no-start condition, Rough running and misfires under load, Fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0088), Metallic ticking from engine when pump is failing

Fix: Cam-driven high pressure pump on the M274 fails internally, sometimes sending metal debris into injectors. Requires pump replacement plus inspection and possible replacement of all four injectors and fuel rail. Pump alone is 3-4 hours, but injector contamination adds significant cost. Pump $800-1,200, injectors $300-450 each.

Estimated cost: $1,500-4,500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that disappears when warm, Turbo underboost or overboost codes, Loss of power under acceleration, Excessive smoke from exhaust (if turbo seal fails)

Fix: Wastegate actuator arm wears and rattles, eventually sticking. Can sometimes be repaired with actuator replacement (4-5 hours), but often requires full turbo replacement if shaft play exists. Turbo assembly $1,800-2,800 new, 6-8 hours labor including coolant and oil system work.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low after being parked overnight, Compressor running constantly, Suspension warning on dash, Uneven ride height side-to-side, Compressor noise that's louder than normal

Fix: Air struts develop leaks at seals, compressor wears out from overwork. Individual strut replacement is 2-3 hours each ($1,200-1,800 per corner with OE struts). Compressor is 3-4 hours at $1,500-2,200 total. Many owners at this mileage convert to conventional springs and shocks for $2,000-3,000 all around to eliminate future air suspension issues.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200