Buyer Research

2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $24,000–$34,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

A genuinely lovely midsize luxury sedan — the W213 E-Class rides beautifully, feels a class above, and the 2.0T (E300) is efficient and smooth. It's a used Mercedes, so budget for real service: electronics, air suspension (if fitted), and cooling. A documented E300 with full history is a superb, comfortable car; a cheap neglected one will drain you. Buy on records and keep a repair fund.

Known Issues for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Electronics / MBUX-era complexityMedium

The extensive electronics and driver-assist systems can fault and cost real money; verify all work.

Repair cost range: $200-$1,500

Air suspension (if equipped)Medium

The optional air suspension leaks and fails; verify it rides level and holds.

Repair cost range: $800-$2,500

Cooling / oil leaks (2.0T)Medium

Verify service and check for cooling-component and oil-gasket leaks.

Repair cost range: $300-$1,200

Expensive service / consumablesLow

MB service, brakes, and tires cost more; budget accordingly.

Repair cost range: Varies

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗No service history (deal-breaker)
✗Air suspension sagging
✗Electronics faults
✗Oil/coolant leaks

Good Signs

✓Full documented MB service
✓Air suspension level (or coil)
✓All electronics working

Found a specific Mercedes-Benz E300?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.