Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2.0 Petrol Manual W213 facelift?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2.0 Petrol Manual W213 facelift. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Cylinder head / exhaust valve seat failure

Rough idle, misfire under load, engine light, hesitant acceleration and sometimes repeated coil or plug changes that do not cure it.

How to check

Start it from cold, let it idle, then accelerate gently and steadily once warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£6,500

2High Likelihood

MBUX screen blackouts and rebooting

Screen stays black, restarts by itself, lags badly, loses camera display or takes an unusually long time to wake up.

How to check

Start the car, use navigation or media, then select reverse and continue driving for a few minutes.

Estimated Repair Cost

£600

3Moderate Likelihood

Airmatic leaks or compressor strain

One corner sitting low after parking, slow rise on startup, suspension warnings or a harsher ride than expected.

How to check

Start the car after it has been parked, then drive over a few uneven surfaces at low speed.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 2.7% (3 failed / 112 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 11.0% (31 failed / 282 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 10.0% (8 failed / 80 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 7.1% (1 failed / 14 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 25.0% (1 failed / 4 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 0.0% (0 failed / 4 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2.0 Petrol Manual W213 facelift

Mercedes-Benz E-Class buying questions

Is a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2.0 Petrol Manual W213 facelift, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2021)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually