Mercedes E-Class Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Mercedes
FixMyCar provides key information about the Mercedes E-Class.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday May 15 2025
11 min read
Though the Mercedes E-Class has a long history with lineage stretching back to 1926, the model we know today was launched in 1993 and is easily one of the world's most iconic luxury saloon cars.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your E-Class in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Mercedes E-Class generations
Mercedes E-Class 1993-1995 (W124)
The first official E-Class was a continuation of Mercedes’ successful mid-size saloon. It earned praise for its bulletproof build quality, comfort, and understated style. Even today, this generation of the E-Class is considered one of the most reliable cars Mercedes has ever made. It featured advanced safety systems for the nineties, including optional airbags and ABS. Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Two-door coupe
Two-door cabriolet
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 136bhp petrol
2.2-litre 150bhp petrol
2.8-litre 193bhp petrol
3.0-litre 136bhp diesel
3.2-litre 220bhp petrol
Mercedes E-Class 1995-2002 (W210)
The next generation of the E-Class sported a bolder design with distinctive quad headlights. More electronics and safety features were added, though early models suffered from problems with rust.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 163bhp petrol
2.8-litre 193bhp petrol
2.2-litre 125bhp diesel
3.2-litre 197bhp diesel
Mercedes E-Class 2002-2009 (W211)
The W211 was a sleeker and more refined version of the E-Class, introducing features like adaptive brakes, AIRMATIC suspension, and keyless go. Reliability improved over time, especially following a facelift in 2006.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Key engine options:
2.1-litre 170bhp diesel
2.7-litre 177bhp diesel
3.0-litre 204bhp diesel
2.0-litre 231bhp V6 petrol
5.0-litre 306bhp V8 petrol
6.2-litre 514bhp V8 petrol
Mercedes E-Class 2009-2016 (W212)
The W212 stood apart from its curvier predecessor with a more angular design. It offered new safety systems like collision prevention assist, drowsiness detection, and adaptive high beams. A 2013 facelift brought significant changes, including a softer design, new interior technology, and a larger COMAND screen. This was the final E-Class to offer a substantial number of V6 and V8 engines.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Two-door coupe
Two-door cabriolet
Key engine options:
1.8-litre 184bhp petrol
2.1-litre 170bhp diesel
2.1-litre 204bhp diesel
3.0-litre 252bhp V6 diesel
3.0-litre 333bhp V6 petrol
5.5-litre 585bhp V8 biturbo petrol
Mercedes E-Class 2016-2023 (W213)
The next generation of the E-Class adopted much of the S-Class’s technology and luxury feel. It had a minimalist interior with large digital displays, and semi-autonomous driving features became standard or optional across the range.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Two-door coupe
Two-door cabriolet
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 197bhp petrol (mild hybrid in later years)
2.0-litre 194bhp diesel
3.0-litre 340bhp diesel
2.0-litre 320bhp petrol plug-in hybrid
3.0-litre 435bhp petrol mild hybrid
4.0-litre 612bhp V8 biturbo petrol
Mercedes E-Class 2023-present (W214)
The W214 is the most technologically advanced E-Class yet. It has an optional MBUX Superscreen setup with AI-powered infotainment and voice controls. The UK market has only electrified engine options, with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrids across the range. The coupe and cabriolet versions from previous generations have been removed from the E-Class lineup and rebranded as part of the new CLE line.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 204bhp petrol mild hybrid
2.0-litre 197bhp diesel mild hybrid
2.0-litre 313bhp petrol plug-in hybrid
2.0-litre 381bhp petrol plug-in hybrid
Service intervals
Maintaining your E-Class is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. Mercedes service intervals are typically divided into two main categories: A and B.
Service A
Service A is carried out every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. It focuses on basic maintenance, including:
Tyre rotations
Brake component inspection
Service B
Service B is performed approximately every 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. It includes everything in an A service plus more comprehensive inspections, including:
ASSYST PLUS service interval display
Some E-Class models have ASSYST PLUS, which displays the distance or time remaining before your next service on the dashboard. This technology means you don’t have to think about when your car was last serviced or count the distance you’ve travelled since then; the car does it for you. The ASSYST PLUS system may shorten the service interval in the following situations:
The car is mainly used for short distance driving
The engine is left idling for long periods
There are frequent cold start phases
Regeneration of the DPF in diesel models is interrupted
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
What are the tyre pressures for a Mercedes E-Class?
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the E-Class on TyrePressures.com. However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| E-Class model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2024 | 225/55/R18 102 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 225/55/R18 102 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR |
| 2023, 2022, 2021 | 245/35/ZR20 95 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 275/30/ZR20 97 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2020 | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2019, 2017, 2016 | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR |
| 2018 | 245/40/R19 98 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 245/40/R19 98 Y | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
How to reset the tyre pressure on a Mercedes E-Class
The reset method can vary between different model years and configurations. The following instructions are based on a 2019 model.
If unsure, consult your owner’s manual.
Press the ‘home’ button on the steering wheel controls.
Use the black button to scroll across the menu options. Select ‘service’.
Scroll down the options and select ‘tyres’.
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressures.
Scroll down. You should see a message asking if you want to use the current pressures as new reference values.
Press the black button to confirm.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 and 5W-40 oil grades are commonly used in Mercedes models.
However, the recommended oil can vary between different E-Class engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle.
Recommended oil specifications
Mercedes has several engine oil specifications, known as MB approvals, which indicate oil quality and compatibility with their engines.
The following specifications are often used for E-Class models:
MB 229.5: High-performance synthetic oils suitable for petrol engines. Commonly used in many E-Class petrol models, especially those without particulate filters.
MB 229.51: Low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorous, and sulphur) oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Frequently specified for E-Class diesels and newer petrol engines requiring emission system protection.
MB 229.52: An evolution of MB 229.51, designed for improved fuel economy. Required for certain modern four-cylinder engines, especially in post-2014 E-Class models.
MB 229.71: A newer, low-viscosity oil specification aimed at reducing friction and improving efficiency. Typically used in the latest mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid E-Class engines where fuel economy and emissions targets are a priority.
What is the oil capacity of a Mercedes E-Class?
Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The E-Class generally requires between 5.5 and 9 litres.
Petrol models: 6 to 9 litres
Diesel models: 5.5 to 8.5 litres
PHEVs: 6 to 6.8 litres
Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my Mercedes E-Class?
The table below provides a general guide based on common setups, but battery requirements vary by engine variant so should be checked against the information in your owner’s manual.
| Generation | Battery type | Typical size (LxWxH, mm) | Voltage | Capacity (Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W124 (1993–1995) | Lead acid | 278 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 70-74 |
| W210 (1995–2002) | Lead acid | 278 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 74-80 |
| W211 (2002–2009) | AGM | 315 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 85-95 |
| W212 (2009–2016) | AGM | 353 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 95-100 |
| W213 (2016–2023) | AGM or EFB | 353 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 80-95 |
| W214 (2023–present) | AGM or lithium-ion (PHEV) | 353 × 175 × 190 | 12V | 80–95, varies for HV battery |
Things to consider when buying a battery for your Mercedes E-Class
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are commonly used in models with start/stop systems and higher electrical demands.
EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is sometimes used as a more affordable alternative to AGM in mid-spec models.
Plug-in hybrids have a standard 12V AGM battery plus a high-voltage lithium-ion drive battery.
Always check the exact battery code (e.g. H7, H8, LN4, etc.) for your model and trim level.
Learn more about car batteries in this guide.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Mercedes E-Class?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Mercedes E-Class warning lights you might not know
Mercedes AIRMATIC warning light
Some E-Class models are equipped with air suspension. The warning light looks like a car with an arrow pointing upwards. It comes on to signal a ride height issue or fault with the adaptive system and could mean the vehicle is riding too low or too high.
Common causes of air suspension problems include:
Compressor failure
Air leaks
Faulty valves
Air spring failure
Control module or sensor issues
If you spot this warning light, you should make an appointment at a garage for a suspension repair.
Mercedes Active Brake Assist warning light
Active Brake Assist is an autonomous active braking system designed to minimise the risk of a collision. It is available on some E-Class models. Two versions of the warning light can appear depending on whether the system has been deactivated or is unavailable due to a fault.
When the system has a fault, the warning symbol shows the rear of one car and the front of another with an exclamation mark between them. If the system is inactive but no problems are detected, the same symbol appears with the word ‘off’ above it.
Active Brake Assist problems can include:
Sensor issues
Faults within the ABS or brake system
You can continue driving when this warning light is illuminated, but you should get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test!
Common problems
Here, we look at two common problems with the E-Class.
1. Worn suspension
The E-Class is a big, heavy car, and the suspension system bears the brunt of this weight. Parts can wear out quickly, and repairs can be expensive if your model is fitted with air suspension.
Follow the advice in this guide to identify common suspension problems.
2. Water pump failure
Water pump failure is a known problem for the W212 E-Class, so if you’re in the market for a used model, this is one area you should pay particular attention to. You can usually hear it when the water pump starts to wear out – listen for a whining or growling noise from the engine bay.
Other signs of water pump failure include:
Coolant leaks
Coolant level drops quickly
Learn how a car’s cooling system works.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Top Mercedes E-Class questions and topics
Does the Mercedes E-Class have a Renault engine?
Mercedes sometimes uses Renault engines in entry-level models like the A-Class and B-Class, but this isn't the case for the E-Class, which uses Mercedes-Benz engines.
How much is road tax for a Mercedes E-Class?
The annual road tax for an E-Class varies depending on the model year. It typically ranges between £20 and £620 per year.
E 350 e SE 9G-Tronic Plus auto 4d (1 Oct 2016 - 31 Mar 2017) - Band A £20
E 220 d 4Matic SE Premium 9G-Tronic Plus auto 4d (1 Jun 2018 - 31 Dec 2019) - Band H £620
E 200 d SE Premium Plus 9G-Tronic Plus auto 4d (31 Mar 2017 - 31 May 2018) - Band F £195
Check out this guide to learn more about road tax.
Are Mercedes E-Class models rear wheel drive?
E-Class models come with rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive available on some versions.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.