Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews

+600k Miles and Still Going STRONG

Diesel Mercedes ARE the Cheapest Cars on the ROAD ! Period. I've retained all receipts, fuel ( +$60,000 in 10 years, average 70,000 per yr) Maintenance, etc. Cost per mile is lowest of any car I've driven, from VW Jetta Diesel, Jeep GC, Tahoe's, Camry, etc. Recently replaced ORIGINAL Turbo and Starter. Engine, knock on wood, has never been opened, Tranny rebuilt at 400,000 because I drive like a German. The only thing I would change is the TAXES on Diesel. Since I burn LESS FUEL, Why does the Federal Govt and State charge me more, don't they want us Commoners to use LESS FUEL ?!?!?!

Love this car

This car's average mileage for its first 51,000 miles is 30,6. On the highway I get 41+ at 70 mph. Add Mercedes legendary comfort and handling and this is a great car. I bought it used in 2009 from a dealer with a full MB warranty for $28 k. I'll never buy a new one again! It is my fourth Benz/first diesel, and I am now a diesel convert. Why drive anything else?

Oil pump problems

Listen in the morning at start up for a whining noise. it is the oil Pump because very few mechanics change the front of the trans oil, there are two oil plug for the transmission. Mercedes will replace the oil pump even the vehicle is out of warranty because they know there is a problem . 06 and 07 E350 .

Great car

So far zero problems with this car. I bought it transferred from Houston to Phoenix with 45k mi, and have 60k mi now. Everything is perfect. Fuel mileage summer 24/36 winter 29/38 city/highway. My typical city driving is 6 mile each way with 15 lights. hwy hilly and 75 to 80mph. Note ac use is the mpg killer in Phoenix.

Mercedes does NOT stand behind their products

Its a great car but this year model has too many problems. Mercedes does not stand behind their cars. I had to replace the balance shaft which cost me $4,500 because Mercedes made a design flaw. They eventually had a class action law suite succeed but they refused to fix my car. There was also a recall on the brake pump , again they refused to honor the recall saying they could not get the correct code. 1 year later I had a catastrophic brake failure on the high way. Again they refused to fix it even though there was a recall. I called Mercedes headquarters in New Jersey, they again refused to honor there recall. I am very disappointed in Mercedes Benz, it appears all they want is your money but do not stand behind there products.

Very disapointed with Mercedes E350 2006 4matic

I bought this card 1 year and 3 month ago for 9300. dollars. took it to the dealer for check-up, they did not find much wrong with it except for about 1100.00 dollars worth of work. I did the repairs to put it in tip-top shape. Thinking Mercedes has the reputation to last. The car was running well, looks in perfect condition and was running well, 86,000 miles when I bought it. I expect to have repairs with a used car, but not powertrain problem with a Mercedes at 92,000 miles and computer issues. The car has a lot of computer issues that controls everything. The transmission would not upshift pass third gear and the check engine light comes on and the rpm revs up, but it would not pass 35 miles. My mechanic said the computer card that controls the transmission needs to be replaced, it cost 1800.00 to fix. I have seen a lot of reviews with other people having the same problem and Mercedes won't fix it. As a matter of fact, lots of people appear to have problem with the engine also which cost even more. My last Ford explorer had 140,000 miles and no problem with the engine or the transmission. My advice , Buy American Cars. Mercedes is not what it used to be. There is only a reputation left.

You had me with the test drive

This is truly a driving machine. I will never buy another brand again. This is my second benz and believe me...it is top of the line. City driving stinks but on the highway it is fuel friendly. If you love a smooth ride with Lux, this is the car for you...smooth riding my friend.

Love my car

I bought this car as a used car at a dealership. Got an excellent price. Has over 126k miles but drives like new. Everything works like new. The interior is in pristine condition. For people who spill the occasional drink the stainguard on the floor mat works marvelously. The gas mileage is averaging 35 mph with a/c in Phoenix at speeds averaging 70 mph. I read previously an issue with that but I haven't experienced it. I drive 80 roundtrip miles daily and this car is perfect for it. My carpool buddy loves how comfortable the seats can be for his naps on the way home. The overhead lighting for the back seat passengers is very helpful for passengers to navigate maps, etc while I'm driving.

Great car when not being repaired

This is my first and last Mercedes. I've owned this care for maybe seven weeks. In that time it has been in for repairs on three different occasions, because the engine light was on. It is still in the shop and has been for the last 15 days with no end in sight. Told it is a gas problem, then no compression in one cylinder, then cam shaft slipped causing scoring. They have no clue. I own a Mercedes and ride the bus.

7-speed transmission problems

I've owned 6 MB's in the last 28 years, they've all been reliable cars. Last year, I purchased a CPO 2006 E350 with 37,000 mi and an extended warranty. Thank God I purchased the warranty! Within six months a major oil leak had to be repaired on the engine and an interior trim piece on the center console pealed off; not so bad. Two days ago, I was driving and the transmission bumped hard down shifting from 2nd to 1st gear. When I drove off, it would not shift out of 1st gear. Had it towed to my dealer. They called today and said there was dark foreign fluid in the transmission fluid, that an interior part had failed and the transmission would need to be rebuilt or replaced. Not amused!

Life with Leisel the Deisel

I purchased my 2006 320 CDI with 135,000 miles on it. Having done so I went to a highly recommended shop and told them I wanted the car returned to showroom condition. $ 5,000 later I own a truly great car. I recently fixed the 250,000km badge on her grille and I am as pleased two years later, as I was the day I got her. That initial work included four new tires replacing tires that were not designed for the car, a front end, correct windshield wipers and a stem to stern check of all systems and adjustments. The secret to my satisfaction is continued preventive maintenance by a highly skilled technician--not the local Mercedes dealer about whom the horror stories are endless. I drive the 25 miles to get my car worked on by real experts. Recently discovered the cost of a lost key--obscene. But despite its age this car runs like a new car, all systems work. Some things like the GPS system is antiquated and worthless--but it still works. I plan to put a lot of miles on this car. As she cruises toward 185,000 still the most reliable car I have ever owned, and still a pleasure to drive. The guys at German Import Service see her once every 5000 miles which means that, taken together, my maintainance costs are very reasonable. Fuel economy remains amazing--37-38 mpg. Any little thing gets fixed immediately, no matter how trivial.

First Mercedes-Benz

I'm used to the comfortable hohum driving experieces of Japanese cars. For a long time I've driven Lexus, but decided I wanted something fun to drive, comfortable, safe, and powerful. This car fit the description almost perfectly. I got the AWD model for Connecticut's uncertain winters. The car begs to be driven fast. You can fine tune your suspension from comfort to sport which ever you desire. A deterent for German cars seem to be its terrible reliability, so far nothing yet! We'll see how the rest of the year progesses. It's nice to have the only one , the car turns heads all over. The vehicle was equipped with the premium and appearance packages, electric trunk closer, wood steering wheel, and voice control.

Love this car!!!

I bought this car used with 92k and now has 102k. This thing is still like a new car. Best 8 grand ever spent.

Take this car and...

After 15 months of driving this car, and at least 10 trips to the dealer for repairs for electrical, leaks etc. in the last 10 months I am going to sell it and get another Lexus. The electrics are horrible, and it takes 2 weeks to get the gaskets from Germany for the oil leaks. Buyer beware

Luxurious yes, but it's no BMW

We decided we needed seating for 6-7, but didn't want an SUV. That left the E series and the Volvo V70. The E350 is beautiful, well-appointed and comfortable/luxurious. The suspension and steering, however, are softer than they should be, especially if you are used to driving a BMW with sports suspension (or even an Audi). The Volvo V70 R was sportier in power and handling, and had WAY better front seats (the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in, in fact), but was too stark/dark in the cockpit. Probably, upgrading to the E55 Wagon solves the problem, but for $35k more, that's insane. Come on Mercedes, make it handle more like a German driving machine!

Mercedes Diesel is Great

I bought this CPO car sight unseen from a dealer about 800 miles from home. I flew there, picked up the car, and drove it home. The car was virtually flawless. I was a little worried when the CEL came on the second day, but the selling dealer said not to worry...get it checked when I got home. I did...and it turned out to be a bad glow plug. My local dealer replaced all six plugs per a TSB. I have owned several Mercedes diesels in the past but this one blows the others out of the water. It has very strong acceleration! How great is that in a diesel (remember the ones from the 80s?)! I got slightly better than 40 mpg on my drive home and in combination city/freeway get 30+. Great car

Take Away This Lemon Please!!

This is my sixth Benz. All the rest where ok as far as dependability. This 2006 E350 4 matic has been nothing but trouble.I bought it 24 month and it has been in for service 16 times. 5 times for trany problems(leaks,shifting trouble,transfer case problems) 5 times for electrical troubles.(battery kept draining still cant find the problem three new batteries so far) Air bag trouble(2x) , steering rack leaks(2x) and the seat back panels had to be changer (they came loose) and the front power seats jammed 2X .MB is in the process of replacing the car (I am only paying for mileage used) They treat good customers well. First time buyer would have a problem (Lawyer Time )

If you can do it

Although a push financially, the E55 is a monster swaddled in Armani. An understated, elegant, every day driver that will dust anything that challenges the "55" nameplate. And they will challenge it. Think of a brand new Aston Martin Vanquish pulling up hard on your right, the light changes and the Vanquish is "Vanquished" three car lengths behind. Hard to put a price tag on that moment. I couldn't. The E55 has cult status. Everyone asks,"Can it really do what they say it can". Yes. Yes it can. And then some. If you're throwing your hat in the super performance car ring, the E55 has to be considered. It can haul kids, signifcant others, friends to dinner, as well as plain out "haul".

Nice, but not a Lexus

I've way more issues with the '06 than my old E55 (2002 W210 E55) although, yes, the 2006 is a rocketship in comparison. MB has lost the "tank like" build quality of the older cars, and doesn't seem to care what the buyer endures as far as problems, but the car is scary fast, and is still the best 4 door hot rod money can buy. Get the build quality up to Lexus standards, and there will be no room for BMW in this market.

My Benz

Best vehicle I have ever owned. Got an amazing 44.9 mpg recently on one trip. Handles like a dream and great acceleration. You could drive this car across country at 95 mph and it would purr along all day.

Got Transmission?

I am compelled to write a review on this car after a year and a half of ownership because it has been a series of non-stop transmission problems which Mercedez cannot seem to fix. I do not know if they have fixed the 2007 model but you really need to thoroughly test-drive this car and ask around. Also, the back tires needed replacement after just 20,000 miles which seemed a little too soon. This car also has a totally unusable cup holder, something you think is just a small thing but turns out to be huge for us commuters. I am thoroughly disappointed in my $70,000 purchase and wish I had stayed with a Lexus, a car I thoroughly enjoyed for ten years.

Bad transmission for 2006 4matic

My 06 is currently under MB Manufactures warrantee and I have been fighting with MB to replace my faulty transmission. At 28 mph, it skips. MB tells me there is nothing wrong and this is normal performance!!!! I am filing complaints with every agency. I paid an extra $2k for my extended warrantee when I bought my certified used MB and MB will not fix this!!!! I would NEVER buy this car!!!!!

Frustrated long time MB owner!

Three major problems resulting in overnite service: Emergency brake release came completely out of dashboard; could not move vehicle. Harness for seatbags defective and had to be replaced. Starter key went "dead" after 17,000 mi. Could not reset clock for daylight time, nor could three dealer service personnel! Confusing option "sets" on steering wheel. etc etc

A Religious Experience

I traded in my 07 Mustang for this because it was an amazing steal. One word describes this car: heavenly. I can't stop staring at it; 10 years down the road it will be just as elegant and refined as it is today. The ride is amazingly smooth, you can hit potholes at 40mph and hear them but not feel them. The sound system is impeccable and the controls easy to use if a bit distant from your hand. The V8 is the most finely tuned I've ever seen-easy to control yet quick to please. AWD is amazing yet does not sacrifice handling as so many others do. Gas mileage is awful but is to be expected and no worse than any SUV. The controls are in the oddest places and are sometimes hard to fathom.

Disappointing!!!

Between my ex-wife and myself, my ‘06 E350 is my fifth MB. This was a one owner with 82K miles and all the service done at the dealer. I purchased it as a backup for my ‘00 Lexus LX470 (the luxury version of the Land Cruiser) with 315k miles. Over the past 24 months the e350 has cost 3x in maintenance as the LX. This includes a valve body for the transmission ($2.6k) plus an intake manifold ($1k). During this period, the Benz sat in the garage 12 months :-(. Although I love the way it drives, this most likely will be my last Mercedes. My mechanic cautioned me that the newer models are more expensive to repair. Since I’ll most likely be living on a fixed income at this time, this assumes I can squeeze eight more years out of the Benz, I will play it safe and opt for reliability (LS600).

Who Da Mn

This is just an all around Precision Machine. Ungodly speed and handling! The Vette or Carrera or just about anything that pulls up next to you will end up in your rearview mirror. It doesnt matter if you are starting from a stop or already going 80, hit it and it will plant your head and take off like a bullet. The first time you head up a 40mph ramp merging into the highway doing 137mph you realize how AMG is - vs standard. The only regret is that the Autoban is not a local road!

Geaux Mercedes!

I bought the car with 22,000 miles and now have 65,000 miles almost a year later. The only repair I've made (under warranty) was some front end work. The diesel has returned 35 MPG total average in predominantly highway driving (150 miles/day). With the exception of the front end work, the vehicle has been flawless, even the electronics (which is surprising). I've owned six Mercedes before, mostly diesels, and wholeheartedly recommend the brand, and particularly their diesels.

Nothing but problems

When it comes to reliability my 2006 E350 was the worst car I’ve ever owned. I bought the car new and for the first six months it was great. Then everything started to go wrong. Transmission problems, electrical problems, oil leaks, fuel leaks etc. I had the car for about two years and was never more happy to get rid of it

One of the best Mercedes Benz cars ever

I own this car for 6 months and I already drove more than 20 000 miles. I bought it with 150k miles, now just passed 170k miles. It drives like an S class, on highway i get 40+ mpg, on city (new york city) around 26-28mpg and combined around 35mpg. Im 24 years old and I love driving this. I owned different cars like Audi A4, Benz C class, Bmw 3 series, Honda etc but for people that do a lot of highway miles this car is perfect, not newer Bluetec but this Straight Six ( I6 ) CDI.

AMG E-55 Hold on tight

This is my 3rd AMG E-55. This has the most powerful engine 469 HP, 575 torque. Love the dynamic seats. They inflate to keep you centered when you're making sharp turns. This baby accelerates 0-60 in 4.5 sec. Jump on the freeway and leave 'em in the dust. This kind of performance and handling from a 4 door sedan (Stealth) most people don't have a clue what this car is capable of. Keep it under wraps so the showboats don't ruin it :) It is quick, powerful and agile with luxury comforts and gadgets.

Every Car should be a Diesel

Finally, after 30 years of dreaming of buying a Mercedes Diesel, I finally have one. I purchased a used 2006 E320 CDI in November of 2009. I am beyond impressed. First, the vehicles systems are easy to access, air, fuel and air filters all are easy to access and change. I am a bit of a technical nut so this is important and it should be important to every person as it makes repairs cheaper. This car is built like a panzer tank. It effortlessly cruises at 100 and the economy is uncanny. I routinely get 40 MPG in MIXED DRIVING. My best is 45 MPG on a trip on Maine. This car is Quiet, and remarkable powerful. It blows away my BMW 3 series. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!

Best MB Diesel that I have owned

This car has performed exceptionally well since I purchased it from dealer. It had approx 28k at purchase. I purchased the MB extended warranty out to 5 year/100k to cover major component replacements. Best mileage was trip from El Paso,TX to destination near Fort Worth,TX (609 miles)this year, using air, with cruise control set at 70 MPH. With a few stops along the Interstate, I averaged 42.5 mpg to destination.Onboard computer at arrival said I could go another 280+ miles till refuel.(E-320 CDI has 21.0 gallontank. On board computer says that I have overall average of 33.5 mpg since purchase of car-mostly city driving mixed with some x-country trips. E- 320CDI, BEST of 4 diesel cars I owned!

2006 E350 with 48k miles

Bought my very first MB. got a great deal on a 2006 e350 RWD with 48k miles original in May of 2017... this car is amazing. but when something brakes it can brake your wallet. if you can work on it yourself or find a local mechanic it can be worth it. I also own a Lexus ES and would rather recommend that over this Mercedes. Just know the 06 e350 has a major motor issue. I was able to sell mine and get my money back for what I paid for it.

Mercedes Recall 744,000 cars for defective sunroof

The glue securing the glass panel to the sliding frame on the sunroof and could detach. My '06 E320 CDI sunroof did just that at 65 MPH and flew off of the car onto the highway. Check out this article on the recall : https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30403453/mercedes-benz-sunroof-recall/ and enter your VIN number on the automaker's website to find out if it is involved in the recall.

Have to get rid of this one.

Wonderful to drive. Fabulous mileage. Have driven MB since 1982. This is my last one. Has left me on the side of the road three times away from my home state in only 21000 miles. Fuel lift pump and fuel gauge sender unit is weak. It must be the same as from the gas engined car. Unit has been replaced twice. Air conditioner freezes up after driving two or three hours and has to be turned off to thaw, but refreezes every thirty minutes or so. Dealership seems unable to fix it. Mysterious electronic bugs in display that come and go. Preheat indicator sometimes comes on and stays on for three or four minutes. This car is not reliable enough to drive long distances!

Sore elbow

Ordered in June after driving 2005 demo. 2006 arrived with no arm rest; roll top desk top instead. After 5 weeks, driven it only about 100 miles. When I go to use it I think "sore elbow," and use a different car. I have a C240 wagon and until recently a CL600. Both had a plastic runner at the bottom of the door opening. This one has fabric - great for attracting stains. Mercedes appears to consider its customers incompetent when it comes to lowering the back seats. An interlock moves the passenger seat forward, after which it might just accommodate a five- year-old. All kinds of hassle to overide this interlock so as to be able to use the seat. Wonderful vehicle spoiled by dumb design.

A Moderately Good Vehicle

Bought used with 28k miles on it. Was all excited about getting this car, but excitement has worn off. Radio sounds good, but controls are poor. Knows nothing of folders on MP3 CDs. Too many button presses to get from Radio to CD to other. Defrost is annoying: full fan speed, highest temp, turns A/C on. Have to use MB phone, no BlueTooth. Engine is very good, powerful, economical, driving range is excellent (near 700 miles). Yet to see 40mpg like people claim, and I drive conservatively. Steering is soft/spongy. No Oil Dipstick?! Leather is good. Overall a good car, but I expected more from a company that charged $50k+ for this car when new.

Disappointment for the Price

This is my second E class, I had a '98 E320, wish I could get it back. The car is beautiful, rides nice. Radio and CD player failed in first month. Car has been in 4 times for transmission problems, every fix makes it worse. Avoid any Mercedes with the 7speed. My '84 Ford Tempo had a better quality transmission. Car slam shifts between gears. I had to stop drinking coffee on the way to work to stop the stains in the carpet from the spills the car jerks so hard when it shifts. We were about to buy my wife an R class until I found out it had the 7 speed. I am currently considering pursuing Lemon Law remedy. Oh by the way the car doesn't even come with all seasons, I had to spend $1,000 on snows.

What a Lemon

Bought it 6/29. At 1000 miles, notification of airbag malfunction. Mercedes tells me not to drive it for safety. 600 miles after it got fixed, another notification of airbag malfunction. Mercedes has too many electrical problems. Never had problems with any of my Japan made cars (Lexus, Infiniti).

276000 and 301000 miles still strong and sold

Great vehicle own two CDI s and they are dead reliable and solid Has the vault like feel and frugality of a diesel the I6 is the one to own.

Family Wagon that's fun to drive!

My MB E500 wagon is the first Mercedes that I have owned and I am in love with it after driving it for just over a year. I spend a lot of time driving my children around and it makes a difference to have such a comfortable interior. I live in Minnesota and my 4Matic drives great in the snow! I've had just two problems: 1.A faulty transfer case which was replaced and fully covered under the warranty and 2. Poor tire wear which was also a warranty item and the tires were replaced.

Great Car

Great car in all respects--Mercedes does not understand what a great car they have here. Great pickup, Great economy. Who needd a hybrid when you can drive this?

The Last Days of Mercedes

The E350 is chintzy. It manfiests the dreadful consequences of the abominable decision MB made in the early 1990's consciously to debase the quality of the fine automobiles on whose splendid engineering and construction MB's century-old reputation had been built. Those of us who knew the quality that once epitomized MB can tell the difference with but a moment's inpsection. The car has 2 batteries to support needless electronic junk; one battery has already failed. There is a bicycle spare tire. The barely used radio produces an echo sounding like crows cawing in the background. Just touching the "bumper" to a sleeping cat can cost $300. The Mercedes Benz we knew belongs to the ages.

Beware of the E Class Defroster

The E Class defroster has no adjustment. Full temperature only on the windshield and interior of car. Makes for an oven when on. Doesn't cut off automatically. Had I known this, I would not have bought a $55K Mercedes.

Great Car! Solid & Built to Last

Consumer Reports was right

We were undecided between Lexus and MB,decided to go with an e350 with only 17000 miles. This car has the smoothest ride of any vehicle we've owned, including BMW. The problem has been with reliability-my car has been in the shop 5 times,I am currently in a loaner. Ranging from minor electrical problems to motor mounts. I am officially done! The dealership has been great and everything is under warranty. My wife is reluctant to get rid of the car because of the ride and appearance but this car has consumed to much of time!

Great car. But poor engine quality

Love this car, great cruiser, comfortable, great mileage and power. BUT, Mercedes has delivered a car with a poorly designed engine. At 62K, I got check engine light and taking to the dealer was informed that I have to replace the balance shaft of my engine for a cost of close to $6K. According to the advisor and validated by the many articles you can find on the web. Mercedes, E350 engine (this affects E350, ML350 and many other C class cars using the same engine) was built using a balance shaft that was not tempered properly. This affects 10% to 15% of the cars between 2006 and 2007 Worst of all Mercedes will not stand behind the poorly manufactured engine !!!

The Best

Having owned Mercedes in the past, I just love this vehicle and its looks, performance, and having the 4 matic gives me more peace of mind for safety when driving in the tortential rains in Florida. This is a must have vehicle and price was well worth it.

My E350

This car exceeds my expectations for comfort, performance, and reliability. The 7 speed auto provides great power at any rpm. The 6 cyl engine provides great fuel economy. The car has that solid German feel while remaining comfortable. I especially like the semi active suspension with its three settings. I feel safe when i'm driving this car.

Great car

Overall a fantastic car! The ride is smooth, yet without the disconnected feel. Whatever you do, get vented seats! Navigation kinda dumb sometimes when it comes to choosing the best route. Love the multi-language option. Engine is powerful enough. 7 speed transmission is a disaster. Downshift takes too much time, you really need to floor it to get "instant" shift. I'm used to driving a stick, automatic has always been a drag for me. Gas mileage stinks. I get about 20 avg reading on the highway, vs. advertised 27. Breaks work brilliantly. Sound system has a weird frequency response curve, the louder you make it, the less highs you hear, and the mid sticks out like a sore thumb. Fast!