Every time you buy a new car, you want to get the best value for your money. Part of that is getting a high-quality luxury car that is as reliable, comfortable, and efficient as you expect. But if you are buying a Mercedes, you can rest assured that it will be a safe and powerful vehicle. However, there’s something more you need to know: how long will a Mercedes last?
Knowing how long it will serve is essential if you are in the car market and planning to buy a new or used Mercedes. Because, after a few years on the road, if your Mercedes isn’t performing to your expectations, you’ll either have to buy a new car or spend a fortune on repairs, which may add up to a hefty sum. In this article, we’ll talk about how reliable and long-lasting Mercedes cars are and what to do if your new car starts acting up.
How Long Does A Mercedes Last?
Mercedes cars are known to outlast 15 to 17 years if you drive an average of 15,000 miles annually. Better performance can be achieved with regular servicing and repairs. Most Mercedes cars have an average lifespan between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with careful driving and proper maintenance.
What is the Maximum Mileage of a Mercedes Car?
Typically, you should expect your Mercedes to endure anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some drivers have even been able to get up to 400,000 miles out of their cars. So, if you take better care of your car and use it less frequently, you can get more miles out of it than someone who drives it daily and doesn’t provide regular maintenance.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Mercedes Car?
A Mercedes is a good choice if you want a vehicle that will serve you well for a long time. Your Mercedes can last you between 15 and 17 years, considering you drive it 15,000 miles a year (the national average car mileage per year). This number can be affected by many factors, like driving skills, repair and upkeep, and model year.
Are Mercedes Cars reliable?
Even with a long lifespan, car owners want to know if their vehicles will be reliable or not. Mercedes is ranked 24th in reliability by Consumer Reports. The reliability of each brand in the United States was evaluated through many factors such as engine, fuel system, exhaust, brakes, and climate system.
Repair Frequency:
How frequently will you have your Mercedes repaired? This is crucial, as repairing luxury foreign brands like Mercedes may be expensive. Expect greater repair costs because parts would need to be imported or might be difficult to find. Keep in mind that Mercedes are regarded as luxury vehicles, so be ready to pay for luxury car expenses.
Reliability Ratings:
Mercedes gets a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from Repair Pal. This ranks it #27 among the 32 most popular car brands. This ranking considers the cost, frequency, and severity of issues and repairs.
Mercedes’ low rating can be attributed to the high cost of imported parts. However, some Mercedes models are more reliable than others. For instance, the E class has a reputation for durability and longevity than other classes.
How Long Do Different Models of Mercedes Typically Last?
The number of miles a Mercedes engine is expected to last before it needs to be rebuilt varies slightly between models. Below is a breakdown of how many miles a Mercedes car should last by model:
Mercedes C-Class:
Nowadays, the Mercedes C-Class is available in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet body styles. They last, on average, between 150,000 and 200,000 miles or about 10 to 13-17 years.
The engine of the 2022 C-Class has substantial changes. The 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard on all versions, including the AMG, as opposed to the V6 or V8 options offered by the previous generations.
The sedan, coupe, and cabriolet are offered in three different drivetrain configurations: C 300 (rear-wheel drive), C 300 4MATIC (all-wheel drive), and AMG C 43 (exclusive for the coupe and cabriolet).
Mercedes S-Class:
The Mercedes S-Class is the company’s flagship model. It’s a top-tier full-size sedan that prioritizes comfort, luxury, and performance. It is known to last longer and can run for 15 to 25 years or 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
The following options are available for the 2022 S-Class sedan:
- 500 S 4MATIC (3.0l inline six cylinders).
- 580 S 4MATIC (4. Ol v8).
- Maybach S-Class 580 4MATIC.
- Maybach S-Class 680 4MATIC (handcrafted 6.0L V12).
Mercedes E-Class:
In comparison to the C-Class, the mid-sized luxury Mercedes Benz E-Class is estimated to last 17 years or 200,000 to 250,000 miles longer. Models for the 2022 E-Class include the E350, E450, and AMG E 53.
The E350 has four 2.0-liter turbocharged cylinders, while the E450 and E53 have six 3.0-liter turbocharged mills. The E-Class costs more than the entry-level A-Class and the more widely used C-Class.
Mercedes A Class:
The Mercedes A-Class debuted in the United States market in 2018. Based on European A-Class vehicles that have been on the market since the 1990s, their projected lifespan is between 13 and 17 years or 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
This sedan has a 2.0L inline 4-turbo engine and is the entry-level model for the firm. Although it has a lifespan comparable to that of the majority of Mercedes cars, 100,000 miles is already regarded as high for this class.
By this time, the value has decreased, and repairs are not cost-effective. If you take care of your car and have regular tune-ups, it will last longer.
Most Common Issues with Mercedes Cars
Mercedes is known for its high caliber and resilience. Yet Mercedes have their own unique set of common concerns, just like any other car. The following are the most common issues reported by Mercedes owners:
Issues Before 100,000 Miles:
Some Mercedes owners experienced issues with their vehicles between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. These issues frequently involve:
Spark Plug Issues:
A combustion engine’s air and fuel mixture is ignited by spark plugs. Spark plugs fail due to repetitive overheating, which is frequently caused by pre-ignition. Spark plugs overheat as a result of pre-ignition, which increases engine temperature. Spark plug failure is a common problem with Mercedes, resulting in rough idling, poor gas flow, or trouble starting. Thankfully, replacing or cleaning spark plugs is quick and affordable.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
The catalytic converter converts harmful auto exhaust into non-toxic gases. Several Mercedes are known to experience catalytic converter failure because they got clogged up after 60,000 miles. Because of this, the car may have issues such as black exhaust smoke, difficulty starting, low fuel economy, and so on.
The price to replace a catalytic converter varies by model. In order to know your catalytic converter price take a look at this article, where we have covered this topic extensively.
Ignition Failure:
To ignite the gasoline and oxygen and start the engine, the ignition needs a spark. The engine won’t start if the spark isn’t lit properly. Ignition failure occurs in some Mercedes at 75,000 miles.
Issues After 100,000 Miles:
Some Mercedes had the same problems as those above after 100,000 miles, but most of the time, they were accompanied by many others. Listed below are a few potential problems with Mercedes after 100,000 miles:
Rust Issues:
Rust is an inevitable part of owning an older car. Even a high-end Mercedes will corrode over time. Washing the car regularly and keeping it in a garage will extend its life significantly.
Air-Suspension Failure:
The suspension system could begin to malfunction after 100,000 miles. One of the suspension’s key functions is to provide a smooth ride so that you won’t notice every pothole in the road. It keeps the car level as well. If the suspension fails, the car may not drive smoothly and might pull to one side or both. At this stage, the suspension may need to be repaired or replaced.
Oil And Differential Leaks:
Due to the degradation of the differential cover, pinion, and axle seals, Mercedes cars with high mileage are frequently susceptible to oil and differential leaks. The leaks are more common in these vehicles since their owners tend to use them for longer periods of time than owners of other brands.
Steering System Failure:
Failure of the steering system is extremely risky. Get the steering wheel checked out, fixed, or replaced as soon as possible if it seems flimsy or you hear noises when you turn.
Transmission Problems:
Mercedes has one of the strongest transmission systems out there. However, after 100,000 miles, problems with the 13-pin connector and valve in an automatic transmission can occur. It can start to leak fluid and make the shifting difficult. You should schedule regular transmission servicing after 100,000 miles.
Tips To Make Your Mercedes Last Longer:
Regular maintenance and safe driving are the best ways to keep your Mercedes running. Check the owner’s manual to determine how often your car should be serviced. Also, here are some useful tips for Mercedes owners:
Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Covered:
The body of your car can get damaged by rain, hail, and wind, and too much direct sunlight can make the paint fade. Keep up with the hygiene of your car. It protects the paint job, but more significantly, it prevents rust and other build-ups that can damage your car’s body and undercarriage.
Regular Oil Changes:
The engine oil plays a crucial role in ensuring the engine operates smoothly. It aids in cooling, lubricates moving parts, and keeps the engine clean. The engine will have problems if the oil is old and dirty. Oil changes should be performed every 3,000 miles or every six months. Always make sure your engine has enough oil by checking the level regularly.
Inspection of Electrical Systems:
Get a mechanic who is familiar with Mercedes electrical systems to check it out regularly. Problems with Mercedes cars typically come from their electrical systems. Frequent inspections and maintenance can take care of minor problems before they get more serious.
Monitor Tire Pressure:
Keeping your tire pressure consistent will make your tires last longer and help your suspension. Check the tire pressure on a regular basis, and keep the tires inflated to the recommended levels.
Keep the Fluids Full:
The vehicle’s fluids should be checked frequently. If something is running low, fill it up. Regular fluid inspection should include the following:
Transmission Fluid:
Transmission fluid serves to cool and lubricate the transmission. If it’s low, the engine can surge, which would make shifting difficult for the car. The coolant prevents the engine from freezing in the winter and keeps it cool in the summer. Check the antifreeze regularly, especially if the car has more than 50,000 miles on it, as it can degrade with time.
Brake Fluid:
As you press the brake pedal, the braking fluid is forced out of its reservoir, fills the lines, and aids in stopping the vehicle. As the brake pads wear down, the level of the brake fluid also goes down. So, check the brakes and fluid on a regular basis.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
This fluid is often overlooked, but it is very important for safety. It mists onto the windscreen, keeping it clear so you can see the road. The frequency of windscreen washer fluid refill depends on usage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mercedes Cars:
Are Mercedes Cars High Maintenance?
Indeed, Mercedes cars are regarded as high maintenance. This is because they need regular maintenance and tune-ups and require more expensive parts than other cars. The average cost of upkeep and repairs for a Mercedes is just over $900 annually.
What is the Per Year Mileage for a Mercedes?
A Mercedes usually gets between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year. Every amount above that is considered to be high miles. Hence, if you’re planning to purchase a used Mercedes, search for one with low mileage—less than 10,000 miles annually.
Are Older Mercedes Models More Reliable?
Many people think that older models are more reliable than modern ones because they are built well and have simple designs. In addition, older vehicles may be less of a hassle to keep up and maintain than newer models due to their simple tools and fewer electronic systems. To buy an older Mercedes car, you should research to ensure you’re getting a reliable car.
Conclusion:
A Mercedes car is frequently seen as a sign of luxury and wealth. Mercedes cars are some of the most opulent, powerful, and well-made vehicles on the market. On average, they can last a long time without getting any significant maintenance. But remember that this is only true if they are well taken care of.
Even though they are made to last, a few typical issues can still develop. Early attention to these issues can ultimately save you a lot of time and money. In this blog, we’ve offered our expert tips for dealing with such problems, and we hope they will come in handy for you in the hour of need.