The vehicle previously underwent a sunroof recall repair; however, the repair appears to have been performed improperly. The sunroof seal was never replaced as required, which has resulted in ongoing water intrusion. The vehicle now shows two visible areas on the body with paint bubbling and surface rust consistent with water penetration and moisture retention caused by a failed or defective sunroof seal. The condition indicates long term exposure to water due to inadequate sealing following the recall service.
The worst 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
Recalls 3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall expands the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 84
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year...
- In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
What 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed turbo valve and a failed exhaust system. The contact was informed that the turbo valve and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed engine failure. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V006000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. On another occasion while driving 30 MPH, the contact stated that he noticed smoking coming from the front of the vehicle with an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and examine the vehicle but found no failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was unsure what needed to be repaired; but the contact stated that the failure was with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked the contact heard a hissing noise coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed the rear suspension on the driver's side was deflated sitting very low to the ground. The contact stated when they entered the vehicle to turn it on they received an error message on the display console stating the vehicle too low to drive. A few weeks prior to the failure the contact had the vehicle repaired by a local dealer for the rear suspension toe link and is concerned the failure that occurred on the vehicle is related to that repair. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 155,000.
Lower front control arm replacement parts manufactured by feq and supplied thru worldpac are suspected to be defective. Parts have 18k miles on them and are at a failure point. Although we are unusble to determine if a part failure from design and manufacturer or from impact damage to supporting frame work ... Pictures attached.
Engine developed catastrophic oil leak. Oil leaked from oil cooler seals. I was informed by mercedes benz service department that the seals were redesigned. The original seals were made of an orange rubber material and the replacement seals are made of a purple viton material. I was advised that it was unsafe to drive the vehicle until the seals were replaced.
Fuel smell outside of vehicle after filling the tank. Took to dealer in valencia ca. They tightened the fuel filler neck. The following week when we filled up, same issue. Responded via email to service manager that the problem was not corrected. Brought car back for service in nov 2014. Dealer says car out of extended warranty 3 weeks. Cost: $2500. Offers 15% off service, this is a nice gesture and it is appreciated. However, the problem was identified (and not corrected) while the car was under warranty. Defect investigation underway at the federal safety agency and a class-action lawsuit filed in ga. We feel mb is responsible for the replacement of the fuel sending unit.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz e320. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle and the fuel tank was leaking fuel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
On two separate ocassions, about 4 weeks apart steering wheel locked up causing a near accident on mercedes e class. Dealer claimed this was a rare ocassion. Vehicle is currently in the dealer shop for the second time for repair. The first time I was billed about $1,000. I am going to be billed again when the car is repaired.
Compare the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320
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Questions about the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320
Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320, fewer than a typical E320 model year.
What is the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 year score?
The 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 scores 90 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz E320: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
3 recalls, covering visibility.
What year does the Mercedes Benz E320 have bad engine?
The Mercedes Benz E320 model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (18 complaints), 2005 (17 complaints) and 1995 (10 complaints).
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