2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
What to watch for on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Camshaft Adjuster Magnet Oil Leak
The camshaft adjuster solenoids (magnets) on the front of the engine leak oil, and the oil can wick down the wiring toward the engine computer.
Which of these apply to your 2012 E-Class?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
What 235 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a glance
- Trims
- E350E350 4maticE350 BluetecE550E550 4maticE63 AMG
- Engine
- 3.5L 6-Cylinder, 3.0L 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel, 4.7L 8-Cylinder Turbo, 5.5L 8-Cylinder Turbo
- Transmission
- Automatic 7-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Diesel
- Body style
- Sedan
Other Mercedes-Benz E-Class years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Owners have filed 235 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. No recall campaigns are on file for this model year. Known problems on its engines include camshaft adjuster magnet oil leak. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.