The 2018 Mercedes E-Class lasts around 150,000 miles with some idling and windshield wiper motor issues reported. At $28,000 to $91,375, it’s expensive, but is worth the money if you’re looking for a luxurious midsize car.
Is the 2018 Mercedes E-Class a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Mercedes E-Class since it offers a lot of luxury features paired with the latest tech. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, upscale cabin, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 10/10 – Interior materials are extremely luxurious for a sedan of its size, the seats are plush and comfortable, cargo space is a bit lower than average.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major complaints on the 2018 E-Class, in general reliability is okay on models from 2015–2022, although as a Mercedes it’s expensive to maintain.
- Performance 9/10 – Performance is okay from the base engines, while the AMG models are some of the most powerful midsize sedans, wagons, and coupes in the world.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 E-Class is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with a pre-safe system. Optional upgrades include evasive steering assist as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 435 miles of range from the 17.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $8 cheaper than average, at $232 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more expensive than some other luxury sedans, with fast depreciation rates, lowering its overall value scores.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes E-Class?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 E-Class is an iconic midsize luxury sedan with the latest features, and gets good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the E-Class at 3.9/5, enjoying the driver assistance features, but doesn’t like the smaller trunk.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the E-Class a 4.2/5, praising the very plush ride quality, but owners don’t like the higher depreciation rates as they age.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Mercedes E-Class Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class include idling roughly, windshield wiper issues, along with excessive battery drain. Overall, these problems are average compared to other luxury sedans on the market, although repair costs are high due to expensive parts and labor.
Idling roughly is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 E-Class, showing up at around 35,000 miles. There are two main sources of the problem including a worn-out mass airflow sensor, or a damaged throttle body. Replacing the mass airflow sensor costs around $350, while a new throttle body is over $1,000 depending on local labor rates.
Windshield wiper issues also show up on some 2018 E-Class models at around 20,000 miles. The windshield wiper motor tends to wear out quicker than on some other cars, and has to be replaced. Changing out the windshield wiper motor is roughly $700.
Excessive battery drain is another issue mentioned by some E-Class owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories on the E-Class, and in some cases they stay on even when the engine is off, which drains the battery quickly. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs around $150, while fixing it can cost $50 to $800.
There are 17 recalls on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is much worse than other midsize luxury sedans on the market. The most serious recall is for a turbo oil line which may leak, and can cause the turbos and engine to lock up. Mercedes will replace the line on affected models for free. Other serious recalls include steering rack issues, battery cable problems, along with the starter motor. Mercedes will replace or repair all of those items as well for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Mercedes E-Class Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Mercedes E-Class can last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to keep running, which is shorter than other luxury sedans like the Lexus ES. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $971 per year.
As a used 2018 Mercedes E-Class reaches around 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $150, A/C condenser fan motor costing $475, along with the HVAC air door actuator which costs around $700.
It is reliable, so far I have had no issues. It has good horsepower. The car is not that old so it is hard for me to predict any faults that might come up for the future.
No problems thus far. The tires are run flat tires and rather expensive to replace for minor problems such as a nail embedded.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is great for a midsize sedan with a large 12.3-inch display. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system from Burmester.
Standard safety features are good and include:
- Pre-Safe, which prepares for an imminent collision
- Rearview camera
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Driver drowsiness monitor
- Crosswind assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control
- Head-up display
- Evasive steering assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane change assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parallel park assist
Is the 2018 Mercedes E-Class a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a good value since it offers a lot of luxury and technology features for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,000 to $91,375, making it more than an Audi A6 or Cadillac CTS. When new, the price range was $52,950 to $106,950. Depreciation is worse than some other sedans, losing up to 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mercedes E-Class?
There are four main models of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, from the entry-level E300 to the powerful AMG E63 S. The E-Class is also offered as a coupe, convertible, E Class sedan, or wagon.
E300 is the entry-level model with:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- LED headlights
- Automatic wipers
- Power-folding, heated mirrors
- Sunroof
- Selectable drive modes
- Adaptive suspension
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Premium simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory functions
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seats
- 3-inch display
- Rearview camera
- COMAND infotainment system with touchpad controller, voice controls, navigation system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
- HD radio and two USB ports
E400 is a step up, adding:
- All E300’s equipment
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (329 hp)
- E400 wagon has a power liftgate
- E400 convertible receives a power-folding fabric top, Aircap wind deflector, and a rear center pass-through
- Available Sport and Luxury versions, with Sport featuring larger wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and special styling, and Luxury offering additional wheel choices, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded upholstery
AMG E43 has more items such as:
- Most E400 standard equipment
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (396 hp)
- AMG sport-tuned suspension and braking
- Keyless entry
- Blind-spot monitoring
- AMG-specific interior and exterior details
- Leather upholstery
AMG E63 S is the flagship model which has:
- E43’s equipment
- Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (603 hp)
- AMG-developed or -tuned powertrain and suspension components
- Limited-slip rear differential
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Standard inclusion of several of E400’s optional items
- Can be outfitted with carbon-ceramic brakes
Optional Packages and Features for All Trims
- Premium 1: Automated parking system, wireless phone charger, satellite radio, keyless entry, power trunk lid, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, Burmester surround-sound system
- The Premium Package 2: Premium 1 plus adaptive headlights, perfumed air freshener system, power rear sunshade
- Premium 3: Premium 2 plus surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, speed-limit sign reader, collision warnings and mitigation, evasive steering assist, active blind-spot assistance, head-up display, Pre-Safe side and rear impact preparation
- Other Options: Warmth and Comfort package, tri-zone climate control, rear side airbags, adaptive air-ride suspension, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, upgraded gauge cluster display, active multicontour front seats with massage functions, premium Burmester sound systems, and upholstery and trim options. Airscarf neck-warmer for the convertible.
What Engines Come In the Mercedes E-Class?
- E300: The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 241 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine pushes the E300 from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds.
- E400: The next step up is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the E400, generating 329 horsepower while getting 21 MPG. It is also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The E400 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds.
- E43 AMG: The E43 AMG has a more powerful version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 396 horsepower and getting up to 20 MPG. Like the others, it uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can hit 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.
- E63 S AMG: At the top of the range is the E63 S AMG, which features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing an impressive 603 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG. It’s coupled with a specialized AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission. The E63 S AMG sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkable 3.3 seconds.
What Colors Does the Mercedes E-Class Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mercedes E-Class?
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class epitomizes comfort and luxury in the automotive sector. It’s equipped with premium materials and state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance driver and passenger comfort. The cabin is spacious and inviting, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats, draped in high-quality leather, are supportive and plush, with available options for heating, cooling, and massaging features, which can make long drives as relaxing as a day at the spa.
The E-Class’ ride quality is also exceptional, thanks to its advanced suspension system that soaks up road imperfections for a smooth and quiet ride. Its standard Dynamic Select system allows drivers to adjust the car’s driving characteristics, offering a choice between more comfortable or sportier settings depending on the mood or driving conditions. Noise insulation in the E-Class is excellent, keeping wind and road noise to a minimum, adding to the overall sense of calm and tranquility inside the cabin.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes E-Class Have?
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is designed to deliver an impressive balance of luxury, performance, and practicality, including a generous amount of cargo space. For the sedan variant, it offers 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. While this might not be the largest in its class, it’s still more than enough for a few pieces of luggage or groceries for the week. For instance, it can accommodate about four to five average-sized suitcases, which makes it suitable for airport runs or weekend getaways.
If more space is required, the E-Class wagon is an excellent alternative, providing an impressive 35 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a massive 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This versatile space is more than enough for larger items such as a bicycle, a large flat-screen television, or moving several boxes at once. The E-Class Coupe and Convertible offer less space at 10 cubic feet and 9.5 cubic feet, respectively, but that’s still enough room for a couple’s weekend luggage or a golf bag. Overall, the 2018 Mercedes E-Class lineup offers an array of options to cater to varying storage needs, all while maintaining the brand’s signature style and luxury.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the E-Class was launched for the 2017 model year.
2015: New E400 model introduced with a turbocharged V6 engine and equipment changes.
2016: Hybrid and E63 AMG models both discontinued.
2017: Fully redesigned sedan and wagon models offering new interior, exterior, technology, and engines.
2018: E-Class coupe and convertible redesigned, new models like the E400 and E63 S sedan and wagon, along with more standard equipment.
2019: New steering wheel, E450 replaces the E400, and the new AMG E53 which has a six-cylinder engine and hybrid electric motors.
2020: Upgraded standard safety features, E350 is the new entry-level model.
2021: Small exterior styling changes, MBUX infotainment system added, E450 wagon renamed to All-Terrain.
How Does the Mercedes E-Class Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Mercedes E-Class is a very nice midsize sedan if you’re in the market for luxury, and in some models it also offers a great amount of power for its size, although ownership costs get higher as it ages.
The BMW 5 Series is another German luxury sedan which costs about $3,000 less. Steering is much more responsive in the BMW 5 Series, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the BMW 5 Series if driving dynamics are most important, while the E-Class is a better choice for all-out luxury.
The Mercedes S Class is a larger sedan offered by Mercedes which costs around $8,500 more. Standard technology is more advanced in the Mercedes S-Class, while the Mercedes E-Class offers a more fun driving experience. We recommend the Mercedes E-Class since the S-Class also has more expensive ownership costs as it ages.
Do Owners Recommend the Mercedes E-Class?
Yes the vehicle is slick and drives well in snow and extreme weather. The vehicle looks expensive as well. It does not waste too much gas for the size of the car. The motion controls are great for me and I have gotten very much used to the car.
Excellent reliable beautiful. It is actually an e450. It has been an ideal car for me. I am leasing currently and have had a Mercedes for the past 30 years.
