Most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year
Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls (3)
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system May prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on October 21m 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class:
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the…
What 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
I filled my gas tank and the next day I smelled gas both near my drivers side wheel well and inside the car in the rear seat area. I filled the car as I always did until click and I am sure none spilled, as I am very fussy about my car. I cannot put the car in the garage as it fills the garage with fumes. This has happened twice now upon fueling up. It never happened before. I have seen where others I know have the same type of problem with the same model Mercedes.
During the past 2-3 years, my wife and I began to notice a gasoline vapors in our closed garage immediately after our 2005 e320 had been refueled. We also noticed that after a few days driving, the gasoline vapors, diminished. More recently, it also seemed that the gasoline odor has been stronger after refueling. In addition, my wife, while driving this car, has recently begun to smell gasoline vapors from inside the car, and while driving. During a recent visit to my dealer for servicing, I asked them to look into the issue. They removed the rear seat, filled the fuel tank, and then discovered gasoline leaking and puddling around the fuel sending unit. To correct the problem, the dealer told me to either 1) replace the original fuel tank with a slightly redesigned tank, or 2) when refueling, fill the gas tank to a level less than completely full. …
2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 E Class rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E Class at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The fuel & propulsion system — 5 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.