Model Library

Mercedes-Benz Model Guides

Every major Mercedes platform sold in the US market — generation by generation. Which years are solid, which have known problems, what high-mileage ownership looks like, and what to check when buying used in Southern California.

Sedans & Coupes

The Core Lineup

Compact Sedan / Coupe / Wagon

Mercedes C-Class

W203 (2001–2007), W204 (2008–2014), W205 (2015–2021). The most common Mercedes on Simi Valley roads. SAM unit issues plague the W203, balance shaft concerns hit W204 M272 engines, and the W205 is the most refined generation by a meaningful margin.

C-Class Full Guide →
Mid-Size Sedan / Wagon / Coupe

Mercedes E-Class

W211 (2003–2009), W212 (2010–2016), W213 (2017+). The W211 carries rear air suspension and front subframe corrosion concerns. W212 introduces M272 balance shaft risk. W213 on the MRA platform is the best E-Class Mercedes has ever built from a reliability standpoint.

E-Class Full Guide →
Flagship Sedan

Mercedes S-Class

W220 (1999–2005), W221 (2006–2013), W222 (2014–2020). AIRMATIC is standard equipment on all three generations — factor air suspension service into ownership cost from day one. W221 with the M273 V8 has the balance shaft concern. Comprehensive cost guide for all generations.

S-Class Full Guide →
Performance Variants

Mercedes-AMG

C63, E63, GLE63, GT. The naturally aspirated M156 V8 in 2007–2015 AMG models is robust but requires specific valve guide inspection at mileage. Current M177 twin-turbo V8 has a very different service profile. What performance Mercedes ownership actually costs beyond the sticker.

AMG Full Guide →
SUVs & Crossovers

The SUV Lineup

Compact SUV

Mercedes GLC

X253 (2016–2022), X254 (2023+). Replaced the GLK. The 2.0T four-cylinder with the 9G-Tronic is more reliable than earlier V6 platforms. Known issues: transfer case actuator wear, 9G-Tronic fluid intervals, panoramic roof drain blockage.

GLC Full Guide →
Mid-Size SUV

Mercedes GLE & ML

ML W164 (2006–2011), ML W166 (2012–2015), GLE W166 (2016–2019), GLE W167 (2020+). AIRMATIC dominates the failure profile across all generations. The W164 is the most problematic platform Mercedes produced in the 2000s. Full generation comparison and ownership cost reality.

GLE / ML Full Guide →

How to Use These Guides

Each model guide covers the full generational history of that platform in the US market: chassis codes, engine options, what changed between generations, and the specific failure patterns we see on the lift in Simi Valley. We also include used-buying checklists and the service items that matter most for that particular model.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles depreciate faster than almost any other luxury brand, which creates real opportunity for buyers who know what to look for. A W212 E-Class with a known maintenance history and no deferred service is an exceptional used car at current market prices. The same car with three missed service intervals and undisclosed AIRMATIC issues is a very expensive problem. The difference between those two outcomes is the knowledge in these guides.

If you already own a Mercedes and want to know what service it needs now, the Services section has interval guides by engine and transmission. For specific warning lights or symptoms, the Common Problems section covers the most frequent issues in detail.