So, you’re thinking about getting your hands on a 2006 Benz E500? That’s a fantastic choice, blending luxury and performance in a package that still turns heads. Having spent time working on these cars, and similar models like the E55 AMG, I can offer some insights into what to expect. Overall, these are well-built machines that offer a great driving experience. They’re comfortable, stylish, and pack a punch. But like any car, especially one with a bit of age, there are things to keep an eye on.
One of the first things that owners sometimes notice in these models, and it’s not exclusive to the 2006 E500, is a shuddering during cruising speeds. This is often related to the motor mounts or transmission mount. Think of these as cushions that isolate the engine and transmission vibrations from the car’s chassis. Over time, these mounts can wear out, causing increased vibration. It might also be related to the torque converter clutch. The good news is that on the rear-wheel-drive E500, replacing these mounts is relatively straightforward and the parts themselves are reasonably priced. If you’re considering a purchase, it’s a smart idea to budget for this preemptively – it’s a common maintenance item in this generation of E-Class.
Moving to the suspension, the front end of these cars is known for developing creaks. This isn’t necessarily a sign of imminent failure, but it often indicates wear in the various components of the front suspension system. Bushings, ball joints, control arms – these are all parts that can degrade over time and mileage. Replacing these components isn’t a particularly complex job for a competent mechanic, but the cost can add up as there are multiple parts involved on both sides of the car.
The rear suspension is also quite sophisticated, especially on the sedan versions of the 2006 E500. A common wear point in the rear is the toe bushings. When these bushings wear, they can cause uneven tire wear, sometimes in unusual patterns. If you’re looking at a 2006 E500, checking the tire wear can be a good indicator of the rear suspension’s condition.
Now, let’s talk about the brakes, specifically the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system used in the 2006 E500. This is an electro-hydraulic system that offers impressive braking performance. However, it’s a system with a finite lifespan. The SBC system uses a pressure reservoir and a pump to assist braking, and these components are designed for a certain number of actuations. You can actually use a diagnostic tool to check how many actuations the system has performed, giving you an idea of its remaining life. Once the system reaches its pre-set actuation limit, it can trigger warning lights and reduce braking power as a safety measure.
The proper way to address an SBC system at the end of its life is to replace the wear components and perform a full system bleed using a pressure bleeder and Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software – often referred to as “STAR.” There’s also a less recommended workaround – sometimes called a “ghetto fix” – which involves using the STAR system in developer mode to reset the actuation counter. While this might temporarily clear the warnings, it doesn’t address the underlying wear and could potentially lead to brake failure down the line. For obvious safety reasons, this is not a recommended approach.
Speaking of the STAR system, if you plan to own and maintain a 2006 Benz E500, or any Mercedes-Benz of this era, investing in a Mercedes-Benz diagnostic system is highly recommended. These systems allow you to read fault codes, perform adaptations, and access a wealth of diagnostic information that is simply not available with generic OBD-II scanners. While genuine Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools can be expensive, clone versions are available, often from online marketplaces. Setting these up can be technically challenging, requiring some computer skills and patience, as well as navigating online forums for setup guidance, but the capability they provide is invaluable for DIY maintenance and troubleshooting.
In conclusion, a 2006 Benz E500 can be a rewarding car to own, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and classic Mercedes-Benz build quality. However, like any vehicle of this age, potential buyers should be aware of common maintenance points such as motor mounts, suspension components, and especially the SBC braking system. While these issues are manageable, and often not prohibitively expensive to address, understanding them upfront is key. Therefore, and I rarely say this, getting a pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes-Benz specialist is definitely a worthwhile investment before buying a 2006 Benz E500. It can help identify potential issues and give you a clearer picture of the car’s overall condition and future maintenance needs.
