What is considered high mileage for a Mercedes-Benz? This article looks at how many miles Mercedes-Benz cars are good for and common Mercedes-Benz problems with high mileage.

What Is Considered High Mileage For A Mercedes-Benz?

In the current market, a Mercedes-Benz with 150k to 200k miles is considered a high-mileage car. Yet, professionals state a Mercedes with over 200,000 miles isn't necessary on its deathbed, and with proper maintenance carried out on schedule, the luxury vehicle can last several years and accumulate more miles on the clock. 

Previously, a Mercedes hitting the 100,000 miles mark would be regarded as a high mileage vehicle, however, six-figure mileage is no longer the end of the road. Advanced technologies available today allow older car models to live for longer, furthermore, social media enables Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts to collaborate and share best practices to maximise ownership experience and potential miles on the clock. 

How many miles are Mercedes-Benz cars good for?

So, how many miles is a Mercedes-Benz really good for before it's destined for the junkyard? The model and year of the Mercedes will affect how well the car can maintain high mileage. Reliable vehicles are often seen with over 200,000 miles on the clock, luxury car brand Mercedes is no different.

Although a Mercedes car can stack up many miles, be cautious without proper maintenance the car's usable life, and how many miles it can manage dramatically reduce. Damages like rust, leak transmission fluid, spark plug failure and other car breaks should be resolved as soon as noticed. If you know where to look, you may even be able to find a used car with around 50,000 miles on the clock. 

Owners of young cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz have reported over 300,000 miles on the clock, this is made possible by modern technologies, and proper maintenance of the luxury vehicle. To achieve peak performance for years to come set a maintenance schedule, and if any major repairs are needed take it to a trusted garage.

How you drive your Mercedes-Benz will also affect how many miles the luxury vehicle can rack up, aggressive drivers should expect more car breaks and low mileage ability. 

Common Mercedes-Benz problems BEFORE 100,000 miles

Catalytic converter failure

The Catalytic Converter process converts carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons into non-toxic compounds within the car exhaust. Most Mercedes-Benz cars have catalytic convertor problems even when low mileage. As low as around 60,000 miles, the convertor is prone to clogging or breaking altogether, especially if proper maintenance is neglected.

Catalytic Converter problems in a Mercedes can promote bad fuel efficiency, failing emission ordinances, black tailpipe smoke and more car breaks. If your Mercedes car develops serious convertor issues, it should be replaced and noted in the service history. The cost of a new catalytic converter will vary depending on the Mercedes-Benz car model.

spark plug failure

Spark plugs help to get the vehicle moving by igniting the fuel/air blend. After being used for several miles, the electronic apparatus can begin to wear down. 

For most Mercedes-Benz car models spark plug issues begin to arise around the 100,000 miles mark. Although a noted problem with Mercedes Benz cars, spark plug failure even occurs with many reliable vehicles, if not all vehicles.

Various car breaks can occur with a failing or bad spark plug, from poor gas mileage and rough idling to complete engine misfires and hard starts. With most cars replacing a spark plug is relatively easy, and the task can be completed by any DIY'er with a basic knowledge of the system and plenty of enthusiasm. 

Common Mercedes-Benz problems AFTER 100,000 miles

Rust

As with most cars, rust developing on your Mercedes car can be a silent killer if not dealt with effectively, and regularly if the car is driven often. 

As you would expect as the Mercedes gets older and gains many miles, it begins to develop rust on various elements of the car. When checking for rust inspect the front fenders, wheel wells, bumpers and rear quarter panels.

Rust can be very expensive to be professionally repaired, avoid used Mercedes that are showing rust, especially if under 10 years old. No matter what car model, whether an e-class or GT series, it will eventually begin to rust, so check regularly to prevent repair costs from rising.

Suspension & steering system failure

A car's suspension and steering system comprise wheels, shock absorbers, springs, linkages, tire air levels, control arm bushings, ball joints and tie rods. Mercedes-Benz dealers suggest these features should be checked after 100,000 miles as this is when problems begin to arise with most Mercedes-Benz models. Some car models may begin to develop suspension and steering system problems even before the Mercedes-Benz hits 100,000 miles, for instance, the ball joints, tie rods, sway bar and more.

Tips for buying a used Mercedes

If considering the purchase of a used Mercedes model, use this short checklist to ensure the car is good value and still usable for several years. 

1. DO NOT buy the first car offered, even if it's dirt cheap.
2. Check ratings, read reviews and browse forums for the best information.
3. Ask for the previous owner to state the true condition and maintenance history.
4. Request a professional pre-purchase assessment to check systems.
5. Finally, thoroughly inspect the entire car yourself, both the interior and exterior, for any visible damages.

Is buying a high-mileage Mercedes a good idea?

Expectantly, most younger cars have fewer miles on the clock, though you should still consider purchasing a used car instead, as many have relatively low mileage and are much cheaper. As long as previous owners state the true condition and maintenance history, then an older Mercedes-Benz car will provide a driving experience as good as a newer model.

Similarly, purchasing a newer Mercedes-Benz car model with high mileage is a viable option as these cars contain newer technologies and systems allowing them to work efficiently for longer. Be aware of the common problems for high-mileage Mercedes as specific parts are more prone to damage and deteriorating the car's reliability over time. Many people are put off buying high-mileage cars as they believe the older vehicles are close to the end of their usable lifespan.

Yet, with proper maintenance, and with the newer technologies in recent models, high-mileage vehicles can still run efficiently for many miles. In some cases, high-mileage vehicles whose previous owners ignored maintenance will not start or may end up costing you a lot in repairs before the car is running.

A newer model is, of course, the safer bet, but if you're focused on budget, look for a good deal on a high-mileage newer model used Mercedes-Benz. Buying a used car has never been easier with various websites to search through, you're likely to find numerous listings of the same Mercedes-Benz car model, each with details of service history and specifications of the model.Many people enjoy purchasing different cars and then reselling them for an upgrade, change or to make a profit.

These types of gearheads should take advantage of the lower costs associated with high-mileage used cars. A car's depreciation curve begins to flatten as the mileage increases, so adding many more miles on the clock won't have as greater of an effect on a low mileage car as already high mileage vehicles.

High-mileage cars also offer a few other benefits, namely owed to being well-used, the engine's inner workings are considerably lubricated, and carbon build-ups are burned out regularly. Both these characteristics help your Mercedes engine remain in good working conditions for longer.

Are you looking for Mercedes specialists in Surrey? If you are a Mercedes-Benz owner you will want to ensure your car is in the right hands. 

 Follow the links below for Mercedes servicing and repairs in Godstone, Crawley, Croyden, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.