Known APK problem
Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212: brake lines
On the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212 the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 5.1× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 3.0%, against about 0.6% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | E-Klasse W212/S212 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 – 10 years | A | 0.2% | 0.1% | 2.2× |
| 11 – 12 years | A | 1.7% | 0.2% | 7.0× |
| 13 – 15 years | A | 3.0% | 0.6% | 5.1× |
| 16+ years | A | 3.5% | 1.3% | 2.6× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 13–15 years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212 | 3.0% | 5.1× |
| Peugeot 206+ | 0.7% | 1.2× |
| Toyota Prius III | 1.1% | 1.9× |
| Mazda Mazda3 (BL) | 0.4% | 0.6× |
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212 · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212 often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 3.0% of inspected Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212s, against about 0.6% of all cars of the same age (5.1×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know