Known APK problem
Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213: brakes
On the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213 the APK inspector finds brakes problems 2.1× as often as on cars of the same age: at 3–4 years 1.5%, against about 0.7% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Worn or rusted brake discs and pads, or uneven braking.
How to check it at the viewing
Look through the wheel at the discs: no deep grooves or thick rust edge. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stay straight.
Ask the seller: When were the brake discs and pads last replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | E-Klasse W213/S213 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | C | 1.5% | 0.7% | 2.1× |
| 5 – 6 years | A | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.8× |
| 5 – 6 years | B | 0.7% | 1.2% | 0.6× |
| 5 – 6 years | C | 2.7% | 1.8% | 1.5× |
| 7 – 8 years | A | 0.4% | 1.3% | 0.3× |
| 7 – 8 years | C | 2.6% | 2.6% | 1.0× |
| 9 – 10 years | C | 2.7% | 2.7% | 1.0× |
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 3–4 years
| Model | Brakes | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213 | 1.5% | 2.1× |
| Porsche Taycan | 0.5% | 1.1× |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 6.2% | 13.6× |
| Cupra Leon IV (Cupra) | 1.9% | 3.0× |
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213 · Brakes: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213 often have brakes problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 3–4 years the inspector found a brakes defect on 1.5% of inspected Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213s, against about 0.7% of all cars of the same age (2.1×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brakes on a used Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S213?
Look through the wheel at the discs: no deep grooves or thick rust edge. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stay straight.
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