2012 Mercedes-benz M166 problems

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The M166 is a range of inline-four engines produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1997 to 2005, before it was succeeded by the M266 engine from 2004.

Design

The M166 is transversely mounted and features 2 valves per cylinder with multipoint injection. The engine is used in W168 A-Class models that feature the 'sandwich concept', where the engine is mounted at a 59-degree angle just behind the front axle. This allows for better weight distribution as well as increased safety, as the engine slides underneath the floorpan instead of into the cabin in the event of a head-on collision.

Models

M166 E14

  • 1997–2004 W168 A140

M166 E16

  • 2001–2005 W639 Vito 1
  • 1997–2004 W168 A160

M166 E19

  • 1999–2004 W168 A190
  • 2001–2005 W639 Vito 1
  • 2001-2005 W414 Vaneo 1

M166 E21

  • 2002–2004 W168 A210
2012 Mercedes-benz M166

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Common 2012 Mercedes-benz M166 problems

The Mercedes-Benz M166 engine, produced from 1997 to 2005, is a range of inline-four engines that were succeeded by the M266 engine from 2004.

One common issue with the M166 engine is oil leaks, which can be caused by a faulty valve cover gasket or a worn crankshaft seal.

The M266 engine, produced from 2004 to 2013, is a four-cylinder petrol engine with advanced technologies such as direct injection and variable valve timing.

Regular maintenance and inspections are recommended to prevent these issues from occurring, including regular oil changes, timing chain inspections, and checking the condition of the camshaft adjuster magnets and turbocharger. Upgrading to high-quality aftermarket parts may also help to prevent these issues and improve overall engine performance.

2012 Mercedes-benz M166 engine

What is the most common problem with Mercedes-Benz?

Engine Misfiring Issues

Engine misfires constitute one of the most prevalent problems that Mercedes-Benz cars face. This is a common occurrence in cars that have not received periodic maintenance to replace components such as ignition coils and spark plugs.

What is the recall on Mercedes E Class 2012?

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 E350 and E550 Coupe vehicles, manufactured April 2, 2012, through June 29, 2012. Improper stitching of the right side window curtain air bag may cause it to not deploy as intended in the affected vehicles.

Why are Mercedes so expensive to fix?

1. Luxury Brand Premium: One of the main reasons why Mercedes repairs can be more expensive is the luxury brand premium. Luxury vehicles like Mercedes are made with high-quality materials and components, which come at a higher cost.

Are Mercedes high maintenance?

As of 2022, Mercedes-Benz maintenance costs, on average, were around $908 according to a study done by Your Mechanic. If you're looking for power, Mercedes-Benz has you covered but keep in mind that you'll need to be prepared for the cost. So, why are Mercedes-Benz vehicles expensive to maintain?

Is the 2012 Mercedes E350 a good car?

Be it sedan, coupe, convertible or wagon, the E-Class is one of the finest cars on the road. For 2012, they all get even better. With the exception of the carryover E350 Bluetec and its V6 turbodiesel, every E-Class has received a new engine that's more powerful and more economical.

What is the recall on Mercedes E-Class 2012?

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 E350 and E550 Coupe vehicles, manufactured April 2, 2012, through June 29, 2012. Improper stitching of the right side window curtain air bag may cause it to not deploy as intended in the affected vehicles.

What is the common problem with Mercedes E350?

One of the most common issues with the Mercedes e350 is electrical problems. This can range from minor issues like faulty switches or bulbs to more serious problems like malfunctioning sensors or control modules.

Are E350 expensive to maintain?

The average annual repair cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908, which means it has average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Mercedes-Benz reliability include an average of 0.7 visits to a repair shop per year and a 13% probability of a repair being severe.

2012 Mercedes-benz M166 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz M166 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Mercedes-benz M166 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2012 Mercedes-benz M166 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mercedes-benz M166.

2019-11-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-04
  • VIN: 4JGDA5HB0CA
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THIS MODEL HASN!T A TRANSMISSION FLUID MEASUREMENT STICK, BUT EITHER NOT INDICATE AT MONITORING SCREEN IF NEEDS FLUID, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PAN BECOME RUSTED DUE TO LOW MATERIAL QUALITY LEAKING ALL FLUID AND CAUSING SERIOUS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGES, COSTING OVER US$6000.00 IN REPAIR. I WANT THAT YOU AGENCY OPEN A INVESTIGATION. I HAVE THE OLD PAN TO BE EXANMINATED FOR FAULTY MATERIAL AT ALL VEHICLE OF THAT YEAR AND MODEL.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Mercedes-benz M166 problems:

High mileage W166s (80k+)? - MBWorld.org Forums
High mileage W166s (80k+)? - MBWorld.org Forums
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w166/663178-high-mileage-w166s-80k.html

Apr 18, 2017 ... ... common problems. Does anyone have any ... My 2012 with 120K miles main issue was knock at start up. ... The car had been maintained by its original ...

Common Reasons Why Your Mercedes is Vibrating
Common Reasons Why Your Mercedes is Vibrating
https://www.momentummotorworks.com/common-reasons-why-your-mercedes-is-vibrating/

May 21, 2022 ... The vibration of your Mercedes signifies issues in the engine of your car that needs to be fixed. Here are the reasons behind your Mercedes ...

2013 ML350 Stuck in Park from time to time - MBWorld.org Forums
2013 ML350 Stuck in Park from time to time - MBWorld.org Forums
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w166/799485-2013-ml350-stuck-park-time-time.html

Nov 17, 2020 ... Mercedes-Benz SUVs, Trucks, Vans, Diesels, Other; / ... It pretty common problem on all mercedes model. ... Feb 2012. Location. Kennesaw, GA. Posts:.

7G-Tronic transmission - TCM conductor plate failure
7G-Tronic transmission - TCM conductor plate failure
https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/mercedes/7g-tronic-transmission-problems/

Mercedes 7 speed transmission ECU (722.9 gearbox) is a common failure to cause gear selection problems, test and rebuild of your 7G-Tronic ECU.

What is the last model year that Mercedes cars were dependable ...
What is the last model year that Mercedes cars were dependable ...
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-last-model-year-that-Mercedes-cars-were-dependable-and-long-lasting-vehicles-If-youre-not-happy-with-the-current-reliability-of-Mercedes-whats-the-latest-model-year-youd-buy

Aug 27, 2018 ... Are Mercedes Benz airmatic suspensions reliable or prone to frequent issues? As the other answers have said, the airmatic ...

Other years of Mercedes-benz M166

mercedes-benz m166 2010 photo
M166 2010
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mercedes-benz m166 2011 photo
M166 2011
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mercedes-benz m166 2012 photo
M166 2012
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2012 Mercedes-benz M166 photo