Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems

There is a problem with the electronics of the car, it could be the ECU or a sensor, and it's causing the car to go into "limp home" mode. By turning the engine off and restarting you are rebooting the computer. Take it to a mechanic and have them hook it up to their diagnostic equipment and they should be able to identify the cause of your problem.

A great car, but they consume rear tyres at an alarming rate. It’s also now old and has possibly been thrashed by previous owners. Get it checked by an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist.

Most carmakers are going to fill-for-life on their automatic transmissions and the point I have made is that it's not a good policy for owners to leave it and not have regular changes. Automatic transmission mechanics would say the fluid should be changed every year or around 50,000km at the most. The Mercedes service schedule would seem to be about right and I would stick with that.

I can't say what your chances of success would be if you were to pursue a claim against Mercedes, but as the car is just out of warranty I would give it a shot. If you don't want to do that you could take it to an independent Mercedes repairer and I'm sure you would save a lot of money on the deal.

The BMW GT has a brilliant boot but, if I were doing what you're doing, I'd get a Hyundai Genesis. Perhaps not as prestigious, but the same interior and boot space as the Benz. And there is a five-year free service deal and a five-year warranty, as well as talk of a guaranteed future value scheme.

You might have to reconsider. Mercedes-Benz spokesman David McCarthy replies: "Even rental Mercedes-Benz cars have roadside and servicing assistance in Australia."

If you aren't doing it already keep a record of the oil you put in, recording the date, the odometer, and the amount of oil added. That would give you some evidence to present to the dealer and MB. As you haven't had any satisfaction from the dealer go directly to Mercedes-Benz (Ph: 1300 730 200). There shouldn't be any reason to be scared on driving the car, all cars use oil, it's the amount of oil used that it the question that needs to be answered in your case. In the meantime check the oil level weekly.