Transfer Case problems of the 2010 Mercedes Benz E550

At 80mph, the front driveshaft u-joint failed, which caused a loss of power and a loud clunking sound. Vehicle would not move on its own power. Teardown showed a completely destroyed front driveshaft u-joint, damage to heat shielding, damage to oxygen sensors, damage to the catalytic converter, along with superficial damage to the bellhousing and missing brackets. Failure is suspected to the geometry of the front driveshaft, which connects at an angle from the transfer case to the front differential on 4matic-equipped vehicles. This introduces additional stress to the u-joint, making it prone to failure.