I am looking at purchasing a 2013 E350. I have owned Mercedes models in the past, and I believe the W212 offers what I want in a daily driver. However, I have stumbled upon the following TSB:

LI03.10-P-054702 Models with 276 engine-knock noises in crank assembly, repair requires the replacement of all connecting rods & pistons with wrist pins assembly. Until engine 276 9xx 30 567600.

Cause:
The knocking noise might be attributed to the unfavorable tolerance of the piston wrist pin resulting in enlarged end float of the connecting rod in the piston.

Is this an issue that happens often? I am just wondering about the reliability of the M276 engine in regards to this specific issue for engine numbers that fall into that range. Am I reading too far into this? Is it a non-issue?

Thank you

You can search the forum but I recall maybe one or two instances of this issue mentioned. I don't think it is common.

That's what I figured from my various searches. I have a found an instance or two for the models that may have this potential issue. Thank you

Nothing to worry about. Even if it was one of the very rare affected cars, it's only a light noise shortly after startup, nothing that's catastrophic or even noticeable in most cases. I've never actually seen it happen to a V6 car, even though the bulletin includes some of them.

The M-B data sheet for anyone's car lists not only the VIN, but also the engine's serial number. Compare the number with the upper limit SN noted in the bulletin to see if your engine is newer and not affected.

I did check and it's in the affected range. The car I'm looking at has already had the timing chain check valves and updated tensioners installed, so that's good.

italianjoe1, thank you! I thought it might be a rare occurrence.