wtbw212

Hi,
I'm looking to buy 2014-2016 E350, as the NA V6 seems to be more reliable. The 2016 has updated Led headlight and apple CarPlay.
In terms of reliability, are they all the same?
I'm also worried about front timing cover leaks and loose timing chain tensioner rattle, are they common issues for these models?
anything else I should look out for? Thank you!

Left Coast Geek

by 2016, all the bugs were worked out. We only have about 45K miles on 2016 (bought it 2 years ago with 24k as a CPO), so far the ONLY problems have been two instances of wood rats chomping minor wires (first time was the window washer fluid level sensor wire, 2nd time was the pyro fuse wire on the main battery pyrofuse).

BenzV12

I would also suggest buying a later model but W212s have been reliable cars to me . Later models also have an updated trannies as well .

Left Coast Geek

yeah, the W213's have the 9 speed. I dunno if its any more reliable than the 7 speed used on the 212's, and 9 seems kind of excessive, i hardly feel the shifts on the 7 unless you're really hard on the throttle.

juanmor40

I would agree you are looking at the correct range, the M276/M278 serial number transition out of the timing chain tensioner rattle is @2012-2013, i.e. 2014-forward are supposed to be rattle free (assuming good oil maintenance)

On the timing cover leaks, I am getting a conclusion of "design flaw/styling" by MB combined with a "execution during assembly". MB decided not to use gaskets on those timing covers, perhaps something about distance from the solenoids to the adjusters?; therefore, they rely on the quality of the sealant and the quality of the application (human/robot). These engines are HOT; that means poor quality sealer--> oil leak, and poor application --> oil leaks. So, with a bit of tender and loving care when resealing it should be history if it ever leaks.

About the M276, sister's 2012 ML350 has an engine with a serial within the TSB, and it was not done. The engine is as quite as it can be for a direct injection engine, i.e no issues and it has 120K miles already. The engine bay is spotless, no oil anywhere. On my 2014 E350, the engine has no issues either, @90K miles (5K miles 3 last oil changes). If I were to buy another MB, it would be a V6/V8 w/o turbo

wtbw212

thank you!
Is there any balance shalf issue on this engine? is it 60 or 90 degrees? As I know the previous m272/273 has these problems

juanmor40

No. Not at all, it is a 60 deg engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M276_engine

DFWdude

No one has mentioned it yet... The 2016 does NOT have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto natively, meaning that it's not installed as OEM software.

The Comand system CAN have ACP/AA added when the existing firmware is updated. But the car will not have ACP/AA as standard. Search this forum for "Android Auto" title subject to find the very long and exhaustive thread on how to add ACP/AA

AllPhonesAretap

My car is also an afflicted VIN and I haven't had any rattles yet God willing. However, I change my oil every 5k miles or less. Car purchased @~70k miles and now I'm at about 115,000 miles! I may be in need of a new rear end, or it may just be a heat shield. I'm waiting for things to warm up before I dig into the ol girl

Left Coast Geek

the short version is, on a 2016, you need to have a DEALER update the COMAND flashware (firmware) to the latest rev (this will likely cost an hour of shop time), then you need to use a 3rd party coding tool to set the option codes to enable it. I have done this, and it works quite well with our Pixel phones. Its wired Android/Carplay only, you use the USB 2 port in the armrest. The option coding can be done via a plug and play USB dongle (plug in, turn on COMAND, follow prompts on COMAND screen, done! and unplug the dongle and toss it in the drawer), or it can be done by various 'services' that use remote access to go in and do it but this requires you have a full diagnostic setup on a laptop with a USB ODBC 'passthrough'.

cetialpha5

The other issue with the 4 cylinder in the newest W213 in the 2017+ range is that the engine sometimes gets cracked pistons that won't be covered once you're out of warranty. And if you want a 6 cylinder, the E400/E450 weren't that common so they're much harder to find. Plus you're also looking at 302hp on the 2012-2016 models and the E300/E350 in the 2017+ had 241-255hp in the 4 cylinder turbos. You'd have to go back to the older 2003-2005 E320's that only had 221hp to find a weaker engine. Even the 2006-2011 models had the M272 which was 268hp. Odd to go lower in hp instead of higher in a newer model.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...5-k-miles.html

cetialpha5

Oh the standard resources apply, read the brochure about features, use a vin decoder to see what options the car really has and read about the price of various options. If there are any options you like like auto high beams, active curve illumination, driver assistance package, keyless go, etc, it is always more expensive to add those options afterwards than to just find a car with those options with the vin decoder.

https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html

https://www.lastvin.com/

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../e-class/2016/

Highline-Autos.com

Hey @wtbw212 , here is some extended warranty information from both of our providers to consider while you search. Fidelity and Freedom Warranty, accepted at all Mercedes-Benz dealers and licensed independents in the country, 100% claims acceptance between both providers for all Highline Autos customers. My contact information is tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333 if youhave any questions and would like to see example contracts that explains coverage.

2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 w/ 44,257 miles

Freedom Warranty Complete Manufactures Extension:

36 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$3,140
$100 deductible
-$2,990

48 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$3,250
$100 deductible
-$3,100

60 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$3,415
$100 deductible
-$3,265

0% Financing is available

Fidelity Platinum:

36 months / additional 36k miles:
$100 deductible
-$4,785
$250 deductible
-$4,302
$500 deductible
-$3,755

48 months / additional 48k miles:
$100 deductible
-$5,796
$250 deductible
-$5,076
$500 deductible
-$4,259

60 months / additional 60k miles:
$100 deductible
-$6,341
$250 deductible
-$5,496
$500 deductible
-$4,537

Tax and Processing included