Greetings All!

Recently I had the opportunity to pick up a super low mileage 2013 E350 V6 gasser. I originally was in the midst of purchasing a 2013 E350 Bluetec however, the vehicle had major issues with the DEF system and, in the process of waiting (over a month) for that to get fixed (really wanted another diesel Mercedes) this near perfect E350 with only 23K miles came in and, the price was right. I particularly like the 2013 model as it still has the sharp line exterior but has the updated interior which is very nice. I justified the purchased to my partner as a reward for my recent promotion/birthday present to myself

Anyways, this is my first gas Mercedes and also my first Mercedes that isn't already a decade old with over 150K! Being that it is still under warranty for another 2000 miles, I want to ensure that it is as near perfect as possible. With such low mileage, I have been reminded how Mercedes, even new(er) ones still hate to be left sitting. Having put close to 2K miles on it, some issues are going away while others are presenting themselves and becoming more pronounced.

Wanted to see if the issues I am experiencing are 'normal operation' or, what I should tell the dealership to look for/at to correct the issue.

My primary concern is this darn transmission. When the transmission is cold, it shifts as it should, smooth and barley noticeable when it shifts. After driving the 16-20 miles or so to work and the transmission heating up, it shifts like crap. Meaning that I have semi-harsh (noticeable to me) engagements and disengagements between a few gears. Particularly between 4-5 where it feel like a manual transmission -or- 'chugs' if that makes sense. This happens in both E and S modes and I can replicate using the shift control on the steering wheel. I have noticed that sometimes it is not as pronounced. When I feel like it is starting to get better and that maybe since this was probably Mamaw's car in another life and it just needed to be driven, it starts acting goofy again.

I also will feel a harsh engagement on occasion between 3 going into 4th, like a giant clunk. Reminiscent of the old school vacuum transmissions that either had a warn out differential mount or improperly adjusted vacuum.

So, I have taken it to the dealer and of course they could not find any codes. They did notice that the transmission mounts and engine mounts were collapsed though and replaced those. Hoping that was the issue I was experiencing however, while the effects have dulled slightly, it still persists.

My question is, has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions of what I can have the dealer look at to fix this issue? After lots of research, it seems like it can be anything from a defective conductor plate, torque converter or, 'A normal product characteristic' I am even thinking possibly something with the fluid either being over filled or worn as the issues only happen after fulled warmed up? It has never had a transmission service since it only has 26K miles as of now. The differential fluid has been changed. I am hoping to get this sorted out before the warranty expires -or- I am left having to replace a defective transmission at my own expense. There is no way my 20K Mazda should shift better than my 60K Mercedes. Any thoughts or suggestions on this would be very much appreciated.

My second issue is that the engine makes a loud ticking noise and sometimes at startup, i get this horrible oil starvation rattle. I know this is mildly normal as I am seeing that the fuel pressure rail is rather loud on these units. Also, that the rattle at startup seems to be 'relatively' normal as well. I have seen where a few of these engines have needed timing chain service (guides) and want to make sure what I am hearing is not particular issue. Any conclusive way to narrow down if it is indeed a timing chain system issue?

Lastly, I am starting to get the dreaded Mercedes front end creak.. Noticed it this morning. Is there a particular part of the suspension that creates this noise on the w212? How can you tell if it is 'bad' Want to make sure they replace these parts under warranty as well.

In all, I am very happy with this purchase besides the transmission issue which is a constant annoyance. With only 26K, my hope are to drive this until its death

Thanks for all your assistance

__________________
1983 Euro 240D 277K
2016 Mazda 6
Coming Soon, 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec
Formers:
2012- Mazda 3
2007 Outlander- complete pile
1995 E300 Diesel 208K
2007 VW Passat 2.0T 63K SOLD
2003 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sport Sold 04/11 w/88K
2009 Lexus RX350 9061 miles. Sold 04/09
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS:Totaled Sept.,09 @ 24,000
2003 Infiniti I35 58K Sold
1984 300 turbo diesel 222K

FWIW, the majority of non-mechanical/no fault code 722.9 issues can be resolved by updating to the latest software.

The rattle noise you describe sounds like secondary chain tensioners and oil pressure check valves. This is a well known issue, in fact MB published an LI document about it a few years ago. Your dealer should know this.........