2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Technical Service Bulletins

207 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 11038188Sep 26, 2026Steering. Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
• 11038187Sep 26, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process.
• 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to…
• 11038176Sep 17, 2026Engine. Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight.
• 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment.
• 11037987Sep 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units.
• 11037616Sep 4, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process.
• 11037228Aug 28, 2026Steering. Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the…
• 11036511Aug 24, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double‑clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the…
• 11036999Aug 15, 2026Fuel system. Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first)…
• 11036190Aug 6, 2026Electrical system. Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants…
• 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment.
• 11036077Aug 5, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for creating a TIPS case. Cause The root cause will vary depending on the complaint. The goal of this document is to provide diagnostic checks and procedures that may…
• 11035780Aug 4, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Other or unknown. Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF 236.17 due to a global supply constraint. 236.17 ATF 1L and 5L (PNs: A002989060312 and A002989060313) bottles are out of stock or in limited supply at Zep. This LI has been created with the following intention: - Provide dealers with additional workshop-focused guidance regarding the current ATF 236.17…
• 11035490Jul 31, 2026Fuel system. This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below.
• 11035120Jul 17, 2026Steering, Electrical system. Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line.
• 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint…
• 11034932Jul 7, 2026Suspension. Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle.
• 11034064Jun 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Engine. Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return…
• 11033855Jun 12, 2026Electrical system. Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the instrument cluster control unit (N133/1) and powertrain control unit (N127) logs are required before confirming the service or correction using XENTRY Diagnosis.
• 11033185May 26, 2026Electrical system. Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster.
• 11033016May 26, 2026Electrical system. Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clarified by the legal department of the respective MPC whether and under what conditions deactivation may be carried out. If deactivation is not permissible…
• 11033050May 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Body and structure. Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return…
• 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2)…
• 11032751May 15, 2026Wheels, Suspension. Complaint Noises at the front axle when cornering or maneuvering (video files attached) Note: Save video files locally and play them with Windows Media Player. Cause Driving with summer tires in combination with low outside temperatures. At low outside temperatures or in wet conditions, a noise may be produced at the outer wheel on the front axle while maneuvering with sharp steering angles.
• 11032736May 15, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Suspension. The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as…
• 11032599May 12, 2026Suspension. Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle.
• 11031659Apr 28, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Damaged cords/tensioning cables at the soft top interior trim with the following characteristics: - Cord/tensioning cable torn - Cord/tensioning cable worn - Cord/tensioning cable torn out - Cord/tensioning cable - sheathing damaged Cause High tensile stresses on the cords/tensioning cables during the soft top sequence Remedy 1.) Check which cord(s)/tensioning cable(s) is/are damaged: • If damage is found…
• 11031558Apr 24, 2026Other or unknown. Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster quick reference. • Platform to baumuster quick reference.
• 11031367Apr 17, 2026Suspension. Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle.
• 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1.
• 11031202Apr 7, 2026Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint When closing the door, the side window may remain slightly open (short stroke position). Automatic window raising function of side window inoperative. NOTE: Window is fully operational while holding the switch Cause Software in door control unit (N69/x). Starting the engine at the same time as the door is closing (short stroke closure of window lifter) may result in a denormalization of the window lifter…
• 11031256Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double-clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the…
• 11030301Mar 25, 2026Other or unknown. Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster quick reference. • Platform to baumuster quick reference.
• 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1.
• 11029927Mar 4, 2026Electrical system. Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state of charge (SOC) of the 12V primary battery drops below 45%. This message is displayed to safeguard the vehicle's starting ability.
• 11029087Feb 27, 2026Electrical system. Complaint This LI does Not apply to 223 or 206 which use a different generation of 48V systems. Please follow the relevant guided tests for the 223 and 206. For 223 with fault code B1FCB97 follow LI54.10-P-076026. Various causes are possible. The faults listed in the various causes do not all have to be present at all times. Some of these complaints may overlap. Rely on the faults listed in the Cause section for…
• 11029083Feb 25, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. E.g. when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double-clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button…
• 11029062Feb 25, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamp/front fog…
• 11029025Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1.
• 11028989Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged…
• 11028807Feb 14, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the engine control unit software does not correspond to current production specifications. As a consequence, the functionality of the post-catalyst oxygen sensor may be impaired due to increased thermal loading. MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the…
• 11028834Feb 13, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Complaint Check engine light on with the following fault is current in the VGS Control Unit: P084300 Oil pressure sensor 'A' has a short circuit to positive stored in VGS control unit. Cause Electrical failure of oil pressure sensor integrated into VGS Control Unit Remedy Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) recognizes this fault pattern and will provide the necessary repair suggestion. 1. Perform IPR and follow the…
• 11028809Feb 13, 2026Other or unknown. Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the TIREFIT sealant bottle may not meet specifications. The possibility exists that the sealant bottle may leak or may have otherwise been removed from the vehicle. MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the TIREFIT bottle in the trunk.
• 11028532Feb 3, 2026Electrical system. Complaint Red ring displayed around vehicle when front or rear camera door actuates. Please also see LI54.65-P-080132 for additional listed red ring causes. Cause EMF interference. Remedy Camera functionality is not affected. Cameras and displays operate normally. For vehicles with a front facing actuating camera and flap (223 and 297): • 223, 297 > Install clip on ferrite magnet on M35/1, pin 3.
• 11028270Feb 3, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units.
• 11027782Jan 21, 2026Other or unknown. Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster quick reference. • Platform to baumuster quick reference.
• 11027751Jan 16, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy *Note - This Li does not apply if there are other Li's that apply to your concern OR you have a fault and/or guided test that leads to a root cause. AC Diagnosis (General) Initial Steps Verify Customer Concern • Confirm the issue reported by the customer. Compare to Like Vehicle…
• 11027682Jan 15, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy AC Diagnosis (General) Initial Steps Verify Customer Concern • Confirm the issue reported by the customer. Compare to Like Vehicle • Determine if the behavior is normal by comparing with a similar vehicle. Determine Your Game and Players • Identify the diagnostic strategy and…
• 11027566Jan 7, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy AC Diagnosis (General) Initial Steps Verify Customer Concern • Confirm the issue reported by the customer. Compare to Like Vehicle • Determine if the behavior is normal by comparing with a similar vehicle. Determine Your Game and Players • Identify the diagnostic strategy and…

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