I called my dealer and asked "How do I get reimbursed for the harmonic balance you installed on my car". They said bring in so they can do some paperwork.

My balancer was replaced by the dealer after the vehicle was out of warrrarty. Mine had not failed yet but based on what I'd heard I wanted it replaced with the part that had the new number. Ther dealer agreed to supply the part if I paid the labor @ $105 per hour and that was years ago. I agreed. They charged 1 hour labor.

They told me I was the first one who was doing this and that they would process my claim and see to it that I'd get a check for the amount I paid.

Hopefully I'll eventually get a check.

hi everyone, i'm new to this forum and this happened to be the first topic i read. i am sure this had been discussed at length in the past - in summary, what are the signs and symptoms of this particular problem? i have CLA230Kompressor1999 (known as CLK230cabrio in OZ-land) and i wonder if this model has been identified as one of those with the same problem.

from page three...go to http://www.edsoto.com/ and click on the pdf file. Contained therein is information related to the signs and symptoms of a failure....however after having read pretty much all the posts on this and the other forum, it is clear that a catastrophic failure can happen in the absence of any warning signs too.
ray

The harmonic balancers have been identified as a problem only in M112 and M113 V6 and V8 engines produced from 1998 to mid-year 2000 engines.

the clk230Kompressor is neither V6 nor V8, so it's not included in this particular problem. thanks heaps.

As I understand it from several mechanics, if you hear a ticking sound comming from under the hood, you should stop the car and have it towed in. If this breaks loose while you are driving the damage can be extensive and MB is only agreeing to fix the problem, not the damage.

Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to e-mail me. Please keep them coming. We'll need several people.

Thanks

Did the above on April 24th and got my check today May 10th. My check was from the dealer and not Mercedes. That was fast and easy.

I did it today on the M113 in my G500. Faint hairline cracks starting in the rubber of the old (A.112.035.00.00) balancer.

Pretty easy job. Don't do it without the proper holding tool.

No money back from MBUSA on this one. It's a preMBUSA G500, and there has been no Service Campaign in Europe; but the peace of mind is well worth the cost.

E320 Crankshaft Pulley Recall
 

Hi Guys!

Just thought I would let you know that my 98 E320 w/139k miles developed the old rubber bushing detaching from the crankshaft pulley. I noticed a squealing noise whenever the car was cold cranked and took it to a local independent shop, thinking I needed a tensioner. Well, he found the problem and went to the MB dealership in nearby Augusta, GA for the crankshaft pulley and a belt. While there, he ran into the service manager and was told there was a recall on 97-2002 Sclass, Eclass, Mclass and Cclass for this problem. Instead of ripping me off, he advised I go to the dealership where they replaced my belt and crankshaft pulley at no charge! Just wanted to share this, hope it is helpful. A 99 M320 owner was in the waiting room having the same recall work done to his vehicle. :)

Not here
 

My local MB workshop knows nothing about the campaign. Possibly US-only? My two engines are not affected in any case.

Momo

Crank Pulley Recall- M,E,C and S Class 97-02
 

Hey There Momo!
This may be a US only campaign and it's not much of a campaign at all. I found out about it by accident that's why I posted it here. I hope any and everybody who might be affected will call their local MB dealer and give their vin number so it can be checked. So far I know of six MB owners who have had the crank pulley replaced by MB. Happy motoring!'
Earl J

Check this out. Thread part II
 

Check this new thread out. Better news for all!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/124380-its-official-harmonic-balancer-campaign-changed-better.html
DR.D

See my earlier message in this thread. I have been in contact with one of the larger MB Niederlassungs (factory owned dealership) in Germany where I purchase many of my parts. Neither the parts manager or the service manager has had any knowledge or notification of a problem or a service campaign.

This is, apparently, a MBUSA only campaign - probably inititated as a result of all the complaints to NHTSA.

Hmmmmm
 

Wow, I don't understand.
MBUSA announces it will buy timing covers and oil pans for pre-campaign damaged balancer cars and there are no comments....Where are all those vocal MBUSA bashers?

For those of you who missed it, here is the related statement.

Date: May 25, 2005
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley - Service Campaign 2005 020003
We are pleased to announce the following enhancements to Service Campaign 2005 020003,
Harmonic Balancer Pulley.
Effective immediately:
1. For repairs completed with a repair date on or before May 25, we will reimburse
customers and dealers for 100% of documented repairs to the harmonic balancer, bolt,
belt, oil pan and timing case cover.
2. For repairs completed with a repair date of May 26 and later under this campaign,
consequential damage to the oil pan and timing case cover will also be covered based on
the specific guidelines outlined in the revised bulletin.
Further details of the reimbursement policy can be found in the revised campaign bulletin dated
May 25, 2005.
The revised Service Campaign bulletin will be posted on StarTekInfo today. As previously
communicated, customers will continue to be notified based on a roll-out schedule developed to
assure parts availability and dealer capacity.
We would like to remind you that the criteria for replacing the harmonic balancer is to inspect
the balancer and if either of two (2) distinct part numbers are found, the balancer should be
replaced. Inspection of replaced balancers has shown a number of instances where incorrect part
numbers are being replaced. We ask that you review the service bulletin closely with all
necessary personnel and ensure that only part numbers A112 035 00 00 or A112 035 06 00 are
replaced when performing the service campaign. Failure to adhere to the described repair
procedures will result in claims being debited.
We hope the above revisions to this campaign will further assist you in satisfying our customers.
Please refer any customer inquiries to the MBUSA Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FORMERCedes
(1-800-367-6372).

Dr.D