It's official. Harmonic Balancer Service Campaign released 4/5/05
 

Well, it's go time.

I recieved my copy of the Service Campaign this morning. It Effects all M112 V-6 and M113 V-8 engines from 1998 to around 2001 on some cars.
Due to the size of this campaign and amount of cars involved, MB will be sending letters to owners in stages. That way, 700,000 people don't all show up at the same time. (My dealer has 8 of the correct updated part at this time in stock.) We are to inspect the PN# of your balancer and replace it if found to be one of the following numbers. 112 035 00 00 or 112 035 06 00.
This was a supplier quality defect and MB has been building up inventory to handle this campaign.
The campaign states any previous non-warranty repairs paid for by clients,
will be eligible to receive reimbursement. You must provide adequate documentation for reimbursement.
Please don't MOB your dealer. Just like all the other 4 Million recalled MB's lately, we will get to them all one at a time.

Have a great day.
DR.DIESEL

That's great news!
It's about time this obvious problem got addressed by MB.

Moderator: Please make this a sticky!

Finally; now when are they going to recall the early W210's and fix the spring perch's?

Thanks for the note Doc Diesel!

About how much lead time should someone allow for this project? In other words, should we wait for the letter then call to schedule after it shows up or just call to schedule?

I would say wait until your letter comes. However, if you have your vehicle at the dealership and the campaign appears on the VMI (history check) we run when you come in, we will have to do it then and there.
If your vehicle makes any of the strange noises/vibrations discussed in many of the previous H/B threads, I would come in right away to have it checked.
You can also always call the MB CAC at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes for some more detailed info, or at least some company jargin. Good luck.
DR.D

I just called the 800 number.. The service rep has no idea about the campaign.. Guess we have to wait.

Is that the 113.961 engine installed in 1999 - 2002 SL500's? (R129 chassis) thanks

Wow it's about freakin time.

But I'm glad to see they're doin something about it.

Do you know if I'll get reimbursed if it wasn't fixed at the dealer? Took it to an indie after the Technician at the dealer said "I have no idea what you're talking about, we've never had problems with the harmonic balancers in your car" (1998 c280).

Take your reciepts to your dealer and hope for the best. When the MB Client
Assistance Center (1-800-FOR-MERCedes) gets on the same page as the dealers, they should be able to answer any questions.
Dr.D

Dr. Diesel,

I had my balancer replaced at and independent shop $150.71 for part and labor. My Starmark warranty expired in Nov of last year. The MB dealer checked the balancer prior to the expiration and said it was OK. I replaced it last Wednesday for piece of mind.
I am armed with the balancer and receipt ready to battle the dealer. By the way my balancer looks to be in good condition and PT #112 035 00 00.


Well I got absolutely no satisfaction from the 800 number. The rep had no idea what I was talking about. I will wait a bit to see if I get a letter. Hopefully this will be resolved in time.

The 800 number rep did confirm the recall after I gave my VIN 2 days ago.

Any chance of getting the Campaign Number and Date on that? TIA!

DUTCH

Harmonic Balancer Service Campaign
 

Someone in "the other forum" posted a message saying their invoice stated "recall #2005020003, harmonic balancer".

For the record, THIS forum is far more useful.

The Service Manager at my dealer called me today to alert me to this campaign. He said he "remembered" me but was very kind about it. I don't know if that's good or bad that he "remembered me" because I wrote all kinds of nasty letters to him, the dealer GM and MBUSA.

Not sure about what "the other forum" is, but THANKS!