I'm surprised that this hasn't been cross posted here, since not everyone goes to the Tech Help Forum.

Check it out:

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

__________________
1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

Is there any other work that should/could be done at the same time, like belts?

Jim W.

Try reading the post again!

THIS isn't a recall! BUT a service campaign, recalls are safety related & issued thru the government.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

....but I believe the end result for owners of these cars is the same. The part is replaced free of charge.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

But not for any non-US vehicles. This in contrast to MB in the rest of the world; where, if they made it, they fix it.

__________________
1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

A rose by any other name....

I had an appointment this past Tuesday for shifting and a check engine light so I asked about it. The dealer replaced it, so I have one less thing to go bad.

Thanks a ton for the post. I'm really happy to have seen it before going to the dealer.

Thanks!
Got mine done today when I picked up new key and had it programmed.
It may be psychological, but the engine sems to run and rev smoother now. maybe mine was close to flying apart? Or maybe I'm just happy I left a dealership with only spending $94 for the key, and free programming, balancer, and car wash?

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I've just had communication with the Service Department of a very large MB factory dealer (Niederlassung) in Germany; and I was told that there has been no Service Campaign for this problem in Europe. He further tells me that he has seen no problems with the Harmonic Balancer over there.

Interesting. I wonder if the litigatious atmosphere in the US may have influenced MBUSA to do this Service Campaign. Can anyone confirm the lack of the Service Campaign in Europe?

__________________
1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

The warmer the weather the SOONER the problem shows up! MUCH cooler in Northern Europe than here.

They only have a 1 YEAR warranty there!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I called my dealer today after printing out .pdf file. Of course they deny everything and make counter accusations like the bastards they are.

So I call 800-for-mercedes. First guy I spoke to denies everthing and makes counter accusations like the tele-center idiot he is, reading straight from his screen, "always say no...".

So I call back immediately and get a nice girl who after taking my VIN and address, assures me I will get a recall/sb notice mailed immediately and yes my VIN does need the replacement and so on. Extremely helpful and pleasant.

So I will be getting the work done at my local dealership, at their cost. As it should be.

Thanks letting me vent, as I tire of the smoke and mirrors MB uses to not fulfill their obligations to known defects.

Dickie
00 ML 320
97 328i

I posted at benzworld about my reimbursement from MBUSA here's the link;
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1208671&posts=1&fid=29
I spoke to Frank from MBUSA and he told me to fax a copy of my receipts. Process time took about week and a half to received the check. On the link you will see that i took a picture of the check for proof that i did receive it.

Thought you might want to see the update on this issue.
Dr.D
It's official, Harmonic Balancer campaign changed for the better.

__________________
Dr.Diesel -
Shop Foreman
Master Guild Mercedes-Benz Technician.

Think the dealer is expensive? Do you know how much it costs to train a dealer tech? Or buy the required MB special tools to have on hand?

The HB's job is to dampen the vibrations of the engine, so yes, a new one should make it run smoother. I've heard of people noticing improvements after replacing the HB on old GM engines.

__________________
Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)