2006 E350 - A "Rear" Harmonic Balancer???
 

Guys, my buddy's E class is at the shop and threw a code indicating a problem with the "rear" harmonic balancer.

Estimate to repair is $5500. MB is willing to go 80/20 on the repair.

What in the world is this thing?

Should he have them reset the code and hope it doesn't come back?

Should he trade it in on another car?

Should he get it repaired?

What's a guy to do?

Thanks for the insight!

OK, I'm finding out more information. This is the balance shaft. There's a TSB on it failing because it eats the drive sprocket up.