E320 wobbly Harmonic balancer
 

I realize there was a recall regarding some of the 320 and 430 harmonic balancers but, i looked at two different E320s W210 cars this weekend and noticed a wobbling HB on both cars.
Both seemed overpriced since there were no service history records so, I walked away.
I'm still wondering about the HB. Surely they had been replaced by now. Or, is this a routine replacement item?

They all should've been replaced by now by the factory on all 1998 to mid-year 2000 E320s and E430s.

If you have a car you are unsure of, have the VIN run at a dealer, and they can confirm it for you.

If it hasn't been done, they'll by happy to do it for you free of charge as the factory is paying for it.

One car with a wobbling HB was a 2002 E320. Nice exterior paint, Texas car, no rust, sagging headliner and HB wobble. No service records for the 140K miles showing on the odometer. Seller was asking just under $5k and wouldn't budge. That has been the best deal I've found so far.
I suspect the headliner is a $400 fix. Then all new fluids, brakes, tires...
Does the '02 qualify for the HB recall?

I checked TSB on alldata and there is none for the HB. Headliner is about $250 at a shop here in Dallas. But you have to put your boot on his back to make sure it gets done :)

Is there a maintenance interval for the HB after it has been replaced once with the recall?

At one time there was indeed a US recall on the harmonic balancer for two part numbers across the years and chassis affected. There is a pretty good thread about it on BW: Harmonic Balancer Recall: Key Points - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

I would have also thought that all of the vehicles affected should have been repaired by now, but if you live in the US and have one of the affected part numbers (just check, that's pretty easy) then call the stealer and see what the next step is regarding the recall. It never hurts to ask, after all.

glenmore, there is no maintenance interval, as such, for the HB, whether or not replaced previously, regardless of the reason. However, every HB will ultimately fail (just like every timing chain will ultimately fail), and should be inspected periodically for signs of deterioration. Wobbling usually is a bad sign, too. ;)

The HB is not that expensive and is not that difficult to change, particularly on the M112 with the electric fan, so I wouldn't let that fact alone stand in the way of a purchase. Combined with a lack of service, records, though, it might reflect a vehicle that has been neglected (purportedly regular service would have also found and repaired the HB).

Good luck and happy shopping, WhiskeyDan.

Here's the harmonic balancer recall thread on the Peachparts forum:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/119790-its-official-harmonic-balancer-service-campaign-released-4-5-05-a.html

i changed one on a 103 motor once... it wasn't that big of a deal if i recall... i had never seen a wobbly one before it happened to me

We looked at a few other potential cars and decided this one was the best of the lot. Pulled the trigger yesterday and enjoyed the smooth, quiet ride of the W210 during the 35 miles trip home.
I had a closer look and the HB part # is 112 035 09 00. So, this is not one that falls under the recall however, I need to replace it if it is wobbly. It could be the dark stains of engine detail goop they sprayed all over everything creating the illusion of wobble.

I am a bit annoyed that someone had taken the operators manual book since I looked at the car last. Went to have a look last night to see what all the steering wheel function switches do and discovered the book missing.

This weekend I will change all the fluids, filters and have a close look at the HB. It looks to be a pretty easy job to replace compared to the old 617. Cleaner at least...