Benzmac - That seems like a pretty reasonable expense if you look at it as something that needs to be refreshed periodically as preventive maintenance. If Mercedes would look at it as such, it would not be an issue. Which comes to the question again as to how often (time/mileage) this component needs to be refreshed for trouble free operation.

It would be nice if the design/application were changed so that this part failure would not cause the kind of damage it does. However, other cars (Toyotas/Hondas) having timing belts that fail with interference engine designs that also cause considerable damage and expense.

The disputes should end. I have seen Mercedes cars for over 12 years. I have NEVER seen a single failure of the crankshaft front balancer until the m112 and m113 enigne release.

We should not think of a front balancer as a maintenance/wear item.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

AMEN!

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

I wonder how much is it roughly going to be to replace the entire harmonic balancer unit, oil pan, and water pump? Can I talk to the local representative to see if they are willing to split the cost?

Have a 98 ML320 with ~75,000 miles. Harmonic balancer went up in summer of 2003. Went through crankshaft, oil pan and many other engine parts. Bill was over $5,000. Called MBUSA, who said there was no history of this for this model. They offered no assistance since it was out of warranty and kept repeating the mantra of "the owner is responsible for all repairs after the warranty period". The rep would not let me speak to anyone higher up and referred me to my dealership. Dealership said he had never seen this on a MB. Dealer had the car for a week and finally agreed to "only" charge me $2500 because he wanted to keep me as a customer. Let me know if a class action suit is started or pending.

Also, on the same car, we get a whistling noise from under dash when starting up at random times. Goes off after a minute or two. Will stay on even if you turn key off. Dealer couldnt find cause. Didnt do it for a year and now that it is turning cold it is doing it again.

Sorry to hear that.

Hey fellas,
Where do I look on a CLK430 to check this problem? Do I need to remove the engine cover? Are there any links to pictures? I'm honestly not very automobile literate!!
TIA!!

Nicky , no need to remove cover, best to read this whole thread from the beginning. Plenty of good info and pictures describing the problem.I think page 6 or 7 has a picture of culprit. The balancer was updated in late 2000.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

I don't have an MB, yet, but I can tell you that my former 1986 Volvo 740 Turbo did have a similar harmonic balancer. It did have to be replaced because the rubber seperated from the metal. It did not cause any damage to the engine. The engine could not be timed after a distributor replacement so that's how the shop knew it needed to be replaced.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Visited my local dealer concerning the damper on my wife's 1998 C280 as it has a slight wobble, the rubber is cracking and it has the 00 00 part number being one of the original design dampers.
Of course they wouldn't admit there have been problems but it is going in tomorrow for their analysis and decision.
While there I saw my friend in the parts department, an SCCA corner worker, and he told me the damper is now up to version #13 and they don't stock the stretch bolt indicating they use the old one over. I told him to order me one as it would be used on the replacement of the damper whether the dealer did it free gratis or refused the change and I do it myself. BTW the car only has 38,425 miles on it.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

Had the same problem on my 98 ML320 at about 55,000 miles - and one month after purchase from a private party. My mechanic broke several power wrenches trying to get the bolt off and ended up having to CUT it off. Thankfully he didnt' charge me the full amount of hours they spent on it.

At that point there was no evidence that the oil pan was cut into, but since then 10 miles later, a slight leak has appeared. I'm now on alert to watch the oil level. The dealer mechanic doesn't feel it's a problem, but we'll keep an eye on it.

Can't remember right now the other part that was ruined by the balancer being off, but that was another few hundred bucks too.

I wasn't able to take advantage of a "good will gesture" as I stupidly took it to my very accomplished Mercedes mechanic through whom I found the car.

I now only go to the local dealer for the ML.

Been there, done that. 98 ML320, 47K but out of warranty. No warning, burning rubber smell, noise, oil leak. MB dealer bill was $3800, best they offered was 50%, negotiated it down to $1500. This is outrageous that the failure of a rubber gasket can lead to so much engine damage so fast. Bad bad bad design. Admit it , Mercedes, fix it, and move on. How can I add to a failures database to get someone to initiate a recall review. Mercedes knew I was an owner and did not bother to alert me to this disaster. They also didn't bother to tell me that they are extending warranty coverage to oil lubricated parts to 100K(?) as part of a class action settlement. Anyone have more specifics on this? This is not the Benz that I knew and grew up with. This never happens at Lexus, folks, and I'm walking. Listening DCX?

Go to the first post on page 6 for the link to report your complaint.

Is this news to anyone? It's been a problem for a while.
Mine failed on my 98 ml320 around 48,000 miles. It scored the timing chain cover... but thankfully did not cut through.
My local mechanic busted his ass to get the nut off.
He completed the job and charged me $250.
I cringe to think what would have happened if my wife was driving and was far from home. She would have continued to drive, not knowing what catastropic damage she was doing to the engine, not to mention the danger she was putting herself and our child in!
Mercedes should be ashamed. I still have that balancer in a plastic bag! Just tell me where to send it, and I'll include a note to tell Mercedes WHERE TO PUT IT.

Please go to page 6 of this forum and follow the instructions on the 1st posting... help us build a case. Thanks.

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Jim