Yes. My ML 320 harmonic balancer failed at 79,000 mi. Started to grind its way through the block. Replaced the balancer but now it leaks oil. Thanks Mercedes.

My 98 ML320 with 47K miles is at the dealer as I write this to have the crankshaft damper replaced. The thick rubber piece broke away and was banging on the fan blades and oil pan. Luckily this happened when starting the vehicle in my driveway as opposed to driving down the highway at speed. Interesting enough the vehicle is out of warranty due to time and not mileage and I had heard this was a common problem on M112 engines. I called MBUSA and they advised me to speak to my local MB service manager thinking they would repair it under their good faith policy. It was towed to the dealer yesterday and I am hopeful they will pick up at least 50% of the repair bill. One thing for sure....had I not been the original owner and the vehicle not been serviced by the dealer I'd be out on my own. They made that point loud and clear. I'll report back when I get this resolved. I'm told they have engineered a new damper as a replacement.

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99 E300 133K
98 ML320 99K
87 Saab 900 Turbo Conv 123K

Hi. I am a new MB owner. I have heard about this harmonic balancer problem now from a few sources, including this forum. Is there a verdict as to whether or not MB will rectify this problem in advance of difficulties? I know it has not been replaced as of yet. Mileage is around 26500 miles. Thanks.

New/Happy Benz owner

I have a 98 e430 and I'm sick of hearing of MB sticking their heads in the sand. I had a 92 400e with the engine harness problem and the dealer told me that it was not a normal problem. I called MBUSA and they told me that since I wasn't the original owner, they would not address the issue out of warranty. has anyone seen this on the V8 engines?

Over a thousand times!

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

I just checked the crankshaft balancer (the outer rubber lip of the pulley) in my 1998 E320 with 60k miles and saw no visible cracks or damage. Do you recommend that I change it anyway or should I just keep checking for cracks before changing it?

S.

Failures can be virtually eliminated simply performing routine inspections. It takes only seconds.

I am not sure what exactly I am suppose to be inspecting. The only rubber thing I see is the piece that covers around the big pulley (between the pulley and he belt) in the front center bottom of the engine. I looked inside the pulley using a mirror and all I see is a big bolt and no rubber material.

Does anyone have a picture of the part/piece that tends to fail in 98 3.2 liter engines.

S.

The rubber ring ( approx. 10-12mm wide ) near the circumference of the pulley is the problem. Prior to complete failure there is usually a noticable wobble of the pulley which can be seen with the engine running at idle.

The last (and most effective) resort is to go too your local small claims court and have an summons issued. You'll be surprised how fast this gets results . Been there, Abe G

Has this problem been fixed on the latest engines?

It's getting so nobody makes a bulletproof car any more. I really wanted to go back to BMW for a change but they have so many problems that it's not feasible.

Looks like I'll keep on buying Mercedes if I can ever wear out my 300E

MB dealer split the cost of crankshaft damper replacement on my out of warranty 98 ML320 with 47K miles. My share was $330. I don't have the service ticket with me now but I think they replaced the pulley and belt also. I was told the replacement part has been re-engineered to prevent premature failure.

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99 E300 133K
98 ML320 99K
87 Saab 900 Turbo Conv 123K

My dad's '97 E320 V6 also had the crankshaft damper pulley "shaky" at 20,000km on the clock.
Fortunately, no damage due to early finding.

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'74 W114 230.6
'87 W201 190E 2.3-16
'97 W210 E320 Avantgarde

After reading thses posts, I had mine checked out prior to making the long jaunt for the holiday weekend.

Turned out it was cracked. MB did cover the cost of the part and I was just responsible for the labor.

Noticed that the engine was noticeably quieter at idle since the swap...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

I am a subscriber to this post. Today I had my wife drive to the dealership to have the balancer checked out before her 67 mile each way trip to Newburgh tonite & my weekend trip to Massachusetts, each for my son's ice hockey team. I admit I had no appointment, but from this forum I knew it was a quick visual inspection. The service advisor told my wife the inspection involved opening the engine, which couldn't be done without an appointment. Well, my wife angrily called me, and after I cited the specifics per ILUVMILS, the advisor put me through to the service manager. Displaying grace and knowledge, he agreed that it was a quick visual and he got off the phone and walked outside and did it himself. Verdict: I'm one of the lucky ones, mine is fine even with 81,000 original miles on my 98 ml320. This forum and the people who take their personal time to post are the best, an unbelievable resource for the rest of us. Thanks again, esp to BENZMAC for bringing this potential problem to our attention, and to ILUVMILS, who made it so clear and simple to understand for a novice like me.