hay all this talk about harmonic balancer have gotton me worry, I read a few threads here, but don't know exacetly what you folks are talking about. Can someone take pictures of this things (the harmonic balancer). It seem like it one the pully system between the engin and the radiator. Thanks. Should I be concern about this on my slk 320 as well.

Also on another note. I heard the ML430 engin have vibration problems are they related to this? I have heard that it is a engin mount problem. Or are there no more known problem on the ML430 then the ML320's

thanks for you help.

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Silver Honda Accord, 2006
Silver G500, 2003
Silver SLK-320, 2002
Black ML-320, 2000
Bule Porsche 993 Targa , 1997
Silver Merkur XR4Ti, 1987

Your balancer is essentially just another name for the crank pulley. Its the large pulley at the lower center of the front of the engine with the numbers and markings on it. I believe your ML falls in range for defective balancers but the SLK doesn't. Call your dealer and they can check for you, I don't have the bulletins here with me.

Engine mounts in ML's just don't typically last too long. I do them way more often in ML320's than ML430's.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Photo's on pages 4 & 6 of this thread.

for customer

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