is the engine number stamped on the egine somewhere easy to see or is the engine number derived from the VIN#?

The SLK 230 is not a V6 or V8, so it wouldn't be affected.

Can any of the techs confirm that the problem was fixed in late 1998 and that cars manufactured in 1999 with the engine numbers that Merc1 stated in his earlier post have the updated balancer.:confused:

It was the 2000+ cars that had the updated part. It is engine #
specific to be 100% accurate however. I have repaired several late 99's that have had faulty balancers.
1998's are definately subject to this problem.
DR.D

Thanks Dr. Diesel, i have a 1999 C280 manufactured May99. The car has 20k on it,but the rubber is starting to show tons of fine cracks. Not worried about the mileage but about a car that just went out of warranty last week. I think i'll replace it just to be on the safe side. Thanks for all of your great knowledge in this forum.

I'm going to change it myself. Is there any other tool i could use other than the $150 Assenmacher holder> I hate to spend that much but i don't see any other options.Thanks

Baum Tools (Sarasota, FL) offers the required tool for less. You'll have to call for additional info.. their web site is only partially finished.

Either way, get the tool - it makes the renewal quite simple.

But the C280 is.

NP

What we have found is that the 112-035-00-00 are the only balancers that fail. Any later part such as the 112-035-05-00 and the 06-00 and so on are OK.

The best way is the bump over the engine a little at a time and you will see the number on the rear portion of the balancer.

PS....I have been thinking of sending Merc a box of the balancers every time one fails.


HMMMMMM....A picture is worth a thousand words though.

This is how the 112 035 00 00 looks, viewed from above:

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/1120350000.jpg

BTW, no pic available in the FastLane shop? Part A2210-116347 for $70.68.

A picture of a box of balancers??? How about a pallet of timing covers?!

I was at a dealer recently... while in the back, the parts guy shows me a stack (19 in all) of timing covers waiting to be returned to MBNA, under warranty... all damaged by failed balancers.

To which the parts guy states: "I don't know why we have to send them back. Its not like NA doesn't know why they failed."

Thanks Wolfgang! Pulled the engine cover on my ML430 and mine is a #112 035 00 00. Wonder if the dealer will replace it under warranty? I've got about 1500 miles left on it. :eek:

Alan, have the dealer check the balancer before the warranty is out.

I have been visually checking my balancer on a regular basis since I found this thread. Yesterday when I started my car, I had a vibration at idle as I started the car, and when I would place the car in gear and hold the break down. reverse is more noticeable than drive. I had a friend start the car with the hood open and I don't see any wobling of the balancer but I feel pretty certian it is the balancer. I'm pretty in tune with my cars, and can usually tell when something is a little off. My car is a 98 e430 with about 62K on it.. I plan on calling the dealerships in the area tomorrow to see which one is the most consumer frendly, and I may just replace it myself, to rule it out so I dont get stranded somewhere.

any suggestions?

Sterling

98 e430
90 928s4 6.4 liter with VarioCam
http://www.928sg.com

While your balancer may or may not be bad, the conditions you describe of a vibration at idle sound just like the characteristic symptoms of motor mounts that are worn out.