Mercedes has replaced my original balancer part no. 112-035-00-00 with part no. 112-035-13-00 showing 13 design changes to this part since introduced. This was done under the new car warranty just prior to expiration in approximate another month.

Not sure if it is due to the new balancer or if the old balancer was showing signs of coming apart, but the new balancer seems to result in smoother and quieter engine idle.

I waited for the repair and the Mercedes technician was able to replace the balancer in a little less than two hours.