I just bought a 98 E430 with 45K Kms on it. Previoulsy I would browse on posts for other models and remember discussion on the issue of the harmonic balancer. I did a search and read a couple of the threads. I do know that this issue has been discussed in great depth but could not find the posts which cover:

issue with the harmonic balancer
what are the symptoms on the car
where to look for,in the car
how would I know if it has been replaced by the recall.

I would appreciate info on the above

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89, 300SEL
98, E430 black on black

any dealer can run a check to see if your vehicle is included in the recall.

if you look at the part number on the balancer, the 3rd set of numbers will be "00" or "06" if its one of the balancers included in the recall.

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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

You must have missed the Great Harmonic Balancer Recall thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=119790&highlight=harmonic+balancer+recall

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I did read that post with great interest because of my car. But it does not state the symptoms nor the loacation of this part.

Thanks

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89, 300SEL
98, E430 black on black

Go to your local dealer an talk to a service rep give him your car vin no. and have him run for you. It worked for me, I found out that mine was already changed they even gave me a print-out of all the parts by no. description of the work labor time etc. very complete. Don't cost a thing but time, if you are to far from the dealer call 1-800 for merc and ask them, have your vin. no. ready.

Talked with the warranty department at MB Canada. They said that the harmonic balancer issue (recall) is only for the USA models. Any canadian viewers with E class or S class have dealt with this issue in Canada.

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89, 300SEL
98, E430 black on black

Balancer is on the front of the crankshaft in the center of the engine.
It is the main belt pulley.

Symptoms include a very shakey idle and very loud noises as it is
hogging a hole through the front timing cover.

DR.D

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Dr.Diesel -
Shop Foreman
Master Guild Mercedes-Benz Technician.

Think the dealer is expensive? Do you know how much it costs to train a dealer tech? Or buy the required MB special tools to have on hand?