I HAVE A 1999 E320, SHOULD I REPLACE BALANCER NOW BEFORE IT FAILS OR JUST KEEP AN EYE ON IT. IT LOOKS OKAY NOW. DOES IT JUST FAIL OR WILL IT SHOW SIGNS BEFORE GOING BAD. THE CAR ONLY HAS 26K ON IT NOW. THANKS

1999...

I heard they fixed the problem in late 1998, see below.
I am sure DR. Diesel can put some input on it.

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.

"Group 3 - M112 & M113 crankshaft balancers that fail should be replaced with part number 112 035 08 00 or 112 035 09 00.

Improved balancers entered production as of engine end number 661775 for V6 and 166563 for V8."

Thanks Merc1. Hope Dr.D. is reading. My C280 was manufactured april 99. I'm already breathing easier.

So when you say "Improved balancers entered production as of engine end number 661775 for V6 and 166563 for V8."

You are refering to the last 6 numbers of the "11394460007935" number that is listed on my NETSTAT VMI printout for my 1999 AMG C43 manufactured on 5/7/1999?

That would mean that I have the bad part even though the car wasn't produced until May?
Thanks

Sweating with 55k miles....

Problem Fixed.

Changed the motor mounts, and runs great.

Also changed Crankshaft balancer as a precaution, noticed rubber was warped in the back. Whoow. Relief. Also, recommendation from Dr, Diesel, I also changed the bolt.

Another one in the shop today. 1999 Ml 320 with the belt slung off and balancer blown.

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT??? LOSS OF POWER STEERING!

Engine is out. We are replacing the front timing cover and upper oil pan.

I have a copy of the power steering clamp recall. What a joke. Mercedes states they are concered for our saftey.

IF this is the case? Why have they not done the balancers?????

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

If everyone who has had this failure reported it to https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm then maybe there would be an offical recall like with the power steering clamp on the M Class.

Ok we have a 99 SLK230 and a 98 C280 should I go ahead and replace the org crank pullies with the updated parts?

112-035-08-00 Balancer updated $95.76
006-990-70-04 bolt $ 4.79

NP

__________________
"If it's not BLOWN, it sucks"

1998 C280 Sport - Member 744 Crew
1988 Toyota MR2-Kompressor(No. 3) 168K+ Miles
Prior MB Cars 1974 450SLC & 1985 190E 2.3

Click This Link - IOS, Greece - Get Your Phreak On

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.

__________________
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".

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.

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.