For all of you MClass owner's out there with Harmonic Balancer and other problems here's a link where you can let off a little steam.. http://www.mbusi.com/owner_feedback.html for what its worth.

Well, today after work, I crawled under the vehicle to confirm the part no. and it is a 13-00 suffix as stated on the service invoice. It appears that we are now up to design change number 13.

I sure am thankfull that I had mine replaced and Mercedes picked up the tab under my new car warranty. I am starting to believe that with all the new technology being applied to these vehicles, you have two choices: (1) Lease them for no longer than the new car warranty or (2) purchase them and also purchase the extended warranty offered by Mercedes since you will probably use more than the warranty cost. This is the only way that you will have any kind of peace-of-mind in my opinion.

To clear up the number issue there are currently 4 active part number that are used to correct this problem. 00, 08, 09, 13. There was an 05 at one time but it no longer appears as a valid part number.

Fletch, suffix 00-00 (IS THE PROBLEM). The other three revisions are fine, but replace 112-035-00-00 if you can.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

Grape, Only pointing out that there are 4 part numbers for this item that are currently available from Mercedes.

I have no idea what number is the best design, I have seen them all and can not tell the difference between them. I simply wanted to caution some that are assuming the 3rd set of numbers in a Mercedes part number has anything to do with if the part has or has not been redesigned. The 00-00 is failing because they are the ones on the cars, they have the miles on them, I don’t think anyone should assume the 08 09 13 will last any longer.

This part is clearly a problem, and I think the fact that Mercedes has not actively worked to replace these as a preventative service is a shame. The 112 and 113 air sensors and the fuel tank senders in these cars are also a major problem that Mercedes has not acknowledged. The Mercedes I knew would correct these problems at the first service or sign of failure and often the customer would not have even known the dealership corrected them. It’s clear these type of service levels I remember are no longer in place.

Less rubber in the later designs, i understand what you're saying, just didn't want people to look at their balancers and see the numbers 00-00 and think they were safe. I'm sure that even though that part number is listed in Mercedes parts inventory, you can't order it. I looking at 3 balancers in front of me right now and can't tell the difference between 08-00 09-00 and 13-00, but 00-00 distinctly has more rubber(thicker band) than the other 3.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

I just ordered Dampener part number 112035 0900 and bolt number 006990 7004

What I need now is the tool to hold the dampener in place while removing/installing the bolt. Anyone know where I can find this tool? Part number and or brand will be very helpful. Thanks!

I was ripped-off to the tune of $4,000 to repair this problem.

Even though I towed the car in before extensive damage occurred, the dealership used this problem to do unnecessary repairs against my repair authorization. The damage to the timing cover and oil pan was not sufficient to warrant replacement and I told them not to replace parts with cosmetic damage.

Mercedes will not stand behind their products and will not stand behind their dealerships.

If in Dallas don't go near Park Place Motorcar, They will rip you off.

I have all of my replaced parts and will purse this to the bitter end.

I would not even expect this type of treatment from FORD. Mercedes has lost its Reputation in my book.

Bruce,

Sorry to hear your story. I also saw your post on mbca.org.

I suspect Ford or GM would have been more responsive. These companies are really trying to improve their quality and customer service. For many years U.S. based car companies took their customers for granted, and look what happened to their marketshare. The clock is ticking for Mercedes. Mercedes cares little for customer service. They are onl;y interested in selling new cars with lower quality parts and high profit margins.

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Dave

1998 E320
2001 SLK320
2000 Lexus RX300

Bruce file a complaint with NHTSA.ORG. I know it's a pain but this disregard by MBUSA is ridiculious.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

We all know this part is faulty (bad design). There must be some techs that work for MBUSA who read this forum. Let's have your take on the problem. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?postid=431635

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

Hello,
The dealer in Raleigh, NC replaced my ML320's faulty crankshaft damper FOC without any hassles at all. While they were at it, the doors were readjusted to shut without slamming and the some switch that was causing the BAS lite to blink was replaced as well. The only thing that they did not do was wash the car before returning it!
I guess paying $500/- for front and rear brakes pads goes a long way...........
Have a good week.

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Nachi11744

Nachi,
With all the respect you received from the dealer, I am curious to know a couple of things as others may also.

1. What is the year, model and mileage of your car when you took it to them for the H/B service etc.?

2. Did you buy the car new from them? If they know you bought it used or from another dealer, sometimes their 'goodwill' is disregarded! MB dealer techs, comments please.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

I also had the Raleigh, NC Mercedes Benz dealer replace the crankshaft balancer on my 2000 ML 320 before failure based upon my request. They acknowledged the problem and replaced the balancer at no charge to me. At the same time they installed the (1) updated wiring harness for the auxilliary fans and installed the larger fuse, (2) updated window switch module and (3) replaced the right side catalytic converter which has proven to be an issue, again at no charge.

Please do not berate Mercedes commitment to customer satisfaction based upon your personal experience with what sounds like a dealership problem. There are some excellent Mercedes Benz dealerships out there who are trying to earn your business.

I replace these damn things all day long on A/B services when cars are in warranty. If I see a 00 00 balancer, I just do it.
However, once warranty is up.....Goodwill becomes a bigger issue.
Due to the way MBUSA changed it's goodwill proceedures,
Now it's a 30/30/30 split. MB pays 30%, the dealer pays 30%, and the client is supposed to pay 30%. This is becomming mighty expensive for dealers and for vehicle owners.

Granted, the balancer costs about $50. This is a whole load cheaper than dealing with a damaged main pan and timing case.
As a business, for us to give away thousands of dollars of goodwill work when we didn't sell the vehicle or when we sold it at no profit (common with ML's), it becomes a hard decision
to give these away. If MBUSA would cover or DSA things 100%
like they used to, it would be much simpler for dealers to repond to the clients needs.
Sadly MB has left us ALL out to hang in this situation. Dealers look like the bad guys and clients get stuck with the bill.
All the anger and energy needs to be directed at the source of the problem here. MBUSA
My dealership has been sufering too. We have been losing money for years now. We have lost 10 employees this year so far. Techs are concidering geting out of this business for good.
Clients are walking away left and right. And now we have have J.D. Powers telling the whole world how much we suck.
What a great time to be in this line of work!

DIESEL