HEREIS THE DEFECT you want to complain to NHTSA about
 

Make: MERCEDES BENZ
Model: E320
Year: 1999
NHTSA Action Number: PE03058
Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 35 REPORTS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH M112 OR M113 ENGINES. THE M112 SERIES IS MERCEDES-BENZ'S FIRST EVER PRODUCTION V6 ENGINE AND ITS MODULAR DESIGN ALLOWS IT TO SHARE MANY COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER, WITH THE M113 SERIES V8 ENGINES. THE M112 AND M113 ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PROVIDES ACCESSORY POWER VIA A SERPENTINE BELT. THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE CAUSES LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
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This issue is already a well-discussed topic on both Tech Help and ML forum (see "Sticky" at the top of this thread list)...

...and I got mine replaced a year ago after the first reports...

...and the loss of power steering isn't the biggest issue...it's the fact that when it does disentigrate, it gouges the protruding oil pan casting, leaving the stranded motorist with an $1100 repair bill (at the very least)!:eek:

As G-Benz pointed out, look at the sticky at the top of this forum.

MB identified the problem ages ago and they are dilligently working to replace balancers that have been identified. This is at no cost to the owner.

My brother in law is my tech at the dealership. A few years ago I was visiting him in his stall and saw a big note that he had taped to his toolbox lid. It said "Don't forget to check Harmonic Balancer."

MB has been watching for these and replacing them. It's not as if they are refusing to acknowledge or correct the problem. If you are worried, all you have to do is go to your local dealer. You don't have to pitch a fit with a government agency like you were protesting Agent Orange or something.

Have a great day,

Yes it has been discussed,
 

However, I disagree with the post about MB diligently working to replace. THEY BLATANTLY refuse to acknowledge that the unit has a problem and they also, refuse to even cut cost or reimburse unless people make a fuss about it. Also, the typical damage is between 2500 to 3500, given most novice drivers let it eat up the oil pan and engine cover etc., Anything short of a recall, is unacceptable and I am one of the many who believe this has to be taken more seriously and ahopefully initiate a lclass action lawsuit.

Sounds to me like you have an uncooperative dealer. As I said, my dealer is very aggressively watching for and replacing the defective units. I really doubt that they are doing this at their own expense.

If I were you, I would contact my regional rep.

Good luck,