chistoso

At 102,000 miles my 2007 GL450 is giving code1200 and code1208. This is for constant adjustment of intake and exhaust cams (timing retarded). This could be the cam magnets needing replacement or the timing chain sprocket needs replacing. An excellent independent shop has a price of $350 for the magnets. If that doesn't work I'm looking at $4500 for the sprocket. At that price I trade it in. That's too much to pay for a fix and still have an old suv.
Has anyone done their own Cam Magnets? Are there 2 or 4? Part numbers? Any help would be appreciated.

KrustyKustom

4500! Is that for cam sprockets? Is that installed or parts?

Are these cam magnets for the variable cam timing? Should last longer than your mileage I would think..

chistoso

The dealer quoted $5000.00 to remove and replace 1 worn cam sprocket. If worn enough you may start to hear a ticking sound at idle. It will throw a code and with the check engine on you can't get a smog certificate here in California. It's about $400.00 to remove and replace the Cam Magnets. If I can do it myself I can see if that's all it is without having to spend the $400.

v12gte

i had this error code on 3 different occasions on my 2008 GL550. I had the CPO warranty, so it was covered. I asked them to do the 4th one in advance of it failing, but the dealer refused. I have since bought an OBDII reader, so that I can at least see what is up with the codes.
For folks in California...it might be possible to get this repair covered under an emissions warranty. It is longer than the stock factory warranty, and if the car will not pass smog, the mfr. might be on the hook for it. I would make a ruckus and see what gives.