P0012 - Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Sorry. I could have been more precise with that rear counterweight/damper that requires replacement.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen....30-08i-2-.pdf
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Mar 11, 2012 at 01:22 PM.
I need to replace the exhaust camshaft magnet on the passenger side as well and reading through this forum I can locate them, but I can't tell which one is the intake and which one is the exhaust on the right hand side.
Can anyone help?
Much thanks
Chung

This is all the parts they changed, with new head gaskets and four new magnets again ( I just put 4 on less than 50 kms before ) and of course the worn out balance shaft gear.

I added the crank gear that runs the oil pump for compairision to show that the balance shaft gear was as round and smooth as a baby's bum. Ok I have the repaired engine in my hands and set it back in place,my first job is to run the car for about 50 kms with regular 10-30 oil to get any metal fillings from old gear out or at least in the new filter then drain and put in mb oil ok I can do that but a block down the road the low coolant lite starts to flash??? I know it was full but I top it off again and get about 20 kms down the road and it's on again?? I check under the car no leaks?? so I top it up for the third time and get back home (another 20 kms) lite is on again,I jack the car up and remove the plastic shield under engine but can't see any leaks??? this is the time when I need to sleep on it and look at it again in the morning but morning don't arrive yet when I sit up in bed with a brainstorm of a leaking head gasket or intake gasket,I go to the garage and sure enough the oil is milky!!! No sleep the rest of the nite, I call mb and they said no worries we will look after it. And true to thier word a day later I have another new head gasket car runs great I got new oil and a warrenty. Two days later I take the wife for a 2000 km week long trip,no check engine lite,runs beautiful,great milage,smooth what more can a guy want? Oh ya after driving for about 5 kms a warning comes on the dash comes on saying stop at next gas station and check oil level??? After checking it a couple times (it's full) I clue in that the level indacator in the oil pan is wonky so another call to the dealer "well if it something we did we will look after you but if it's not you will have to pay" whats the chance it's going to be thier fault? I really like the car now I just hope it lasts until 2020 so I get my moneys worth out of it. Take care and remember ALWAYS have a new to you, car checked out by a dealer before you buy it they know the cars better than the shop down the block
where I took mine, just my two cents worth or in this case $6 grand worthRandy
They now are telling me that because my engine s/n is beyond the range of defective balance shaft sprockets, this is not the problem. They said that they will need to replace the timing chain as it appears to be slightly stretched. This job will be aprox. 7hrs to replace at a cost of $2000.
My question is, if the serial number of my car is beyond the range of bad sprockets and if I get the two DTC codes, is it possible i still need to service and replace the balance shaft/sprocket? I am a bit nervous to dish out $2k on timing chain replacement and I get the CEL again.
Any comments is greatly appreciated.
Randy
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

They now are telling me that because my engine s/n is beyond the range of defective balance shaft sprockets, this is not the problem. They said that they will need to replace the timing chain as it appears to be slightly stretched. This job will be aprox. 7hrs to replace at a cost of $2000.
My question is, if the serial number of my car is beyond the range of bad sprockets and if I get the two DTC codes, is it possible i still need to service and replace the balance shaft/sprocket? I am a bit nervous to dish out $2k on timing chain replacement and I get the CEL again.
Any comments is greatly appreciated.
So would it be possible to still have the balance shaft sprocket problem even though my engine s/n supersedes the range on Mercedes SB?
The service adviser said they called MB Canada and they assured that replacing the timing chain would resolve the issue. I received a written quote for timing chain repairs.
Crow944

There have certainly been the odd failure outside the Bulletin VIN window. I think they are trying to duck the issue. What mileage on your car? Duplex chains should last the life of the engine.
So would it be possible to still have the balance shaft sprocket problem even though my engine s/n supersedes the range on Mercedes SB?
The service adviser said they called MB Canada and they assured that replacing the timing chain would resolve the issue. I received a written quote for timing chain repairs.
Crow944
My car has been in the shop since Wed.,they gave me a loaner car in the meantime. Won't be ready until next week as the job was delayed due to other vehicles.
I sent my service adviser and asked him the have the technician check all sprockets while the timing chain is beinging replaced to make sure they are not worned. Will hear the verdict next week.
I know you said the double chain should last the lifetime of the engine, but have you heard of balance shaft sprockets being worn even though s/n is pass the range?

So yes we have seen failures outside the affected VIN's published by Benz as we have with castor bushes & transmissions. Benz never get their affected VIN's 100%
Randy
Did you have balance gear issues?
Thanks!
Will keep everyone updated on my repairs.
Drove it for 500km and everything seems fine. No CEL on. Usually the light would of came on within 15min of driving.
Dealer goodwil the parts and charged for 7.5hrs labour. Total charge with taxes $910.
-Zac





You have a big pair there Randy
Congrats on a successful balance shaft repair. Here's to hoping for many carefree miles!