M271 Cam Sensor Oil Leak
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
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From: Austin,Texas
2005 C230SS
M271 Cam Sensor Oil Leak
Ok, I think I may have the dreaded cam sensor oil leak. Oil has basically coated the rear of the engine, firewall, transmission and pan. The bad is my 2005 C230 is out of warranty. My car is not exhibiting any problems yet. For those who paid out of pocket for fixing the problem, what costs should I be looking at? Is there a recall for this? It is truly sad that this is happening on such a new car with low miles (50,000). I am reading that due to a design flaw, I can expect this to happen again. I love my car, and do not relish the thought of getting rid of her, for such a stupid design flaw on Mercedes' part. 
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
This doesn't sound like a leak from the cam sensors. They are on the front of the engine and leak into wiring. This sounds like a leak that is possibly from the oil filter housing. My car developed one because of an improperly installed o-ring.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
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From: Austin,Texas
2005 C230SS
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Doesnt sound like a leaky cam sensor, although, benz did just come out with a campaign on this this month. It was only yesterday they revised the campaign. I cant post the campaign on this site but if you talk to your dealer, have them run a VMI, and it should say if the campaign applies. Most likely it would apply since it effects 66,113 vehicles.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
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From: Austin,Texas
2005 C230SS
They found the problem. It was a gasket failure on the vacume pump. The gasket and o-ring are 6 bucks. Labor is $200 
I am having them do a service A while I'm at it. $205 for the parts and labor for the Vac pump, $88 to clean up the sprayed oil mess, and $112 for the service A work. I really don't think $405 is all that bad, considering the dealership for just the service A would probably cost that much (guessing). This independent shop I'm using is great!
I am having them do a service A while I'm at it. $205 for the parts and labor for the Vac pump, $88 to clean up the sprayed oil mess, and $112 for the service A work. I really don't think $405 is all that bad, considering the dealership for just the service A would probably cost that much (guessing). This independent shop I'm using is great!
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
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From: Austin,Texas
2005 C230SS
The car never asked for oil. I noticed the oil drops on my garage floor and went looking for the source. That is when I noticed the oil spray. I will get her back tomorrow.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: CA
C230 K
I have the same leak. I found it out when I did my own oil
change while I was under the car. I thought it was the rear main seal since there are some oil between the engine and transmission housing. Brought the car in and the SA later called saying it's the vacumn pump.
Jason
change while I was under the car. I thought it was the rear main seal since there are some oil between the engine and transmission housing. Brought the car in and the SA later called saying it's the vacumn pump.
Jason
