M276 Check Valve Press In Tool?!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
2014 GLK 350 4 Matic
I get the same result after disconnecting the battery. The car drives fine initially but within a few minutes I noticed the Eco light will go out and it will start running rough at low RPMs. I would assume this is some type of limp mode. On the second start the check engine light will come on after a few minutes of driving and it has the P0021 code.
Do you think this is a sound approach:
Take the intake manifold off and check the timing using the camshaft sensor holes/reluctor wheels. If it is off, I can try moving the drivers intake cam by one tooth. If that makes the timing correct I will put things together and do another test.
If moving the cam doesn't correct the timing or if the timing is already correct, I will assume that the VVT and possible associated components need to be replaced. In that case I will call some shops for estimates. Unfortunately it might be a large percentage of the values of this car (Maybe $12k value for the car).
Do you think this is a sound approach:
Take the intake manifold off and check the timing using the camshaft sensor holes/reluctor wheels. If it is off, I can try moving the drivers intake cam by one tooth. If that makes the timing correct I will put things together and do another test.
If moving the cam doesn't correct the timing or if the timing is already correct, I will assume that the VVT and possible associated components need to be replaced. In that case I will call some shops for estimates. Unfortunately it might be a large percentage of the values of this car (Maybe $12k value for the car).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
I get the same result after disconnecting the battery. The car drives fine initially but within a few minutes I noticed the Eco light will go out and it will start running rough at low RPMs. I would assume this is some type of limp mode. On the second start the check engine light will come on after a few minutes of driving and it has the P0021 code.
Do you think this is a sound approach:
Take the intake manifold off and check the timing using the camshaft sensor holes/reluctor wheels. If it is off, I can try moving the drivers intake cam by one tooth. If that makes the timing correct I will put things together and do another test.
If moving the cam doesn't correct the timing or if the timing is already correct, I will assume that the VVT and possible associated components need to be replaced. In that case I will call some shops for estimates. Unfortunately it might be a large percentage of the values of this car (Maybe $12k value for the car).
Do you think this is a sound approach:
Take the intake manifold off and check the timing using the camshaft sensor holes/reluctor wheels. If it is off, I can try moving the drivers intake cam by one tooth. If that makes the timing correct I will put things together and do another test.
If moving the cam doesn't correct the timing or if the timing is already correct, I will assume that the VVT and possible associated components need to be replaced. In that case I will call some shops for estimates. Unfortunately it might be a large percentage of the values of this car (Maybe $12k value for the car).
While you're looking at the CPS position you can see and hear VVT gear skipping forward when camshaft forces it to.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
2014 GLK 350 4 Matic
Well, the timing looks good to my eye through the CPS holes. I guess I could swap the sensors and hope the problem moves to another cam, but if it doesn't I will be paying a lot of $$ to a shop in Charlotte.
I've always liked German cars and have owned many VWs until the quality declined, my last Mercedes was a 2002 C230 and it went 150k miles with no issues, seems like Mercedes may be going the way of VW. I also have a 2000 BMW M Roadster but it is old enough to still be very reliable. Might be time to find the wife a Lexus instead of a MB.
I've always liked German cars and have owned many VWs until the quality declined, my last Mercedes was a 2002 C230 and it went 150k miles with no issues, seems like Mercedes may be going the way of VW. I also have a 2000 BMW M Roadster but it is old enough to still be very reliable. Might be time to find the wife a Lexus instead of a MB.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
magnetized particles
that has got to be steel
nicely aligned contaminants captured by CPS...
This makes me wonder if the engine drain plug is like the rear differential: loaded with sparkles! Missing a premium $10 magnetic plug ?
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 17, 2024 at 02:35 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
I am in the same club as you. Currently own the C300 in my signature and sadly it'll be my last Benz for now. Going from a late model M272 to an M271, or M274 or M276 seems to be a big let-down in terms of reliability and I just can't accept that from a Benz. I grew up around Benzes as my dad only owned Benzes but yeah these old reliable times seem to be fading away. When my wife needed a new vehicle, we didn't hesitate going with a brand new RAV4 Hybrid. Sure it's not as luxurious as my C300 but it's good enough and reliable enough to earn my money. When it's time to replace my C300, it'll definitely be a Toyota or a Lexus. Oh well, life goes on and we move on. Good luck with the rest of your repair. Wishing you the best.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
2014 GLK 350 4 Matic
I am in the same club as you. Currently own the C300 in my signature and sadly it'll be my last Benz for now. Going from a late model M272 to an M271, or M274 or M276 seems to be a big let-down in terms of reliability and I just can't accept that from a Benz. I grew up around Benzes as my dad only owned Benzes but yeah these old reliable times seem to be fading away. When my wife needed a new vehicle, we didn't hesitate going with a brand new RAV4 Hybrid. Sure it's not as luxurious as my C300 but it's good enough and reliable enough to earn my money. When it's time to replace my C300, it'll definitely be a Toyota or a Lexus. Oh well, life goes on and we move on. Good luck with the rest of your repair. Wishing you the best.
Last edited by donm1000; Aug 19, 2024 at 08:44 AM. Reason: reword
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
The comment I can make on this is that the 4-cylinder non-turbo engine in our RAV4 Hybrid, the A25-FKS, is both direct and port injection. Toyota did this to maximize efficiency and avoid carbon build-ups and clean-ups. They've been using this engine in the RAV4 since 2019 and it's been flawless. You can look for the RAV4's equivalent at Lexus.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
2014 GLK 350 4 Matic
We had a VW Passat Wagon and traded it in for the GLK because it needed 2 water pumps, carbon cleanings, and a door lock before 100k miles and now the GLK likely needs a new camshaft and will eventually need all 4 cams or at least cam adjusters. I've had a 2007 Tundra since before the Passat and it just passed 170k miles. During that time it has need 1 water pump, 1 AC compressor (very easy DIY), shocks (DIY), and fluid changes. The GLK replacement will likely be a Lexus/Toyota or a Tesla. I would consider a Tesla because I suspect even newer Toyotas are far less reliable due to the emission/MPG requirements that drive automakers to use direct injection, VVT, and too much plastic and aluminum.
Embarrassing, but also a huge relief.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 50
Likes: 10
From: UK, Oxfordshire
C350 NA
Timing Marks M276
Sorry to tag onto this thread - I was changing the serpentine belt on my C350 with the M276 engine (2012) and thought I'd look for the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley - in particular looking for the 40 and 53 degree marks used to check the timing. I cannot see any marks at all on the pulley. All I can see is the MB part number and that's only just visible.
Anyone else found this issue ?
There are quite a few youtube videos on m276 timing and all the timing marks look very clear and visible.
Anyone else found this issue ?
There are quite a few youtube videos on m276 timing and all the timing marks look very clear and visible.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Sorry to tag onto this thread - I was changing the serpentine belt on my C350 with the M276 engine (2012) and thought I'd look for the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley - in particular looking for the 40 and 53 degree marks used to check the timing. I cannot see any marks at all on the pulley. All I can see is the MB part number and that's only just visible.
Anyone else found this issue ?
There are quite a few youtube videos on m276 timing and all the timing marks look very clear and visible.
Anyone else found this issue ?
There are quite a few youtube videos on m276 timing and all the timing marks look very clear and visible.
Have you tried to rotate it 360°, right?
You can replace it, the rubber insert fails anyway.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
missing timing marks
you positively identified crank pulley does not have any timing markings.
Couple options:
-A- "If it works, don't mess with it..."
-B- Remove cyl.1 plug to feel piston TDC ie. mark 0°
-C- Replace old pulley with new for the benefit of fresh rubber damper.
++++ PLAN B...
There may be ways to read crank position through ECU datastream
Couple options:
-A- "If it works, don't mess with it..."
-B- Remove cyl.1 plug to feel piston TDC ie. mark 0°
-C- Replace old pulley with new for the benefit of fresh rubber damper.
++++ PLAN B...
There may be ways to read crank position through ECU datastream
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Sep 13, 2024 at 09:09 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
CYL#1 TDC
it's a bit strange your Cyl.1 TDC shows 40°...
by definition it should be 0°
Cylinder #1 is the nearest to ALT on passenger side
(try to stick with clockwise rotation only not to upset loose chain guides/tensioners)
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Sep 13, 2024 at 08:39 PM.
