pete diegan

Seeking feedback on old topic with new information: W204 run well (start immediately, no noise whatsoever, run well), code 1208 intermittently seen lately.
A) Diagnostic performed: put crank at 305 degree, look through sensor holes in bank 1, intake is centered and exhaust is retarded by a bit. See photo.
OBD2 scanner shows something very interesting of when CEL coming on: intake cams on both bank 1 and 2 are supposed to be 35 to 37 degree? On bank 2, it fluctuates between 35+ and 36+. However, on bank 1 as soon as RPM goes > 2500 RPM, intake sensor stops showing fluctuation (stay constant) at 36.2 degree. That's exactly when CEL coming on. Once code is cleared, then intake bank 1 does show fluctuation of 35+ degree to 36 until next cycle.
B) Parts replaced: cam solenoids for both intake and exhaust on bank 1. There is no reason to believe cam sensors are not good? Or should they be replaced as I did with cam solenoids too?
C) Question: given car has no other symptom whatsoever, and provided that after 14 years and 160K miles there should be some wear and tear everywhere. How to determine if this could be pulse wheel on cam adjuster? This indeed is one suggestion from local MB representative.
Thank you all for your inputs, feedbacks, comments, advises!