Error P0340 - Cam Phasers - Genuine vs After Market Parts?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2022
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From: Australia
C250 C204 M271 Coupe 2012
Error P0340 - Cam Phasers - Genuine vs After Market Parts?
Hello to all.
I have the P0340 error code along with the appropriate rattle and long crank right on cue at 80,000k's (50,0000 miles) in our 2012 C250 W204 M271. I've been scouring the forum for information on this and I'd have to say that it's been a godsend.
All the symptoms are present so I'm 98% sure it's the cam phasers but I will pull the top off and have a look before committing $$.
This repair is a job that I have no qualms in tackling myself but I'm unsure about sourcing parts.
The local Mercedes dealership quoted me a figure close to $5000 in genuine parts. The local auto parts store quoted $650 for a kit and I've seen kits on eBay for around $350. A Mercedes specialist in town (Melbourne, Australia) have a couple of pages on their website dedicated to the problem and they seem to be all over it. They finish off saying they "use quality aftermarket components that have proven to last much longer than the original items".
My question is where do I get these "quality after market parts"? There's no way I'm going to pay genuine prices and good old eBay seems just too cheap. Also I wouldn't feel comfortable buying from an eBay store that sells timing sets for Merc's along with eyelash extensions and hello-kitty backpacks.
So, can anyone recommend a brand or supplier of decent and affordable parts, remembering I'm in Australia?
Thanks in advance.
I have the P0340 error code along with the appropriate rattle and long crank right on cue at 80,000k's (50,0000 miles) in our 2012 C250 W204 M271. I've been scouring the forum for information on this and I'd have to say that it's been a godsend.
All the symptoms are present so I'm 98% sure it's the cam phasers but I will pull the top off and have a look before committing $$.
This repair is a job that I have no qualms in tackling myself but I'm unsure about sourcing parts.
The local Mercedes dealership quoted me a figure close to $5000 in genuine parts. The local auto parts store quoted $650 for a kit and I've seen kits on eBay for around $350. A Mercedes specialist in town (Melbourne, Australia) have a couple of pages on their website dedicated to the problem and they seem to be all over it. They finish off saying they "use quality aftermarket components that have proven to last much longer than the original items".
My question is where do I get these "quality after market parts"? There's no way I'm going to pay genuine prices and good old eBay seems just too cheap. Also I wouldn't feel comfortable buying from an eBay store that sells timing sets for Merc's along with eyelash extensions and hello-kitty backpacks.
So, can anyone recommend a brand or supplier of decent and affordable parts, remembering I'm in Australia?
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Mercedes OE Cam adjusters from eBay Australia:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30340076...Cclp%3A2047675
These plus a chain, tensioner, and guides should not come anywhere near $5000.
I can’t offer any advice on what aftermarket manufacturers are reliable.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30340076...Cclp%3A2047675
These plus a chain, tensioner, and guides should not come anywhere near $5000.
I can’t offer any advice on what aftermarket manufacturers are reliable.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; Sep 20, 2022 at 01:33 AM. Reason: Correct link
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Your wise to avoid these OEM VVT gears or the eBay look-alikes for practical reasons 
Have a look at FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for your replacements...
You may not need 4 pcs at this time, perhaps only 1 has failed. You can easily pret test without dismantling anything. remove oil cap and rotate harmonic balancer clockwise: listen for snap noises to evidence unlocked gear.
Have a look at FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for your replacements...
You may not need 4 pcs at this time, perhaps only 1 has failed. You can easily pret test without dismantling anything. remove oil cap and rotate harmonic balancer clockwise: listen for snap noises to evidence unlocked gear.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Sep 21, 2022 at 09:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Australia
C250 C204 M271 Coupe 2012
Your wise to avoid these OEM VVT gears or the eBay look-alikes for practical reasons
Have a look at FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for your replacements...
You may not need 4 pcs at this time, perhaps only 1 has failed. You can easily pret test without dismantling anything. remove oil cap and rotate harmonic balancer clockwise: listen for snap noises to evidence unlocked gear.
Have a look at FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for your replacements...
You may not need 4 pcs at this time, perhaps only 1 has failed. You can easily pret test without dismantling anything. remove oil cap and rotate harmonic balancer clockwise: listen for snap noises to evidence unlocked gear.
Just had a look at FCP Euro, they seem to have everything I need in the Febi Bilstein brand which was recommended to me. Pelican Parts don't seem to have much or it's no longer available.
By the look of it, even with the exchange rate and shipping to Australia, it will still be cheaper than sourcing locally.
I've been calling a few parts suppliers and repair shops. I've have a couple of quotes of $3300 to do the complete job but I'll do it myself.
One repair shop said they use the Febi Bilstein timing chain kit and a certain brand of Chinese made gears/phasers. Still wary of Chinese made parts though.
I'll most likely change both phasers. If one's failed, the other probably isn't too far behind.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
The original camshaft phasers certainly weren’t all that great. Mine failed at 75,000 miles. But just as an FYI, FCP Euro lists their Febi Bilstein replacement phasers as made in China. They may be fine as FCP and Febi both have very good reputations, but some of the Chinese made phasers don’t even work when brand new.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 6
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From: Australia
C250 C204 M271 Coupe 2012
You're right Odd Piggy. The Febi Bilstein are certainly a lot cheaper than OEM so I guess they'd have to be made somewhere 'cheap'.
Last edited by Robem; Sep 22, 2022 at 02:03 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,346
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
The original camshaft phasers certainly weren’t all that great. Mine failed at 75,000 miles. But just as an FYI, FCP Euro lists their Febi Bilstein replacement phasers as made in China. They may be fine as FCP and Febi both have very good reputations, but some of the Chinese made phasers don’t even work when brand new.
I don’t think Mercedes Benz made the OE camshaft adjusters in house, they probably had them made to their specs, possibly by multiple suppliers. There are persons on this forum with 200,000+ miles on M271 EVO engines without a failure. My guess is that they have adjusters made by a company that read the specs differently.
