Harmonic Bal recall - Anyone still waiting?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 1
From: Khalifonia.
4 wheeled car.
Originally Posted by fatchance
did the HB fail on the E55?
If not, then I guess you got the 'good' motor. I wish I had that problem.
If not, then I guess you got the 'good' motor. I wish I had that problem.
I do get squeeking when I first start the car in the morning for a few minutes until it warms up. I'm gonna peak under the hood to see what's up.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29
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From: Corner of Chester & Myrrh selling Avacados
2004 E320
South Bay Stealership
I just got off the phone with a service guy @ South Bay Mercedes in Torrance and he told me that the parts for the 01 W210 were not in and would not be in for a month. He also added that if the HB fails before that time bring it in anyway then the car would get priority. Seems like to me if you know that you are going to have a recall lets make sure that the parts are ready, but I guess thats the reason why I havent received a letter cause they are trying to make it right. I am hella impatient! 
. So its all good I will get with them in a month and we will see whats up from that point.
. So its all good I will get with them in a month and we will see whats up from that point.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: New York City
2013 E-350 4matic
Harmonic balancer symtoms ?
Does anyone know what the symtoms are for a bad HB? Im hearing some rattling noises in front by the HB but I dont see anything worng and the car rides well. I just hear rhis noise know and I want to make sure what it is. I have an appt with the dealer to do the recall on the HB but I wanted to make sure thats it before they tell me its something else. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you. AA.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
I confirmed with MBUSA yesterday that my VIN falls within the affected range. I was told explicitly that they will not touch the car until I get the letter. I asked them what they would do if the HB gives out and causes residual damage before I get the letter, and was told they would cover all associated damage as well. I'll get total piece of mind once I look at the part number on the piece myself...it very well could be one of the upgraded/unaffected HB part numbers.
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: Maryland USA
2003 C230 Coupe
Originally Posted by butch
We had both the HB and the door seals taken care of during regular service with no letter in hand.
Hi Butch, is there any recall on the door seals or was that just done to get the old cracked ones replaced?
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
Originally Posted by guanabara
Hi Butch, is there any recall on the door seals or was that just done to get the old cracked ones replaced?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
Still waiting....WTF...so.....
Local MB dealer has turned down 2 requests to replace my HB, absent
a campaign letter. My VIN and HB part # matched those on the hot sheet.
Tired of waiting, so I just told service manager that I was going on a
cross country and didn't want to fret about the thing going tango uniform
during the trip. Said that if it disintegrated during my trip, I'm going to
hunt him down...and his little dog, too. Made an appt for first thing this
morning. In and out within 3 hrs. Plus, they touched up a 1" scratch
at no charge.
a campaign letter. My VIN and HB part # matched those on the hot sheet.
Tired of waiting, so I just told service manager that I was going on a
cross country and didn't want to fret about the thing going tango uniform
during the trip. Said that if it disintegrated during my trip, I'm going to
hunt him down...and his little dog, too. Made an appt for first thing this
morning. In and out within 3 hrs. Plus, they touched up a 1" scratch
at no charge.
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Huntsville Alabama
'00 E430, '83 Porsche 928S
Raymond,
I would call MBUSA and complain. My local dealer took my 00' E430 in for the recalls with no questions asked at 80K miles. The open recalls on mine were the harmonic balancer and a door seal issue. All I had to do was call them with my VIN number.
BTW-Harmonic balancers are used to dampen the vibration caused by your engine (especially on V-style engines). The failures that I have seen photos from on this site show the rubber piece dislodging from between the outer pulley and inner pulley.
The recalled part numbers are also somewhere on this forum. If you get the engine stopped in the right place, you can pull back on the drive belt and shine a flashlight in to see the part number.
I would call MBUSA and complain. My local dealer took my 00' E430 in for the recalls with no questions asked at 80K miles. The open recalls on mine were the harmonic balancer and a door seal issue. All I had to do was call them with my VIN number.
BTW-Harmonic balancers are used to dampen the vibration caused by your engine (especially on V-style engines). The failures that I have seen photos from on this site show the rubber piece dislodging from between the outer pulley and inner pulley.
The recalled part numbers are also somewhere on this forum. If you get the engine stopped in the right place, you can pull back on the drive belt and shine a flashlight in to see the part number.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
ahhh...i suspected that they gave me the stall because it was summer and
they had their hands full or something. only reason why I haven't given up
on them just yet is that they're less than 5 mins from the house. I have
one more year left on my extended, aftermarket warranty. in the meantime
i'll try to ensure that car is in good health.
seems it took a fabrication in order for me to get in w/o the campaign letter.
either that, or the threat about offing the dog. can't stand yelpie thangs.
they had their hands full or something. only reason why I haven't given up
on them just yet is that they're less than 5 mins from the house. I have
one more year left on my extended, aftermarket warranty. in the meantime
i'll try to ensure that car is in good health.
seems it took a fabrication in order for me to get in w/o the campaign letter.
either that, or the threat about offing the dog. can't stand yelpie thangs.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
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From: .
08 GL450
Took first car in with the letter - asked about the second affected car and they said just bring it in , don't wait for it's letter. This was at what is now " the newww" Fletcher Jones MBZ, Fremont, CA . ( former owner Tom Claridge immediately had a retirement party and is now probably sailing his yacht around some warm clear waters ) .
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6
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From: New York
Past: 79 300CD, 79 300SD, 83 240D, 05 CLK320A, now: 90 300SE, 73 300SEL45, 06 E320CDI, 91 300TE4M
Call MBUSA!
If you bought the car from someone, or not at a MB delaer, call the 800-367-3672 and register yourself as the owner- or make sure your address is correct, or you will not get a letter for a long time.
That's what my dealer told me, I did it and got the letter in about 2 weeks.
That's what my dealer told me, I did it and got the letter in about 2 weeks.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: California
2000 E430
I think I'll take the advice to call MBUSA. I've already verified my part# is a bad one so at my last service, I requested an inspection of the HB. They said it looked good and to wait for my letter, but at least it's documented on my service records. If it lets go it might help to have that (or not). For now, every time I wash the car I check it, so far so good. I just want to get the thing taken care of so I can stop wondering about it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
1998 E430 Sport and 2003 E500
Posted by GREGS210 in March:
This is bouncing around in some of the forums, but I think this is the right place for it since it affects several different models. MB is conducting an inspection and replacement campaign for harmonic balancers (HB) in a few hundred thousand cars. It's campaign number 2005020003.
The vehicles included are in the model ears with 1998 through 2001.
Models are:
163, 202, 208, and 210 with the 112 engine.
129, 163, 202, 208, 210, 215, 220 with the 113 engine.
Also included is the 2001 model year 170 with the 112 engine.
Don't go crazy, folks, it was a supplier problem and just because your car fits that model, engine and year does NOT mean you have a defective HB. You can check it yourself for peace of mind -- I did.
The HB is located immediately behind the large pulley at the bottom-front-middle of your engine. The part number is stamped on the outer arc of the HB, so if the crank is in the proper position it's VERY easy to see. You may have to start and stop your engine several times to get it to rotate to the correct position, obviously don't be looking around under there while the engine is running.
Once you locate the number see if it is one of the two below, if not, breathe a sigh of relief.
The only two part numbers affected are:
A112.035.00.00
and
A112.035.06.00
If you have that part number on your HB and MB knows that you own the car, they'll send you a letter or if you're in good with your dealer, call them to see if you can schedule an appointment. The repair is at no cost to you. If you point out that you've already inspected it and your HB bears the part numbers included in the recall, that will probably gain you a couple of brownie points.
We recently bought our E430 from a private party. No letter from MB which makes sense. I checked last night and HB# A112.035.00.00 is on the car. I called local dealer this morning, explained I found the "Campaign" on the web, new owner, no letter, and balancer p/n matches one of those in question.
Ours does look to be in okay shape and the car is smooth as silk (60K miles). Tuesday morning at 7a.m. they're taking it in and giving me a loaner. Maybe it's just a question of dealer customer service level + population of MB in the immediate area?
This is bouncing around in some of the forums, but I think this is the right place for it since it affects several different models. MB is conducting an inspection and replacement campaign for harmonic balancers (HB) in a few hundred thousand cars. It's campaign number 2005020003.
The vehicles included are in the model ears with 1998 through 2001.
Models are:
163, 202, 208, and 210 with the 112 engine.
129, 163, 202, 208, 210, 215, 220 with the 113 engine.
Also included is the 2001 model year 170 with the 112 engine.
Don't go crazy, folks, it was a supplier problem and just because your car fits that model, engine and year does NOT mean you have a defective HB. You can check it yourself for peace of mind -- I did.
The HB is located immediately behind the large pulley at the bottom-front-middle of your engine. The part number is stamped on the outer arc of the HB, so if the crank is in the proper position it's VERY easy to see. You may have to start and stop your engine several times to get it to rotate to the correct position, obviously don't be looking around under there while the engine is running.
Once you locate the number see if it is one of the two below, if not, breathe a sigh of relief.
The only two part numbers affected are:
A112.035.00.00
and
A112.035.06.00
If you have that part number on your HB and MB knows that you own the car, they'll send you a letter or if you're in good with your dealer, call them to see if you can schedule an appointment. The repair is at no cost to you. If you point out that you've already inspected it and your HB bears the part numbers included in the recall, that will probably gain you a couple of brownie points.
We recently bought our E430 from a private party. No letter from MB which makes sense. I checked last night and HB# A112.035.00.00 is on the car. I called local dealer this morning, explained I found the "Campaign" on the web, new owner, no letter, and balancer p/n matches one of those in question.
Ours does look to be in okay shape and the car is smooth as silk (60K miles). Tuesday morning at 7a.m. they're taking it in and giving me a loaner. Maybe it's just a question of dealer customer service level + population of MB in the immediate area?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
Originally Posted by spoothead
<.....> I requested an inspection of the HB. They said it looked good and to wait for my letter, but at least it's documented on my service records. If it lets go it might help to have that (or not). For now, every time I wash the car I check it, so far so good. I just want to get the thing taken care of so I can stop wondering about it.
watch it dissolve....or worse case, fail....and having to tow, etc....before the
campagn letter has arrived. so i agree....good appearance or not, fix the
sucker. that's why i told them i was going back to the other coast for the
holidays.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
99 E320, 01 Acura TL
Became a owner of 1999 E320 driven for 84000 miles
This is my first Mercedes experience. Bought it from a local non-Benz dealer and drove for 200 miles sofar.
I found about the recalls on this forum and visited a local Mercedes dealer. Service manager verified VIN in the system and without a fuss gave me an appointment to replace the HB and kept numb about the other recall (Door seal). I didn’t even stress on that.
As I found that the car wheel alignment is bad (steering wheel off-centered and car slightly pulls right), I asked him about the alignment costs. I was told that basic alignment charge is about $150 and depending on the requirement to replace bolts(???) charges may go up to $550 ( each bolt $100).
I really don't want to spend that much money, so I landed up at NTB and paid $80 for alignment. I am not sure whether I made a wise decision as the guy at NTB never mentioned about the bolts (???) and I hardly drove the car after the alignment is done.
The car didn’t come with either CD player or cassette player. I need to look for a cheap CD player as my 3+ year old daughter doesn’t like to ride a car incapable of playing Indian music .
Thanks for reading the post. I really appreciate your input and suggestions.
I found about the recalls on this forum and visited a local Mercedes dealer. Service manager verified VIN in the system and without a fuss gave me an appointment to replace the HB and kept numb about the other recall (Door seal). I didn’t even stress on that.
As I found that the car wheel alignment is bad (steering wheel off-centered and car slightly pulls right), I asked him about the alignment costs. I was told that basic alignment charge is about $150 and depending on the requirement to replace bolts(???) charges may go up to $550 ( each bolt $100).
I really don't want to spend that much money, so I landed up at NTB and paid $80 for alignment. I am not sure whether I made a wise decision as the guy at NTB never mentioned about the bolts (???) and I hardly drove the car after the alignment is done.
The car didn’t come with either CD player or cassette player. I need to look for a cheap CD player as my 3+ year old daughter doesn’t like to ride a car incapable of playing Indian music
.Thanks for reading the post. I really appreciate your input and suggestions.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: California
2000 E430
Why should it be a crap shoot to get the dealer's permission to have the HB fixed? I guess it depends on what dealer you go to or maybe just which service writer you get. I like Raymond's idea, tell them you're taking the car on an extended trip, but sheesh, why should we have to resort to that? The dealer should just fix it at the customer's request (I'm sure not that many owners come in an ask about it).
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: Maryland USA
2003 C230 Coupe
Thanks Roomor for the good references .
I have found another thread with pictures that are worth 1000 words.
See:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/81142-harmonic-balancer-repair-fyi.html
(see post by ML320 posted in Nov 2001)
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/M112.html
Once I got those pictures it took me 2 engine starts to be able to see the p/n and bingo, I won the lotto too. my HB needs to go.
It is the pulley that has timing marks on it. The p/n will be facing up when visible from the top. They are quite large white characters so anyone should be able to see it easily when exposed.
No letter yet though.
I will approach the dealer with your wise advice and see where it goes.
I will ask about the door seals too.
I have found another thread with pictures that are worth 1000 words.
See:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/81142-harmonic-balancer-repair-fyi.html
(see post by ML320 posted in Nov 2001)
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/M112.html
Once I got those pictures it took me 2 engine starts to be able to see the p/n and bingo, I won the lotto too. my HB needs to go.
It is the pulley that has timing marks on it. The p/n will be facing up when visible from the top. They are quite large white characters so anyone should be able to see it easily when exposed.
No letter yet though.
I will approach the dealer with your wise advice and see where it goes.
I will ask about the door seals too.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: san diego
1999 E430 sport
wow cant beleave the b.s. some of you are going through. took car in for check eng. light.(99 430 sport under warranty) they look up # on pulley and replaced it no bs. or ?s(harmonic balancer campaign 2005020003) Also replaced mas air,out side temp,dash light,shift sol.valve,all door weather seals,pass mirror,lower instrument panel switches and washed car. Mercedes benz of san diego kick ***. 
Did not buy car there but still treated me like a sl 65 owner. But can say if your balancer is going bad have it fixed or it will mess up timing cover and oil pan$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 
Did not buy car there but still treated me like a sl 65 owner. But can say if your balancer is going bad have it fixed or it will mess up timing cover and oil pan$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 9,815
Likes: 13
John Deere
By the way, I have the full printout of the recall bulletin I found somewhere. It states that if the balancer goes, and resulting damage to the engine is also covered under this recall.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,187
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From: Right Behind You
1998 E430; 2007 Porsche 911 C4S Cabriolet; 2011 Expedition EL Limited; 2014 E350 Estate
For the remedial non mechanics like myself, you have to pull the black "hood" off of the top of the engine to see the white markings. If you don't the pulley belt is in the way. The engine hood is held on by four side mounted (2 each side) tension clips, grab a hold and pull straight up and they will pop off.
Checked mine but no p/n visible. I'll keep checking it now that I know this recall is here. I bought my 98 e430 new and I don't have any letter from MB
Checked mine but no p/n visible. I'll keep checking it now that I know this recall is here. I bought my 98 e430 new and I don't have any letter from MB
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: Maryland USA
2003 C230 Coupe
Hi mgraeff,
ther is no need to pull anything out on the 99 E320. Probably the same for you.
All you gotta do is to try starting and stopping the engine a few times and you'll see it.
Look at the pictures in the links I reported earlier on this thread.
ther is no need to pull anything out on the 99 E320. Probably the same for you.
All you gotta do is to try starting and stopping the engine a few times and you'll see it.
Look at the pictures in the links I reported earlier on this thread.
