vpipis

I had the balance shaft issue. Typically the P0015 is not the bank that the balance shaft trouble codes start to occur (thats the other bank). If you have balance shaft concerns there is a conclusive test to be done that by observing the camshaft timing markers through the holes of the cam position sensors after you set the crank marker to TDC plus 35 degrees (at that point all should be in the center of each hole). The P0015 can be the magnet, wiring to the magnet, the sensor, oil flow issues to the magnet, and apparenly God's will. I have the P0015 going on and off for a while now. In my case I suspect the camshaft marker or adjustment plate sticking, oil flow issue after balance shaft repair). Did you figure yours out?
cheers

95viper

vpipis

The engine worked like a ROLEX after the first cam adjuster change, I had bought the magnets at the dealer. Then the balance shaft came. After that repair, the engine was never that smooth again (my M272 was so smooth one would think it was electric, even WITH the balance shaft issue!!). I use a mini socket with an articulation that allow me to replace the magnet without removing the oil filter housing. The gaskets of the hall sensors are fine, never leaked. I get P0015, may stay a day or two, then goes out, then comes back after a week, then I kill it with my gadget, then it comes back next week, goes off, comes on, I kill it, etc. The chain is not lengthened as it passes the TDC plus 35 deg visual test. a PITA issue

N_Jay

Mine seems to give P0022 and/or P0015 on cold days. It is hard to tell just when the problem comes and goes because I believe the setting and clearing of the light has some "counts" or delays in the algorithm.
Wondering if it is the adjuster solenoid under the magnet, and not the magnet itself?

vpipis

I got myself some Liqui Moly 0-40 synthetic and a nice MAHLE filter to see if it changes anything based on the cold/oil viscosity theory. Will try during next oil change. Could also be the wiring harness I understand, as I have never seen wires this bad on any other vehicle that crack and break... so not funny

N_Jay

Mine has always had Mobil1 0-40 or Liqui Moly 0-40.

I have a case of magnets due to a shipping error by MB, but have to find then since I moved.

vpipis

N_Jay the P0022 can be balance shaft related as it is bank 1. Have you checked the markers on the hall sensors? Are the magnets you have the updated ones?

N_Jay

The magnets are the updated ones, fresh from MB about 2 years ago.
The car is supposed to be out of the range of the problem.

I have not pulled the sensor and checked the markers. Is there a good write-up on that?

vpipis

there is an MB video:

I turn the engine a couple of times by hand on the crank completely, then set crank to TDC plus 35 degrees. Markings on the crankshaft pulley may be different a bit but similar enough to identify. All sensors need to be out and all 4 camshaft hall markers must be in center of holes if all is well. If not, balance shaft, stretched chain or a gear issue or marker on camshafts, depending. If the car is out of balance shaft issue range, and BOTH intake and exhaust markers are messed up on the passenger's side while driver's side are BOTH perfectly aligned, change chain and retest. The exhaust cams are gear driven from the intake cam, so even more stuff could be happening there with the P0015

N_Jay

Thanks.
If the codes keep coming back, I will dig in deeper, but right now, I would think that since the codes are random and related to cold temps, I am thinking I will start with a pair of magnets.

Dollos

Hey guys, thread necromancy here...
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......

guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks

Shack1

NO AND DON'T! EOM

cetialpha5

The defective part wasn't replaced til sometime in the 2007 model year. There are youtube videos on how to check the status. There is no safe mileage where it won't occur. I wouldn't bother, I'd get one that's at least 2007+ past the balance shaft issue. Also 2006 had SBC brakes and in the US it has a 25 year warranty, but that probably doesn't apply in different countries. That used to be a 1k+ repair in the US when it was out of warranty.

Shack1

SBC is an issue and so is the transmission conductor plate, had mine started going into limp mode at 47k miles, the 2006 E350 was the worst car MB has ever made imo

Dollos

yoh...thats a lot of negativity...
i guess if i still buy it, im the idiot..
def staying away.....

so what u guys reckon of a 2005 e240 then....it has the m112 engine or something..

Shack1

totally diff motor but probably has SBC brakes.

cowboyt

Also make sure you get the 5-speed transmission. Replacing the speed sensor (and thus the conductor plate) on a 7-speed transmission is a dealer-only affair, whereas with the 5-speed, you can do it yourself.

Any version of the M112 or M113 engine family is a good choice.

I wouldn't worry too much about SBC. Yes, it's a US $1100 repair if it's out of warranty. But it's not a US $8000 repair like that balance shaft problem is.

Shack1

You are wrong about the 7 speed, which all E350s came with, its user serviceable if you know what your doing. I had the conductor plate removed and rebuilt by a Co. I shipped it to. Reistalled by a
local shop.

tjts1

LOL
I'm not sure you understand what "user serviceable" means.
Also 4matic E350s got the 5spd 722.6 so you're wrong on both counts.

Shack1

Just looked it up 7 speed started in 2003 well before the e350.

If If you can’t understand my other post about being user serviceable there’s no hope for you goodbye

N_Jay

There are differences between nations and configurations, and between what various people may consider user serviceable.

tjts1

Again the 722.9 conductor plate is NOT user serviceable. It needs to be coded to the car by the manufacturer. The 722.6 is conductor plate doesn't. The 722.9 conductor plate it is far more difficult and expensive to service than the 722.6. The 722.9 is NOT a DIY transmission by any stretch.

Look it up again. ALL W211 E350 and E550 4matics used the 5 speed 722.6.

Shack1

Who is discussing the 4 matic, this is about the E350 standard.

https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/

Why are you trying to be so combative. Just because you feel the trans is not user serviceable doesnt mean its not.

Bottom line is DONT by an 2006 E350 or any 2006 with that motor. Hope we can all agree on that?

tjts1

LOL I'm sorry you're having trouble dealing with the fact that you're wrong.

Shack1

No just with *****s who think they know it all and are not here to help, only to be a holes