Rack and Pinion replaced, any other expensive repairs?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: CA
cls55
Rack and Pinion replaced, any other expensive repairs?
Just had my entire rack and pinion replaced as well as my AC Compressor. Bill came up to a little over $4k but third party warranty covered it.
My SA said there were seals on the rack that were leaking and could not be replaced without removing the entire rack.
This service took me by surprise since most of the w211 owners on here dont mention having had this issue. Is it due to the insane winter on this side of the coast that are causing these seals to crack? My car has already been through 2 harsh winters under my ownership.
The rack and pinion service was also not part of the major service expenses on the w211 that I had researched which were:
Balance shaft issues for the M272 engine about $6k
Valve body and conductor plate issues, transmission rebuild about $3k-$6k
Airmatic issues about $2k (which do not apply to my E350)
Apart from these potential issues that I may run into, what other issues in excess of $2k can I expect? Or have you guys experienced? Im currently at 110k miles and my warranty is running out in 6k miles. I have already had my radiator seals replaced as I was leaking coolant into my transmission lines and that was about $1k
I hope im out of the conductor plate issues as I changed my pilot bushing a year ago and the car shifts perfectly, my VIN is subject to balance shaft issues but I understand that if the issue does occur, it will under 80k miles?
My SA said there were seals on the rack that were leaking and could not be replaced without removing the entire rack.
This service took me by surprise since most of the w211 owners on here dont mention having had this issue. Is it due to the insane winter on this side of the coast that are causing these seals to crack? My car has already been through 2 harsh winters under my ownership.
The rack and pinion service was also not part of the major service expenses on the w211 that I had researched which were:
Balance shaft issues for the M272 engine about $6k
Valve body and conductor plate issues, transmission rebuild about $3k-$6k
Airmatic issues about $2k (which do not apply to my E350)
Apart from these potential issues that I may run into, what other issues in excess of $2k can I expect? Or have you guys experienced? Im currently at 110k miles and my warranty is running out in 6k miles. I have already had my radiator seals replaced as I was leaking coolant into my transmission lines and that was about $1k
I hope im out of the conductor plate issues as I changed my pilot bushing a year ago and the car shifts perfectly, my VIN is subject to balance shaft issues but I understand that if the issue does occur, it will under 80k miles?
Last edited by zubin.p; May 23, 2015 at 12:10 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It would probably help if you mention the year. You didn't mention SBC so I'm guessing you have a 2007? There's videos on youtube on how to check for balance shaft wear. There are reports of it happening later. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw on what happens.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
+1 on the balance shaft we have seen a few have the issue latter in life it is just an unknown. If you are bored you could check it out and honestly if i had one with a vin in the range I would either dump it within 5 minutes of finding out or do an inspection and see what it looks like.
Steering racks are a rare issue on most cars I have been around and almost unheard of on Mercedes. I have heard of two in the w203 chassis and you are the second I have heard of on a w211.
Valve body is more common and since you mention it I assume you have an 2007? How long is your warranty?
Steering racks are a rare issue on most cars I have been around and almost unheard of on Mercedes. I have heard of two in the w203 chassis and you are the second I have heard of on a w211.
Valve body is more common and since you mention it I assume you have an 2007? How long is your warranty?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: CA
cls55
+1 on the balance shaft we have seen a few have the issue latter in life it is just an unknown. If you are bored you could check it out and honestly if i had one with a vin in the range I would either dump it within 5 minutes of finding out or do an inspection and see what it looks like.
Steering racks are a rare issue on most cars I have been around and almost unheard of on Mercedes. I have heard of two in the w203 chassis and you are the second I have heard of on a w211.
Valve body is more common and since you mention it I assume you have an 2007? How long is your warranty?
Steering racks are a rare issue on most cars I have been around and almost unheard of on Mercedes. I have heard of two in the w203 chassis and you are the second I have heard of on a w211.
Valve body is more common and since you mention it I assume you have an 2007? How long is your warranty?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Your 06 also has SBC which they got rid of in 07. You haven't had any problems with the pump or the reservoir? What's your in service date on the 06? The SBC pump had a 10 year warranty, but that's just on the pump, not on the entire system.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: CA
cls55
Yeah I actually forgot to mention that SBC was also on my list of researched expensive fixes for the pre 07 w211's. I had my pump reprogrammed around November of 2013. My SA told me the pump was fine and simply needed to be reprogrammed. The SBC damper is also in place which reduces the pumps noise. Knock on wood, have not had any issues with SBC.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
The late 722.6 transmissions rarely have valve body issues or electrical plate issues.
The connector does leak but once you replace it you shouldn't have a leak anymore (upgraded o rings)
The connector does leak but once you replace it you shouldn't have a leak anymore (upgraded o rings)
