Engine replacement?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lithia, Fl
MB 2013 E350
Engine replacement?
Took my '06 E350 into dealer due to cold start noise that my local mechanic could not diagnose. The noise is a "rattle" and goes away after a few minutes. Dealer says the timing chain is stretched and I need new tensioners. They recommend I replace the entire engine at a cost of $6800 as opposed to replacing all the parts it would need at $7800. Does this seem reasonable? I have owned the car since it had 40K miles and it has 205K now. The miles are mostly highway miles from living far from my work place. The oil has always been changed according to schedule as well as all scheduled maintenance. Is it time to replace my car or should I price out what other independent mechanics might charge for this? Thanks for any and all advice!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lithia, Fl
MB 2013 E350
I did get the proposal in writing. This engine would also come with a two year warranty. I am not sure about the other question you asked? Would a new engine take care of that problem too?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lithia, Fl
MB 2013 E350
I just looked up the VIN for my engine's serial number and it does look like my engine was affected by this. Serial # is 272964 30 286381. If I'm reading the website correctly, that is.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,512
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From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
You're definitely in the range of the balance shaft issue. Either you've had it done, it's yet to happen or won't happen. Do you have a check engine light on?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lithia, Fl
MB 2013 E350
My check engine light is on chronically due to a seized up secondary air pump that I chose not to have repaired. MB USA has contacted me about other issues with my car, but never anything about balance shaft issues. Just wondering if this is what caused my timing chain issues.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I never had the questionable engine myself, but read enough horror stories about them.
Some got lucky to have it covered under warranty, others, not doing their homework bought $6000 car only to discover that it needs $8000 shaft job.
Get the new engine if that is what it says.
Can you paste copy of proposal here? Names blanked out?
Some got lucky to have it covered under warranty, others, not doing their homework bought $6000 car only to discover that it needs $8000 shaft job.
Get the new engine if that is what it says.
Can you paste copy of proposal here? Names blanked out?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I wouldn't spend anywhere near that much. The car is probably only worth 4-6k at most, less with the current problems. You could get a used engine starting at 1000 and with a lot more choices in the 1500-2000 range. I wouldn't get a used 2006 or 2007 engine as all 2006 and some 2007 had the bad balance shaft. Then have an indy install it. But you'd probably be better off just selling it and getting a newer 2008/2009 model that's not affected by the balance shaft problem.
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