When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi there, I have a new to me 2012 E550 coupe, and have been furiously reading on this site to learn more about the history of these cars and commons issues (and solutions). There's a few minor things with the car I need to look at further (stuck cd, passenger mirror folds completely out), but these are longer term items. The main one I want to confirm is the cam sensor oil leak / harness issue. Lots of great information on the site regarding this. On first inspection I didn't see any oil buildup on or around the sensors. It also appears the car has the pigtails installed, based on the visible wiring at the connector, and the sheath looks similar to other pigtail photos I have seen.
I'll be taking a closer look on the weekend and follow the harness further, but does this photo indicate the pigtail wiring has been previously installed? Thanks for any replies.
It looks like you have the Cam Adjuster pictured and not the Cam Sensor. They both can leak but it doesn't look like you have the pig tails. They would have a plug on each end and I don't see a second plug in the picture on the wiring harness so i don't believe you have them. The cam sensors are above those cam adjusters, so you need to look up there. A few more pictures would be helpful. Also you should unplug the connector and look inside for oil. It will be easy to spot as it will be wet with oil.
Thanks for the reply, Jim. Yes, I plan to get a closer look at the sensors and adjusters this weekend, and will check for oil in the connectors while I'm at it. So far it looks pretty clean but who knows the PO could have had the engine washed recently, too.
Washing the engine will not clean the oil out of the sensors. They are weather tight plugs so the oil doesn’t always leak out of it. Just take you time when unplugging them so you don’t damage the connectors. Pretty easy to check all 8 plugs in about 5 min.
I got a closer look at the inside of all the connectors today - all were dry. A few came off easily but man some of them were a pain to disconnect! Seems simple but not sure why some are so damn stubborn. Pull grey tab up, ensure connector is not pulled up (so push down slightly), then squeeze grey tab towards connector and pull up.
Do you guys use special pliers for the connectors or is there a special trick to easily get them off?
They come out easily, but age will make some stubborn. If you break them they are easy to replace with a paper clip, and are about $5 a connector. The part number is on the connector itself. And you did check the position sensors right.
Including the solenoids it should be 8 to check connectors in total.
Well I spoke too soon. I had checked the 4 magnetic solenoids and they were good. I forgot to check the cam sensors. Just finished doing that and the two sensors on the right bank have oil in them! Damnit. I cleaned the plug and the socket with contact cleaner and blew them out with air. I guess next step is to replace those sensors, and also check the ECU end of the harness...
Well I spoke too soon. I had checked the 4 magnetic solenoids and they were good. I forgot to check the cam sensors. Just finished doing that and the two sensors on the right bank have oil in them! Damnit. I cleaned the plug and the socket with contact cleaner and blew them out with air. I guess next step is to replace those sensors, and also check the ECU end of the harness...
Change them now!!! Do not wait a second to order them.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
