Hi everyone — This forum has been such a great resource to me during my ownership of a former 2004 E320 W211 and my current 2016 E350 W212. Both are four door sedans. I’m not a DIY guy like so many on these forums. I have to have a shop diagnose and do the jobs for me.

On my current W212, never had any major problems until recently. Symptom was rough idling at stop and at speed. 130,000 miles on odometer.

Independent shop in Orange County CA said that code for cylinder 2 misfire was coming up. Changed all spark plugs and #2 coil. Charged $1,800. When I got car back, it was worse than before. Shop said he wanted to “check electrical” whatever that meant.

Went to another independent shop in OC. He also read code for cylinder 2 misfire. Over 3 days he opened up my engine. Said he did pressure test, replaced valve covers, said that ECU needed to be replaced then told me it didn’t need to be replaced. Short story is he charged me $2,900 and said even though my CEL was still on, my engine was healthy. That I just needed to do an “Italian tuneup”. That I should stay in touch with him and don’t let anyone tell me there’s anything wrong with my engine because he checked it out. So much more baloney said by this guy that I won’t bother with here.

Neither independent shop gave me itemized work orders. I filed dispute via my credit card company and got my money back.

Took my car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach. They checked spark plugs and coils. Did pressure test. They found that the problem was right side camshafts, which they replaced.

They also said that front sway bar boots were split and leaking grease. Ended up replacing both front sway bar links.

Total charge was $4,200. They gave me loaner while car was in shop.

My car is better and more responsive than ever.

This is one time I definitely favor dealer service over independents who couldn’t diagnose or fix my problem.

Any opinions (good or bad), feedback, or info for future reference is appreciated.

Thank you as always to everyone on this forum.

 

The lobes of your camshaft got shaved by marginal lubrication.

Your best advantage would be to upgrade the stock oiling.

There are many ways to do that begining with 5kMi oil change instead of twice that long.

 

Thank you Cali! What type of upgrade(s) what you make on oil?

 

The stock setup is geared towards limited oil circulation.... to "save gas".

The experimental lubrication upgrade relates to ...
-- normal pressure under 3500.Rpm (solenoid!)
-- stable oil viscosity 5/10W50 (0/5w40!)
-- cleaner API-SP chemistry (ZDDP API-SN!)
-- frequent interval at 5kMiles (10kMi/yearly!)

As discussed at length in this W212AMG thread...


You'll note that engines contaminated with particulates can seize spun bearings and the pump solenoid itself can get stuck regardless of better oiling.

This is experimental because outside of stock limits.

 

Thanks again Cali for the detail and quick responses!

 

Very possible. A flashing check engine is bad. A solid can be some hippy liberal tree hugger enviro nut crap. Wait...your in Cali, right?

 

I think the CAMSHAFT issue is the tone wheel shifted which is common, but not overly worn out lobes.