markmam1

Please bear on me on this one. I’ve searched forum back and fort trying to find a solution.

Car is 2007 GL450

Here is my question. I’m thinking of Dremeling the camshaft Sensor hole to reposition the magnet. I know it wouldn’t fix the timing chain slack but I’m trying to get rid of the check engine and need a quick fix to register the car.

I dont have 6k laying around to fix the problem. Still have a loan in the car. In short it’s either I fix the problem or do a shortcut.

Now repositioning the Sensor would turn off my CEL enough to pass the smog.

Thank you so so much for the help.

BlownV8

It was a few hundred dollar fix on my GL from a competent mechanic.

markmam1

may I know how much that may be?

Dealer quoted me engine out. And 25 hours of labor.

angelglo

Doing idler gear would be in the thousands. If I were you, I would look into doing it yourself if you are a competent mechanic.

BlownV8

Sorry, misread. Mine was not the idler gear. Yeah, that one is a big job. I know there was a lawsuit that MB would pay up to $4k on engines 10 or 125k miles. How many miles on your GL?

Max Blast

I don't know what your intentions are after you pass smog - but, there's no quick fix for this terminal problem. Valve to piston contact is a very real possibility in your future. Your engine is going to grenade itself.

I recommend you find an indy who can do the timing component work, or perhaps swap in a known good replacement M273, which can be had for $1500 upward.

markmam1

Thanks fellas.

I just need to pass smog. And if this 450 takes a dump on me. I’m planning to swap a 550 motor in it.

at least that was the plan, I spoke to a mechanic here and 2.5k is about the best he can do.

im handy with my hands. But searching around there is not much pictures and guidelines with this job. Mercedes recommends to take off the engine from underneath. But since it’s just Idler gear for us V8 taking off the front clip is easier since I own no lift.

Any ng of you have guidelines to tackle this job? Thanks.

gl450x164

It can be done without removing the engine. My shop has done it both ways. They can remove the engine in about 4 hrs from the top like normal. But it can be done with engine still in car

markmam1

thanks for the reply. PM you btw.


Anybody else with info to get this job done. Just getting all the things I can before I start wrenching so I won’t stall midway trying to figure things out. With my greasy hands and a white phone.

Thanks in Advance.

With all your help I can probably do a write so the next person can just see what I’ve done. Since it’s a common problem.

Issa PJ

I have the same prob if the timing is off you should just get a new motor Mercedes made the 08 and above without this issue if you want a hold off fix replace cam sensors.Im in the same boat