GLE Class (W166) Produced 2015-2019

Cam position sensors/magnets may be leaking oil

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Old Feb 2, 2025 | 10:36 AM
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Cam position sensors/magnets may be leaking oil

My 2018 GLE350 with 40k miles looks to be starting to seep oil around the cam magnets (located on the front of the motor in the timing covers).

Has anyone changed these seals? If so, what parts (seals only or did you change the entire cam magnet) do I need?

Did you also remove, clean and reseal both timing cover plates at the same time?

How difficult is the job?

If anyone is holding it, I would love to get a copy of the WIS for changing the cam position senors, seals and the timing covers.

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to respond and for sharing your experience and expertise.

Last edited by Refugee18; Feb 2, 2025 at 10:43 AM.
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Old Feb 2, 2025 | 01:45 PM
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I looked and don't have WIS for sensors. WIS is attached for cylinder head cover sealant removal and M157 cam solenoid replacement. M276 is nearly the same steps.

Sensor and magnet replacement are trivial jobs. The challenge is gaining access. Note the screws need to be replaced and the torque spec is very low: 4Nm + 60 degrees.

Resealing the front cylinder head cover requires careful removal of old sealant with Loctite 7200 and avoiding damage of the textured surface from the manufacturing process. No sharp tools (gasket scraper)!
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
W166 M157 cam solenoid.pdf (565.5 KB, 491 views)
File Type: pdf
W166 M276 remove sealant.pdf (224.3 KB, 240 views)

Last edited by chassis; Feb 3, 2025 at 09:16 PM.
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Old Feb 2, 2025 | 03:43 PM
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Thank you for the WIS documents.

I see four (4) cam magnets on the front of the motor.

Where are the Cam sensors and how many are there?

Do the cam sensors have a tendency to leak as well?
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Old Feb 2, 2025 | 04:01 PM
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4 sensors, 1 per cam, 2 per cylinder head. Sensors are installed in the cam cover, near the front, on the top.

Search feature will give you dozens of threads on this topic. W212 E-Class and W205 C-Class use the same engine.
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Old Feb 3, 2025 | 02:35 PM
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Do you have the torque specs for the 8 blue-top bolts in the cam cover?
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Old Feb 3, 2025 | 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Refugee18
Do you have the torque specs for the 8 blue-top bolts in the cam cover?
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...lant-work.html
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Old Mar 16, 2025 | 11:42 AM
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Just note that replacing the culprit parts does not prevent the issue from returning; the new part numbers also leak. Serious issues resulting from the leak are usually expected in high-mileage cars. In my M278 engine, I have installed four piggy tails from the camshaft sensors for additional prevention.
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