jukos

The question is more about safety than anything else. We are wondering if this fault is indicative of something that can leave us stranded or is it just going to lead to engine running roughly?

History...took the 2009 ML 350 in for CEL....according to the indi shop i take it to they found..."CEL on , scan found 2 codes pertaining to exhaust and intake to crankshaft position plausibility. vin does not match recall for balance shaft failure. replaced all 4 camshaft adjuster magnets"

the problem came back shortly after and this time they "replace both camshaft pos sensors right side bank 1".
Then shortly after that the problem reappeared and they "replaced right side intake camshaft sprocket adjuster unit"
After this last effort the mechanic suggested getting rid of the vehicle. However my wife inherited the car from her father who passed away and she has an attachment to it and doesn't want to unless its something that will leave her stranded somewhere far from home.

Tirgoman

First I'd ask "your mechanic" as to why he's suggesting to get rid of the car. If he can explain that maybe it's big bucks or something, then you decide. The answer sounds like yes, if the cam and valves get out of wack it could not only leave you stranded but cause serious damage to the engine. I'd get a better explanation from him and/or then take it to a MB dealer. They may charge you if you decide to not do the repair but I'd bet if you decide not to do the repair because it's expensive they might even waive the diagnostic charge. I'm not saying the indi shop is no good, a lot are great, but you should get a very clear explanation other than get rid of the car.

Maj. Dundee

You only told us of one code, P0016, what was the other code?

jukos

I'm not sure what the other code was. I was just quoting the details on paper work I got back from the shop. The mechanic did try to describe and show me the issue but I didn't fully grasp his explanation. Basically he showed me part of the timing chain exposed at the top of the engine and said there was some very small signs of damage to the chain. To see what might have caused that he felt that he would have to go deeper into the engine ... he estimated at over $7k.

Maj. Dundee

Without the other supporting code/s I can only tell you what is in the PDF (scenario #1) , that you probably have a worn balance shaft which requires the removal of the eng., which then has to be dismantled.

benzbell

I've dealt with this on my sons car for over a year. Replaced all the magnetic sensors as well. This is the litmus test (see video - 1min 28 seconds long) and only takes a few minutes to do. Dealer wanted to replace the engine - lol. I've included a pic after we did this on the offending bank. It's off just a skosh. Been driving the vehicle for over a year with a CEL. But it runs perfectly. Just barely off enough to throw the CEL. May go for another 50k miles - who knows! Car has 110k on it. In what I've researched and it's been a lot. Car will start running poorly and misfiring before you'll likely get stranded IMHO.