threeMBs

Thanks chassis, agree.

What I specifically am looking for is wether this https://www.ebay.com/itm/115699950640 is an identical item to this https://www.ebay.com/itm/115699950640.
Former is sold presumably by a US based seller for 75% premium to later (an Asian based seller) for what I assume is the same (not like/similar) part produced by the same aftermarket factory in Asia.

threeMBs

This is a great DYI Camshaft Position sensors replacement video for M157/M278:
The only question I still have is: does the car need to be put to "sleep" prior to disconnecting the wiring harnesses from corresponding CP sensors? I know that for example when installing SprintBooster, driver's door must remain open for at least 5 minutes to put electronic to "sleep" or when I was installing Dinan piggy inline onto the intake pressure sensor(on M276) car had to be locked for 30 minutes and both "keyless" functions disconnected on remotes prior to disconnecting the pressure sensor harness. Does CPS replacement require anything similar prior to disconnecting the CPS harness?

Sunbeltgolfer11

I've been following the conversations regarding the oil migration on the M278 as we have one in our 2014 SL550. It has just over 50,000 miles. I took it to the shop to change the sensors/phasers and magnets as a precautionary measure as we haven't had any issues with the engine. I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when they called and reported that all were dry and there is presence of any oil migration. The car doesn't get driven regularly and is pampered by anyone's definition of the word. I don't know if that plays a part in the absence of a problem or not. Hopefully, the new parts will be as reliable. It's just nice to have a little peace of mind after seeing so many experience the problem.

chassis

This addresses solenoids, not sensors, but the background steps regarding the harness/battery will be the same.

https://workshop-manuals.com/mercede...noid_camshaft/

threeMBs

I have done the installation. The only requirement is for the engine to be off. Obviously it is preferable when the engine is totally cold.

norfloslotcar

sooo which one works ..the Hirshman or Koestal ?

norfloslotcar

sooo how did it go ? was the swap difficult and which parts did you go with ?...

zenderV8

Hi there
I have a 2015 y model production November. All those upgraded wiring connection are already in place from factory. So for those which owns model 2015 check well before you make a order as you may have them already fitted.

Octan3

I've owned 2 of these cars now, funny story on it. Both 2014 e550's. M278. Both have had this oil in harness. My current 14 it made it to the ecm, barely. Brake clean and soak it up with paper towel and rinse and repeat. Same at the cam sensors. My phasers are fine.

Anyways the fact that the "updated" cam sensors still leak oil sucks. This car I just went with standard motor product cam sensors, they're cheaper and designed differently/more standard for the body. 0 issues thus far.

I caught/stopped the oil migration issue and caught it in time, car has 97k km or so when I bought it.

Common simple fix. I'd be concerned if it was like 150k km, then the ecm would of likely had issues or oil filling it up.

This car appears to have the cam phaser/locking pin issue though lol

TimC300

I came across the harness kit on FCP, 4 for $37 and wondered what they even were and where they would go. I looked in my car, 2010 C300 4matic sport m272 and they were already installed on the cam adjuster magnets, but not on the cam sensors. Bought the car used so no idea when they were installed or why, they do not appear they originally came with car. Just with 2 on each side it looks like a mess, cant imagine 4 installed in the area.


Drivers side cam adjusters.


Passenger lower.


Passenger upper.


Mercedes- Delphi part.


Marked up how it probably originally came hooked up before newer harness.

tivoliman

This is a great article - many thanks

I'm looking to buy a 2015 E550 Cabriolet M278

Please suggest a "quick and easy" connector to pull to test for oil?

How can I tell if any replacements have been made? The Pig-Tails may be visible.

Thanks for your thoughts. This car looks to be fun, but not looking for an engine harness and ECU replacement any time soon.

Octan3

cam sensors are easy on the drivers side, take the plastic cover that hides the oil filter off and the sensor connectors are there. You slip the grey tab backwards then squeeze it like a normal tab and then connector comes off.

my car had oil at the sensors, and at the ecm a wee tad. I cleaned it all out with brake clean 2-3 times after replacing my cam sensors and it stopped weeping oil. I'll just keep an eye on it.

tivoliman

Octan3
Thank you for the advise.

I test drove the car. 1 mile from dealership, I stopped the car, and pulled the connector:
1) saw that the pigtails are not attached
2) Pulled the plug and saw oil in the connector!!!

What do I do next?
67,000 miles (Other threads said that the cars have issues between 50,000 and 80,000 miles.)

I guess I could buy the car, replace the sensors and put the pigtails on then pray.

But - what should I expect? (assuming the car gods smile on me)

Will the full wiring harness still need replaced?

Thank you so much!!!!!

I usually by Mercedes for myself - less than $5,000. Then when / if it dies, I only lost the $5,000 plus repairs.

This is $27,000 for a 9 year old car. With the plastic getting more brittle.

Comment: I love the car, and want it. But fear the cost of maintaining the 'Beast'. (Beast as a complement.)

You thoughts and advise are appreciated.

BTW - they offer AllState extended warranty for 12 months for $6,000.

And I plan on keeping the car I buy for 5 to 10 years.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

If Allstate is anything like Allstate, run as fast as you can. If you are looking for a Vehicle Service Contract (i.e., what is called an "extended warranty" though it is not), contact @Highline-Autos.com here on this site.

I used to sing the praises of Endurance Warranty Services as a reliable company to go with, but no longer. I have a claim in for a broken passenger seat and at first they denied the claim because they said I had the wrong size tires on the car and didn't get the oversize/undersize rider. I showed them in the Operator's Manual that winter tires are specified at a different size. But what does that have to do with a inoperable seat? They then said the repair the dealer wanted to make was inappropriate (i.e., too much $$$) and directed the dealer to just replace the motor while the dealer said the entire lower track assembly needed to be replaced. Well, the dealer did what Endurance directed them to do and the seat is still broken. Now, Endurance wants to send a 2nd inspector to look at it. The car has been in the shop for two weeks and will be there for at least another. What a total cluster fock!

Talk to Highline-Autos. They offer Fidelity and Freedom, both have good reputations.

tivoliman

Final decision:
Did not buy car!
Wife asked a simple question.
"Bill, do you really want 3 convertibles? Perhaps a sedan is reasonable."
With no garage space available, the E550 Cabriolet was going to sit outside every day (rain, sun and snow).

So, I'm now on the hunt for a hard top. (For arthritis reasons, a 2020 SLC (hard top convertible) was pasted by)

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Probably a good decision if there was oil already in the harness. I'm not sure if $27k was a good price or not, but it's still $27k.

People here are going to tell you to get the biggest engine you can, but I can say that I'm happy with the M276 bi-turbo V6. I have a LOT of space in the engine compartment to work on the car and these engines, even though they are of the same family as the M278, seem to have less problems and are generally bullet proof. With a tune, you can easily get 400hp on premium gas without any other modifications. It's quite responsive and enjoyable. Recently, I added @BenzNinja transmission tune which adds Sport+/Agility mode to the transmission selection with remarkable results. He also tweaks the accelerator pedal input to make the car highly responsive. All-in-all, a nice setup.

Bill, maybe you DO need three convertibles, but a happy wife is a happy life. The SL and SLC are nice compromises between a hardtop and convertible.

Jtaveras13

I have a 2015 e63s. Do I not need to worry about this? Sorry if this is a repeated question but so much information on this forum.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Well, neither my 2014 or 2015 had any extensions installed from the factory. I added them to both cars and all of the CPSs and Cam Solenoids, Very CHEAP insurance. $45 for a complete set of harnesses.

Follow the instructions above to determine whether you have them or not. I suspect you don't. At the very least, disconnect the existing wiring and check for oily connectors.

Jtaveras13

thank you. Ordered all sensor and these from amazon. Cheaper than ebay.

vincheung

For anyone still waiting, please get these done sooner than later. I finally got around to install pig tails, both crankshaft position sensors had signs of oil creep (D/S CPS shown in photo, the P/S one had a little less oil)
Excuse the dirty engine bay, it hasnt been cleaned through the winter season.



For anyone that lives around Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst Brooklyn, NY or Mt. Pocono, PA and needs a hand installing feel free to shoot me a PM I don't mind lending a hand.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

But I bet they slide on and off easily!

Barry Hanna

My independent shop owner said that he was not familiar with this being an issue on the M176 engine. Maybe I will take a look.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I believe it is an issue on ALL engines. You should check your own connections. If you find your connectors wet with oil at all, you may want to think about who you take your car to.

FWIW, my connectors were dry on both my cars. But, since the precaution is so inexpensive, why take the risk?

Your 2015 E350 M276 engine certainly is included.

vincheung

Anyone have M176 w/ EQ boost engine diagram handy? Took a peek around in the GLE briefly and it didnt jump out at me, any location info would be helpful thx.

jtb33

Great thread - thank you!