A warning to all M278/M176 owners...
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.
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?
https://workshop-manuals.com/mercede...noid_camshaft/
Last edited by threeMBs; May 13, 2023 at 10:57 AM.
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.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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




Drivers side cam adjusters.
Passenger lower.
Passenger upper.
Mercedes- Delphi part.
Marked up how it probably originally came hooked up before newer harness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by JettaRed; Feb 3, 2024 at 08:10 AM.
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)
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.
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.
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.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ4QBKGZ...roduct_details
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by JettaRed; Mar 15, 2024 at 11:56 AM.








