P0016 Issues on 2012 M278
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
S550
P0016 Issues on 2012 M278
Is there help anywhere??? I have a 2012 S-Class Sport (didn't know it existed until svc advisor explained it). I have had this vehicle approx 3-4 years and it has 185k +- on it. I was told (by Benz service advisor) after a certain number of miles Mercedes service dealers will not open the engines for repairs...they just replace the engine. After a rough start the engine sounds fine. But now it won't pass emissions and I'm being told it needs a new engine! Further, from what I understand this is a known issue with this M278 engine and Mercedes won't fix it. The local service dealer wants me to spend $48,000 (not $4,800) to replace the engine as it has to come from Germany. Does anyone have via "long-lasting" options instead of engine replacement?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 207
From: Maryland
Depends on the weather
Is there help anywhere??? I have a 2012 S-Class Sport (didn't know it existed until svc advisor explained it). I have had this vehicle approx 3-4 years and it has 185k +- on it. I was told (by Benz service advisor) after a certain number of miles Mercedes service dealers will not open the engines for repairs...they just replace the engine. After a rough start the engine sounds fine. But now it won't pass emissions and I'm being told it needs a new engine! Further, from what I understand this is a known issue with this M278 engine and Mercedes won't fix it. The local service dealer wants me to spend $48,000 (not $4,800) to replace the engine as it has to come from Germany. Does anyone have via "long-lasting" options instead of engine replacement?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
S550
Thanks for the quick response. Besides a rough start it starts to sputter a bit and that's really it. I can probably attribute the sputter to plugs maybe. I spoke to an "indy" (independent mechanic?) and he said the same thing... replace the engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 207
From: Maryland
Depends on the weather
Did they actually look to diagnose the issue or just read the code and say, replace the engine? Have they checked the sensors/solenoids? Did they say it's an issue with the timing, cam shaft, etc?
There was a known issue but I thought that was for pre 2010.
There was a known issue but I thought that was for pre 2010.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Is there help anywhere??? I have a 2012 S-Class Sport (didn't know it existed until svc advisor explained it). I have had this vehicle approx 3-4 years and it has 185k +- on it. I was told (by Benz service advisor) after a certain number of miles Mercedes service dealers will not open the engines for repairs...they just replace the engine. After a rough start the engine sounds fine. But now it won't pass emissions and I'm being told it needs a new engine! Further, from what I understand this is a known issue with this M278 engine and Mercedes won't fix it. The local service dealer wants me to spend $48,000 (not $4,800) to replace the engine as it has to come from Germany. Does anyone have via "long-lasting" options instead of engine replacement?
Replace sensors and see if it helps. You can replace just one at the time and I understand this is quite easy job to do.
I also found in more search that it could also be the camshaft position sensor behind the code.
All these sensors are just a few hundred dollars to change out and likely fix your problem.
Last edited by Arrie; Nov 10, 2021 at 05:53 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,692
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Likely valve related or cylinder lining scuffing. @arsupisemnet is the local expert on the site.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 733
Likes: 298
From: New Orleans
2014 GL450, 1992 W140 300SD, 1993 W140 300SE, 1987 E30 Convertible
Shoot... I am wondering why it even lasted that long. Your best option either have it rebuild by someone like me or just find any m278 under 40k miles on ebay and swap it. By swap i mean you will have to keep some of your parts like oil pan etc from your car installed on "new old engine".
Or can trade it in for 2k toward new purchase to MB (that is how much they usually offer). I'll buy it for 3.
If you have no sentimental value and know a guy who knows a guy - post it on Copart. That is the max money you will be able to make on this car.
Or can trade it in for 2k toward new purchase to MB (that is how much they usually offer). I'll buy it for 3.
If you have no sentimental value and know a guy who knows a guy - post it on Copart. That is the max money you will be able to make on this car.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
