Timing Tensioner problems of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350

Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Timing Tensioner problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2019

'experienced rattling sounds and took vehicle for inspection to mercedes-benz of tucson (mbt) on 5/9/18 'inspection found secondary chain tensioners producing rattling noise until oil pressure is built up. Est cost of repairs $1497. 94. Receipt reads: no consequential damage to be expected 'July 2018 check engine light. Autohaus tucson found engine light related to damaged temp sensor wiring; repaired pack rat damage wiring for ambient temp sensor 'oct 2019 check engine light on; mbt inspection; diagnosis: fault code #p001685-position of intake camshaft is implausible to the position of the crankshaft bank 1; engine out of time due to cam adjuster failure 'mbt stated that they could start repairs until after 11/18/19 as the specialty tech was unavailable 'contacted mbt regularly until they were able to take vehicle in on 12/2/19. 'to date,vehicle has been in the possession of mbt for 119 days 'cost and diagnosis have grown exponentially from $1497 to a whopping $12,000 for extensive engine repairs! 'mbt stated that after repairs were completed, the engine did not operate properly, and they would need to 'break the engine down' again to find the problem 'found the engine was cracked and the cost reflect problems found inside the engine after subsequent repairs were completed 'I have maintained regular maintenance schedules and question whether such damages result from neglect on the part of Mercedes Benz of tucson or of a manufacturing flaw of the 2012 E350 engine. Neither is satisfactory 'to date, mbt have not supplied me with any tech notes or verification of said damages/repairs 'requesting your assistance in determining if problems exist with the flawed service of Mercedes Benz of tucson or of a much larger issue with flaws in the manufacturing of 2012 E350 engine. 'at this point, I am not confident that the vehicle is safe to drive.

2 Timing Tensioner problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2014

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz E350. While the vehicle was parked and the key was removed from the ignition, the vehicle jerked and rolled backwards before stopping independently. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the vehicle veered to the left when reversing. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure but made the following repairs: the cover on the front passenger side cylinder head, removed/installed a seal, non-return valve, chain tensioner, sealant mb, flange gasket, hexalobular bolt, the cover on the front driver side cylinder head, removed/installed a seal, left and right secondary drive chain tensioners, front cover cylinder, and the check valve. On another occasion, the vehicle rolled in reverse and crashed into the bumper of another vehicle. The door of the vehicle bruised the contact and medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not able to diagnose the failure and the vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,597.


Other Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350



E350 Service Bulletins
E350 Safety Recalls
E350 Defect Investigations