Problem Reports

Check Engine Light stays on. First I was told the camshaft adjuster solenoids needed to be replaced - I had all 4 replaced. The Check Engine Light came back on the next time I used the vehicle. Now I'm being told the balance shaft gears are wearing and the balance shaft needs to be replaced - estimate is $5,500. Mercedes is aware of the issues but has not issued a recall. From things I've read on the internet, a national class action complaint is being prepared - let's hope the courts can force Mercedes to "do the right thing".

Check engine light at 66K miles, transmission shifting hesitation in 1st and 2nd gears, failed electronic test for emissions at DMV with "Camshaft is out of alignment with crankshaft." Mercedes confirmed and gave an estimate of $5000. I asked them if they could cover it under the 60K mile warranty and they came back and said they'd cover 2/3rds of it. I then contacted them with information from this site and mentioned a class action suit from New Jersey, and this time they came back and said they would cover it under warranty. The camshaft had only 2 teeth remaining on the sprocket at the time of repair. As they were fixing this issue they also encountered broken seals and worn parts in the automatic transmission (also estimated as $5000 to repair.) Since the camshaft was covered, they decided to cover the transmission repairs as well. Appreciate the fact that they covered the repairs (the parts were called 'faulty' by the service tech), but it required much negotiation on my part, with them first trying to get me to pay for the whole thing, but eventually they gave in when they realized I knew they were trying to get me to pay for repairs to faulty parts.

Check engine light came on at 70356miles. Was told thermostat camshaft adjuster magnet and oring need to be replaced. Engine was running colder than it needed... maybe the camshaft was stuck open. Cost $550. I am tired of this ML 350 and will be looking to unload it very soon.

Check engine light comes on and when check indicates cam sensor problem. I was told that Mercedes knows about this problem and has a silent recall on this. When I checked with them one dealer indicated it knew nothing about it and another did. The one that did wanted receipts showing regular oil changes which I did most of the time by myself and could not produce. Now an estimate to repair on my own is close to $5000.

2 of the 4 solenoids were bad, took to dealer as soon as light came one, repair just under $400 to replace solenoids, parts $39 x2 and labor was the rest, all at the dealer