Engine Icon in dash display.

[Codger49]

Emmell,

OK, that's saying there's something up with the intake camshaft tiiming on bank 1. Often, it is down to the solenoid (A272 051 01 77) but as Pobody has observed it can be due to other reasons e.g. dirty oil etc. If you have had the newer solenoids fitted already (old version was A272 051 00 77), it may well be better to have an experienced indy check it out, especially if there were other codes as well.

You can easily see the solenoids part numbers, they are marked on the front of them. The intake camshaft bank 1 is the second from the left as you look at the front of the engine (order is, left to right, exhaust bank 1, intake bank 1, intake bank 2, exhaust bank2), you can probably read this one without removing the front plastic engine cover.

I saw that my affected solenoid was the old part number and I use Mobil 1 0W-40 in all my engines, so I just went ahead and replaced the solenoid.

If you just want to swap solenoids, the part is on Ebay here (it comes with a new sealing ring):

Genuine Mercedes-Benz OM272 Engine Camshaft Magnet A2720510177 NEW | eBay

You will need an E8 (external torx) socket, which is usually a 1/4 drive, for the 3 bolts that hold it on. NB they fasten into aluminium, only 8Nm torque for these. The bracket for the air pump switchover valve needs to be removed to access one of the bolts for this solenoid. If you want full details of the procedure, just shout.

 

[Codger49]

I'm sure I saw something recently where the price of replacing the balancer shaft was only £1500. - OK that's still a fair chunk of cash to be spending, but maybe that's not in the realms of economic write-off any more?

That maybe the price for just changing the balance shaft.

As set out in the MB bulletin in the complete M272 engine thread, MB reckon you should replace the balance weight, all 4 solenoids, the timing chain and tensioner and also the gears on the ends of the camshaft. My indy was indicating nearer £3k (stating 'but that would include everything') and I have seen PCS mention £2.5k in an older post.

Last time I saw a price for the MB kit it was £700-800, but ECS tuning offer just the balance shaft and weight for $175.

 

[Emmell]

That's what I understand too, so I think I'll be getting one of those MBII scanners to see if it's still the same code stored.

 

[Emmell]

Think I skipped a couple of posts somewhere!

Thanks Codger49 for that advice. I remember when my local garage fitted the new solenoids there was some discussion about newer versions, but I will have a look at the part numbers myself. I also thought the oil was Merc spec but it would't be unheard of for slightly cheaper oil to have been used instead.

 

[Emmell]

Had a look at the solenoids and they are the new part numbers, so maybe the sensors might need closer examination. I've already spotted one of the connectors is held together with a couple of cable ties so that's going to be my next thing to look at. There's quite a bit of blackish dust all around the area which looks like it's thrown off the vee belt?