Big timing chain sprocket issue on early MLs?

[GregW / Oregon]

I have an '06 ML350 (5/06 production) with 39xxx miles. My wife drives it most of the time, so I didn't act real quickly on a check engine light that's been on for a while. Finally took it in Monday. Word came back that the timing was off because the chain had slipped due to broken sprocket teeth. Now this truck is not driven hard or used for towing, understand. Well, they had to pull the whole engine! I thought on most engines the front cover only had to come off. I'm supposed to get it back tomorrow, when I'll know more. I've asked the SA for a copy of the SB. He says they're starting to see this on vehicles with 35-40k miles, and some parts have been revised. I will post an update as I get more information. Anyone have info on a TSB about this? I did a quick search, but did not find anything.

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[GregW / Oregon]

Okay, got my car back after 5 days in the shop. The main issue was a defective sprocket on the balance shaft that is applicable to vehicles equipped with M272 Engine up to Serial No. 2729..30 468993 or M273 Engine up to Serial No. 2739..30 088611. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past the serial numbers listed above.

As I stated above, they had to pull the whole engine & transmission to replace the balance shaft, so this is a major deal. My invoice had a listing of over one page of parts and 27.5 hours of labor.

The DTB is S-B-03.30/08i (4/23/09).

[Vernl]

Thanks for the update. I had guessed it would be around 3 grand....thank God for warranties

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Vernl

Thanks for the update. I had guessed it would be around 3 grand....thank God for warranties

That's over $3k in just labor. I'm guessing the bill would have been closer to $4k. May consider an extended warranty yet.

[goianig]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Okay, got my car back after 5 days in the shop. The main issue was a defective sprocket on the balance shaft that is applicable to vehicles equipped with M272 Engine up to Serial No. 2729..30 468993 or M273 Engine up to Serial No. 2739..30 088611. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past the serial numbers listed above.

As I stated above, they had to pull the whole engine & transmission to replace the balance shaft, so this is a major deal. My invoice had a listing of over one page of parts and 27.5 hours of labor.

The DTB is S-B-03.30/08i (4/23/09).

hi greg. i have the same problem on my 2006 ml 350.let ne know if after you fixit you had any problems.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by goianig

hi greg. i have the same problem on my 2006 ml 350.let ne know if after you fixit you had any problems.

A few thousand since then and no problems whatsoever.

[goianig]

Thanks a lot.

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

A few thousand since then and no problems whatsoever.