[R129 SL] Re: Harmonic Balancer Problem

[Peter Cowie]

I purchased my 1998 SL500 in May 2004 with 15,000 km on the odometer.

In October, with around 19,000km, it developed a metallic grinding sound 
from the front of the engine about 2 minutes from home.

Examination revealed the outer ring of the harmonic balance moved back 
about 3/8" from the inner ring and contacting the front of the engine 
block. A hunk of rubber about 1/2" thick and half a circle about 5" 
diameter lay below the front crankshaft pulley on one of the engine 
shrouds... A disemboweled harmonic balancer.

A tow truck to the Benz dealer, a part worth about AUD$260 and some 
labour solved it.

My wife's 2001 ML500 had it's balancer replaced under warranty "as a 
precaution" by the dealer at about 30,000km about 2 years ago.

When mine failed the dealer was fairly insistant that I did not drive it 
as severe costly damage can be done to the engine sump and camshaft 
driving chain covers.

Good Luck!

Peter Cowie
Sydney