Latest sit-rep, all is now well, the main oil leak turned out to be coming from the oil level sensor which lives on the side of the sump, what was confusing the issue was that a small amount of oil was coming from above the sensor which I believe was coming from the cam adj solenoid, as mentioned before I have resealed the cam adj sol and fitted a new level sensor @ approx £48......sorted!
I have similar leak in my 99 slk. How did you change oil level sensor? Is it easy process? Just remove the bolts and put a new sensor in? DO you have to drain oil?
Yes, the oil level sensor is an easy job. On my post face lift car I removed the engine undertray, drained the oil, removed the sensor and fitted the replacement unit.
Just wanted to thank you guys for the great info you provide. Was looking up oil leak recall on slk230 due to cam adjuster selenoid and there you have it. Pictures, explanations, you name it. I don't know if my car has the problem yet, but at least I know where to look.
Suggest you go to dealer and have them check it and they might install the wire patch free of charge to prevent any future leak from entering the wire loom. Can not hurt giving it a shot.
Is this leak a recall? That would be nice, 2 weeks ago i noticed mine was leaking too, i bought the 3.00 o-ring to change it out but it never came when they delivered my other stuff from Mercedes dealership.
it is a like a recall but no notice is sent out. When car is taken in to a dealer they will do the repair and install a wire patch. See below
SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION _ PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2009100001, December 2009
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
Models 170/203, Model Years 2001 - 2004 / 2002 - 2004
Replace the Camshaft Adjustment Solenoid(s) and Install Adapter Harness(es)
Revision Date Purposea 12/15/09 Inclusion of reimbursement information- 12/04/09 Initial issue
This Service Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid specification, oil may enter the engine wiring harness (es) through the electrical connection of the camshaft adjustment solenoid from capillary action. Dealers will replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install an additional adapter connector harness (es) at the next workshop visit.
Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
^Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 66,113 vehicles are affected.
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK 230
CU BYBY
SLK 350
1998 Mercedes Benz Slk 230
