have you done the camshaft sprocket test? there are a few videos about on you tube and here for the check, seems odd that the code keeps coming back, if your sure its not the sprockets try disconnecting the battery. that may lose the codes

 

Just done the alignment check and both marks are dead centre so I assume it's not the balance shaft sprocket?

The codes are P0366 and P0341.

 

Hmmm, what is it describing as 'right'? Is it driver's side or passenger side?

 

Thanks, that's what the local specialist told me although they said B was the inlet sensor.......

A little update, today it has put up fault codes for all the sensors, left and right, A+B. I checked the oil whilst I was under the bonnet and it was right in the middle of the dipstick, I had a little bit of oil left in the bottle so I put it in anyway. Started the car and no warning light. Turned it on and off 3 more times and still no light. I am starting to believe in witchcraft at this point.

It's going to the local specialist next week for a health check so I will see if they can find anything and report back then.

 

Just drove it again, after about 1 minute the EML came on again. I checked the codes and it now has one for each camshaft sensor, plus an extra one for sensor B bank 1 'single sensor fault'. The engine starts and runs perfectly so I'm guessing it's not the actual sensors or wiring, any ideas what else could cause this? Thanks.

 

There is a safety recall on the cam sensor cables on that car. The dealer will replace them without charge. I don’t know if that will fix your problem, but it is certainly in the area of your problem.

Ed

 

Thank you, interesting information! Just checked with Mercedes and unfortunately that recall isn't applicable to my car..... Certainly an area to investigate though.

 

That is strange. It appears we have the same year model and engine. They recently replaced mine under warranty because it was a safety recall.

Ed

 

Strange indeed, if you don't mind my asking which dealer did you go to? Maybe I can try them instead......

However, it seems that somehow I did have 4 camshaft sensors fail at the same time. Just put 2 new ones in and 2 codes have gone, 2 more on on order!

 

Strange indeed, if you don't mind my asking which dealer did you go to? Maybe I can try them instead......

You're UK and he is US.....

 

So........... I have now replaced all of the camshaft sensors and the solenoids. This has removed all of the fault codes except one, P0018. I've changed the senors and solenoids around to see if the code moved with them but it stays put, any ideas on this one before I hit the car with a tree branch?

 

Have you seen this ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/8z6d8-mb-e350-giving-p0018-code-bank-sensor-a-swapped.html
It's for the E350 but I guess it's the same engine?? It talks about a cam actuator not functioning correctly and causing the same fault as you have.

Maybe someone else can confirm if this is the same as fitted to your car?

Here's a clip of the original car v tree branch ... just to keep you smiling ....

 

Thank you! That clip would make anyone smile

 

Here's another link that might help you..
https://www.eeuroparts.com/blog/9484/mercedes-benz-camshaft-adjuster-magnets/

 

The branch has been put away, the garage has just called and the camshaft adjusters were stuck. They have freed them off and no warning light so far.........

So, in summary for anyone going through the same issues:

All four camshaft sensors failed (somewhat unusual I'll admit but it happened).
Two camshaft adjusters had stuck causing P0018 and P0019 fault codes.

I hope that helps someone else and thank you all for your help.

 

^ Don't put the branch away - give it a damn good thrashing anyway. Never hurts to let them know who pays for the oil and super-unleaded...

 

Good point well raised!

 

When I was visiting Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach, CA to pick up a second Smart Key, the Service Adviser advised me that there was a Campaign Item on my car. I was very surprised to learn that although I was the fourth owner of a 2005 SLK 350, Mercedes was going to 100% pick up the tab to replace my Camshaft Position Sensor Cables. I asked if any Dealer could do this, since I was on a road trip at the time and they couldn't schedule me in right away. They said yes, any Dealer could do the work. I had my wiring harnesses replaced at Mercedes of Arrowhead here in the Phoenix, AZ area. I would definitely look into this a second time, it does sound like this just may be your issue.

 

@Michael H.
As I mentioned in post 12, here in the US there is a campaign to stop oil from migrating up the wiring loom. The MB dealer fix is to install a short section of wiring between the connectors and the various sensors. This short section of wiring has a solid core wire and as such it will not allow oil wick as stranded wire allows. You may want to confirm if the short section were actually installed or if the dealer actually replaced a large section of your engine bay wiring loom.

See the discussion in the service tech section here:
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-se...1-service-campaigns-tsb/130233-camshaft-adjustment-solenoid-wiring-harness.html