P0022 on 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz E350: Camshaft Magnet and Balance Shaft Guide

What's Unique About the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz E350

The M272 engine has two very well-known, but vastly different, failure modes that can cause this code. The most common cause is a simple-to-replace camshaft adjuster magnet (solenoid). However, this engine, particularly in models from 2006-2008, is infamous for a severe design flaw where the balance shaft sprocket wears out prematurely, leading to a catastrophic and expensive timing system failure. This was the subject of a class-action lawsuit. Therefore, diagnosing P0022 on an M272 requires carefully distinguishing between a minor solenoid issue and a major engine repair.

Generation note: This range covers the W211 (2006-2009) and W212 (2010-2011) generations. The key difference is not the chassis, but the engine build date. M272 engines built before engine serial number 2729xx 30 468993 🎬 Watch: How to check your VIN for balance shaft risk are at high risk for balance shaft failure due to a sprocket made from softer metal. This primarily affects 2006-2008 models. W212 models (2010-2011) have the updated engine and are not prone to this specific issue, making a faulty magnet the most likely cause.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on.
• Rough or unstable idle.
• Engine stalling, especially when coming to a stop.
• Noticeable loss of power and hesitation during acceleration.
• Rattling or ticking noise from the front of the engine (strong indicator of balance shaft/timing chain issue).
• Extended cranking time on startup.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Magnet) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft The original solenoids are a known common failure item. They can clog with oil sludge or fail electronically, preventing proper oil flow to the camshaft adjuster. An updated part is available. Engines produced after serial # 2729xx 30 759427 were equipped with the improved solenoids from the factory.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake magnet with the exhaust magnet on the same bank. Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0025 (Exhaust Cam Over-Retarded Bank 2), the magnet is faulty. This is the easiest and most definitive test, widely recommended on owner forums. 🎬 See this DIY guide for testing your camshaft magnets
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster magnet. Many owners choose to replace all four at the same time as a preventative measure, as they tend 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the magnetic cam adjusters to fail around the same time.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80 per magnet
2. Worn Balance Shaft Sprocket 🔴 High Probability This affects M272 engines built before serial number 2729xx 30 468993. The metal used for the balance shaft sprocket was too soft and wears down prematurely, causing slack in the timing chain and throwing the camshaft timing out of sync with the crankshaft. This was the subject of a class-action lawsuit that resulted in an extended warranty (10 years/125,000 miles) for affected vehicles, though this has since expired.
   How to confirm: This requires professional diagnosis. A mechanic can check the engine serial number to see if it's in the affected range. The definitive test involves removing the camshaft position sensors, setting the engine to 305 degrees on the crankshaft pulley, and inspecting the pulse wheels through the sensor holes to see if the timing marks are centered. If they are misaligned, the balance shaft sprocket is worn.
   Typical fix: This is a major and very expensive repair that involves removing the engine to replace the balance shaft, timing chain, guides, and tensioner. Repair costs at a dealer can be $6,000-$7,000, with independent shops charging around $3,000-$4,000.
   Est. part cost: $800-$1500 for a full kit
3. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The entire variable valve timing system is dependent on clean oil at the correct pressure. Neglected oil changes can lead to sludge that clogs the small passages in the camshaft adjuster solenoids and phasers. Using oil that does not meet the MB 229.5 specification can accelerate wear.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If it is low, black, or sludgy, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using a Mercedes-Benz approved synthetic oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40) that meets the MB 229.5 specification.
   Est. part cost: $80-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Camshaft Position Sensor: → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor While possible, this is rarely the cause for this specific code. The sensor usually triggers its own specific circuit fault codes like P0340. It is often replaced by mistake when the magnet is the real issue.
• Stretched Timing Chain: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While the balance shaft sprocket is the primary cause of slack, a high-mileage chain can also stretch on its own. This is more likely on engines outside the balance shaft issue range or those that have already had the balance shaft replaced without also replacing the chain.
• Failed Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser): → Shop Engine Camshaft The mechanical gear (phaser) that the solenoid controls can fail internally. In one documented case on MBWorld, a dealer diagnosed a frozen right exhaust cam adjuster after confirming the timing marks were off for that cam only, ruling out a balance shaft issue.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. Top up or change if necessary with MB 229.5 specification oil.
2. Scan for all stored fault codes. Note if codes like P0016, P0017, 1200, or 1208 are present, which strongly suggest a balance shaft issue.
3. Inspect the electrical connectors on all four camshaft magnets for oil contamination. Oil wicking into the harness is a common issue that can cause various electrical faults.
4. Swap the Bank 2 intake magnet with the Bank 2 exhaust magnet. Clear codes and re-test. If the fault moves and becomes P0025, you have confirmed a bad magnet. This is the most common first step recommended by forum users.
5. If magnets are good, check your engine serial number to determine if it falls within the range affected by the balance shaft issue (before 2729xx 30 468993 for 2006-2008 models).
6. If the engine is in the affected range, seek a professional diagnosis to confirm timing alignment. This involves setting the crank to 305 degrees and visually inspecting the pulse wheels through the cam sensor holes.
7. If the engine is NOT in the affected range, and magnets are good, further investigation into the camshaft phaser (adjuster gear) itself or timing chain tensioner may be needed.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Magnet) (OEM #A2720510177) — This is the most frequent cause of P0022 on the M272 engine. It's an electromechanical part that commonly fails or clogs over time.
  Trusted brands: Bosch, Pierburg, Genuine Mercedes-Benz
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Balance Shaft Repair Kit (OEM #A2720300613 (Balance Shaft)) — For early M272 engines, this is the definitive but costly fix for P0022 and related timing codes caused by sprocket wear. The kit includes the updated balance shaft, timing chain, tensioners, and gaskets.
  Trusted brands: IWIS, Febi Bilstein, Genuine Mercedes-Benz
  OEM price range: $1200-$1800
  Aftermarket price range: $700-$1100
• Camshaft Magnet Pigtail Harness (OEM #2711500156) — To prevent or fix oil wicking from a leaking magnet into the main engine harness, Mercedes produced this 'sacrificial' pigtail. It is installed between the magnet and the harness connector to trap any leaking oil before it can travel to the ECU.

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0016 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A). This code, along with P0017, P0018, and P0019, is a classic indicator of a worn balance shaft, as the timing deviation affects the relationship between the crank and all cams. Mercedes-specific codes 1200 and 1208 also point directly to this issue.
• P0025 — 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). This code points to the exhaust camshaft on the same bank. Seeing both P0022 and P0025 together could indicate an oil supply issue to the entire bank or a more significant timing problem.
• P0015 — 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). A user on MBWorld reported seeing P0022 and P0015 together, which was diagnosed by a dealer as needing camshaft magnet replacement.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S-B-03.30/08i / LI03.30-P-050027: This service bulletin describes the diagnosis and repair procedure for worn balance shaft sprockets on M272/M273 engines. It details checking for sprocket wear, the affected engine serial number range, and the procedure for replacement, which includes replacing the timing chain and tensioner. It specifically mentions fault codes 1200 and 1208 as primary indicators.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Balance Shaft Sprocket Failure: M272 engines prior to serial number 2729xx 30 468993 used a sprocket made of a softer metal that wears prematurely, causing timing chain slack and triggering timing correlation codes. This was the subject of a class-action lawsuit.
• Oil Contamination of Wiring Harness: The camshaft adjuster magnets and camshaft position sensors are known to leak oil through their electrical connectors. This oil can wick via capillary action through the wiring harness and damage the main engine control module (ECU), causing thousands of dollars in damage. Mercedes later released 'sacrificial' pigtail harnesses (p/n 2711500156) as a preventative measure.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Adjuster Magnet (Solenoid) Resistance — expected: 8-10 Ohms. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance), indicates a failed magnet coil.
• Camshaft Adjuster Magnet (Solenoid) Current Draw — expected: Up to ~600 milliamps (0.6A) when active. Failure: No current draw when activated via a scan tool, or excessively high draw, points to an electrical failure in the solenoid or wiring.
• Engine Oil Pressure (at oil filter housing) — expected: At least 1.2 bar (17.4 PSI) at hot idle; over 3.5 bar (50 PSI) at 4000 RPM.. Failure: Pressure below these minimums can cause the VVT system to malfunction and set timing codes, even if all components are good. This is not a commonly checked spec as the M272 has no stock oil pressure sensor, requiring a special tool.
• Live Data - Camshaft Adaptation Values (Xentry/STAR Diagnosis) — expected: Normal self-adaptation values range from -1.25% to +1.25%.. Failure: Adaptation values above 4% are a cause for concern and indicate the ECU is struggling to command the correct timing, pointing towards a mechanical issue (phaser, chain stretch) rather than just a solenoid.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• 1205 / 1206 / 1207 / 1208: These are Mercedes-specific sub-codes for P0016/P0017 that specify whether the constant adjustment is stuck 'Advanced' or 'Retarded'. For example, 1208 is 'Constant adjustment of intake camshaft of right cylinder bank in direction 'Retarded''. Seeing these strongly points to a balance shaft or timing chain issue. (see via Mercedes-Benz STAR Diagnosis (Xentry) or a high-level professional scanner.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Mercedes-Benz STAR/Xentry: Camshaft Position Adaptation Reset — After replacing camshaft magnets or sensors, it is recommended to perform this function. It resets the learned adaptation values for camshaft timing, forcing the ECU to re-learn the positions with the new components.
• Mercedes-Benz STAR/Xentry: Actuation of Camshaft Adjustment Solenoids — This is a bidirectional test to confirm if the solenoid is functional. The technician can command each solenoid to activate individually and should hear a distinct click from the solenoid. The scan tool will also show if the command was completed, confirming electrical integrity.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• W10 — Main battery ground point at the front strut top mount in the engine bay.. A poor main ground can cause floating voltages and erratic behavior in all engine electronics, including the ECU and its sensor readings.
• W9 — Ground connector sleeve located near the left headlamp unit.. This ground point serves various components in the front of the engine bay. Corrosion or looseness here can affect sensor readings and solenoid operation.
• Engine Ground Strap — A bare, braided strap running from a lower bell housing bolt on the driver's side to a mounting point on the chassis, near the steering box.. This is the primary ground path for the engine block itself. If this strap is corroded or broken, the ECU and sensors may try to ground through other, smaller paths, leading to unpredictable electrical faults and sensor readings.
• ME 9.7 ECU Connector Pins — At the main Engine Control Unit (ME 9.7).. For advanced diagnosis, a technician may need to test for signal/voltage directly at the ECU. For example, on the ME 9.7 ECU, Pin 2 is a ground, Pins 15 & 16 are power, and CAN High/Low are on pins 41 and 54 respectively.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• MBWorld.org Forums User (2006 C230 Sport (M272 Engine), 134,000 miles) — Permanent Check Engine Light with codes 1200 and 1208 after initially showing P0015 and P0022. No major running issues, but occasional cold hesitation and slightly extended cranking.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Owner had already replaced all 4 camshaft magnets a year prior., Multiple dealers quoted $3,000-$9,000 for balance shaft or timing chain replacement based on codes 1200/1208.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner performed the 305-degree timing check and found the pulse wheels were perfectly centered, ruling out the balance shaft. They then removed the Bank 2 intake cam sensor and found significant oil sludge. The final fix was cleaning the oil sludge from the sensor and sensor housing, and replacing an oily wiring harness on the opposite bank. The CEL did not return after 200 miles.

OEM Part Supersession History

• A2720510077 → A2720510177 — The original camshaft adjuster magnets were prone to electronic failure and leaking oil through the connector. The updated part has improved seals and more robust electronics.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2006-2008: M272 engines built before engine serial number 2729xx 30 468993 used a balance shaft sprocket made of a softer metal, making them highly susceptible to premature wear and catastrophic failure. This is the primary cause for P0022/P0016 codes on these early models.
• 2009-2011: Engines in this range have the updated, hardened balance shaft sprocket from the factory. While a timing chain could still stretch at very high mileage, the infamous balance shaft issue is not a concern. For these model years, P0022 is almost always caused by a failed camshaft adjuster magnet (solenoid).

Diagnostic Flowchart

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, using used parts is generally not recommended. The primary failure parts are either inexpensive wear items (magnets) or catastrophic design flaws (balance shaft), neither of which are suitable for used purchase.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 100000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• If considering a used Camshaft Position Sensor (not magnet), verify it's from a vehicle without timing-related codes.
• For a used Cam Phaser (adjuster gear), only consider one from a low-mileage, post-2009 vehicle that is outside the balance shaft issue range.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Balance Shaft: NEVER install a used balance shaft. The entire point of the repair is to install the updated part with hardened gear material.
• Timing Chain & Guides: These are wear items and critical to engine health. The cost of labor is too high to risk using old parts.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Camshaft Adjuster Magnets: Pierburg and Bosch are OEM suppliers to Mercedes-Benz and are considered equivalent to Genuine parts.
• Balance Shaft / Timing Kit: IWIS is a well-regarded OEM supplier for timing chains.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Avoid unbranded, 'white-box' camshaft magnets and sensors from online marketplaces. These often have high failure rates, incorrect resistance values, or use materials that can't withstand engine heat and oil, leading to repeat failures.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0025 — Exhaust Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). This code will typically appear after swapping a faulty Bank 2 intake magnet (causing P0022) with the exhaust magnet on the same bank, confirming the magnet is the failed component.
• P0016 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A). Its presence along with P0022 strongly suggests a more serious mechanical timing issue, such as a worn balance shaft sprocket, causing a mismatch between the crank and cam.
• P0017 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B). Similar to P0016, this code indicates a timing correlation fault and points towards a likely balance shaft or timing chain issue when seen with P0022.
• 1200 — A Mercedes-Benz specific fault code for Camshaft Position Plausibility. This code, along with 1208, is a primary indicator cited in service bulletins for a worn balance shaft sprocket.
• 1208 — A Mercedes-Benz specific fault code for Camshaft Position Plausibility. This is a very common companion code to P0022 when the underlying cause is the balance shaft failure.
• P0015 — Exhaust Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). This code can appear alongside P0022 if there are multiple failing components (like several magnets) or a systemic timing problem like a stretched chain from a worn balance shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions