P0011 on Mercedes-Benz
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 2 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on C-Class, SL-Class. P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0011
- •Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement
- •Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages
- •Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced
- •Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change
- •Wiring or connector fault to the VVT solenoid
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor
P0011 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz C-Class(1 issue)
- Cam Adjuster Solenoid Failure2012-2018
The camshaft adjuster solenoids (VANOS equivalent) stick or fail due to oil varnish buildup, causing rough idle, poor throttle response, and check engine lights. Particularly common with extended oil change intervals.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Variator Noise on M276/M278 Engines2013-2020
The R231 SL with M276 V6 or M278 V8 engines develops a distinctive rattling noise from the timing chain area on cold starts. The cam adjuster magnets (variators) lose oil pressure overnight, allowing the chains to slap against the guides until oil pressure builds. This noise worsens over time and can eventually lead to stretched chains and timing issues.
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View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0011 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0011 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced, Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0011 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 2 Mercedes-Benz models: C-Class, SL-Class.