P0014 on Mercedes-Benz
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0014 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates exhaust camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 3 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on B-Class, SL-Class, SLK/SLC. P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $120 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0014
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation
- •Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid)
- •Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages
- •Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve
- •Stretched timing chain or jumped timing
- •Camshaft position sensor fault giving incorrect reading
P0014 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz B-Class(1 issue)
- M270 Timing Chain Stretch and Cold-Start Rattle (Petrol)2013-2019
The turbo petrol M270 (and naturally-aspirated M270/M274 in B180/B200/B250) uses a two-stage timing chain whose plastic guide rails and hydraulic tensioner degrade prematurely. Owners report a loud metallic rattle for roughly 1-15 seconds on cold start that fades as oil pressure builds. Short-trip urban use accelerates the problem because the cold-start period (low oil pressure) makes up a large share of running time. Stretch typically appears from ~80,000 km (50,000 mi), with some city cars rattling from ~70,000 km. Left unaddressed, chain stretch alters valve timing, throws fault codes, and risks contact/wear on cam bearings and phasers.
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.
Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC(1 issue)
- M271 Camshaft Adjuster (VVT) Magnet Solenoid Failure and Oil Intrusion2004-2015
The M271 four-cylinder's camshaft adjuster magnets (variable valve timing solenoids) commonly fail or become oil-fouled on R171 SLK200 Kompressor and R172 SLK250 models. A well-documented M271 defect is engine oil wicking up the solenoid connector into the wiring harness toward the ECU and O2 sensor. This is distinct from timing-chain/gear wear: the solenoid itself sticks or shorts, upsetting cam timing and triggering camshaft-position/correlation codes.
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View P0014 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0014 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0014 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0014 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid), Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator, Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0014 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $120 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have P0014 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0014 on 3 Mercedes-Benz models: B-Class, SL-Class, SLK/SLC.