P0016 on Mercedes-Benz
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 6 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on CLS-Class, E-Class, M-Class. P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0016
- •Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner)
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor
- •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator
- •Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages
- •Timing chain/belt installed one tooth off after service
- •Damaged reluctor/tone ring on the crankshaft or camshaft
- •Wiring or connector faults at the position sensors
P0016 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear and Failure2005-2010
The M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines in early CLS models suffer from a well-documented balance shaft gear failure where the idler gear sprocket wears prematurely due to a manufacturing defect. The worn gear produces a rattling noise on startup and can eventually cause engine timing issues and catastrophic damage if the gear teeth strip completely.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear2005-2011
The M272 3.5L V6 has a defective balance shaft gear that wears prematurely due to a soft sprocket material used in early production. When the gear teeth strip, the balance shaft stops functioning, causing severe engine vibration and potential timing chain skip.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear2006-2011
The M272 V6 engine in ML350 models is affected by the same balance shaft sprocket wear issue found across all Mercedes M272-equipped vehicles. The idler gear wears prematurely, producing a progressively worsening rattle on startup and eventually causing timing chain faults. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect that Mercedes addressed with updated parts.
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-Class(1 issue)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear2005-2008
Certain M272 V6 engines used in the SLK280 and SLK350 can suffer premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket and timing components. As the sprocket teeth wear, cam/crank correlation drifts, causing check-engine lights, rough running, poor performance, and in severe cases internal engine timing damage.
Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC(2 issues)
- M271 Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2005-2011
The M271 supercharged four-cylinder engine in early SLK models is prone to timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. The single-row chain stretches over time, and the hydraulic tensioner fails to take up the slack. This causes a rattling noise on startup and can lead to jumped timing and catastrophic engine damage if the chain skips teeth.
- M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear and Failure2005-2011
The M272 V6 engine in SLK280, SLK300, and SLK350 models suffers from the well-documented balance shaft sprocket wear issue common across all Mercedes M272-equipped vehicles. The idler gear sprocket wears prematurely due to a softer-than-specification material, producing a progressively worsening rattle and eventual timing faults.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0016 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A." P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 6 models.
What causes P0016 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner), Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator, Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 6 Mercedes-Benz models: CLS-Class, E-Class, M-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class, SLK/SLC.