P0018 on Mercedes-Benz
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor A
P0018 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 2 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on E-Class, GLE. This code means the computer detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 2 'A' (typically intake) camshaft are out of their expected timing relationship. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals; they should stay in a fixed correlation as the engine turns. When the Bank 2 camshaft is too far off from the crankshaft, P0018 sets, indicating the valve timing on that bank is misaligned. This can cause rough running, reduced power, hard starting, or a no-start, and in some cases signals timing chain or phaser trouble that warrants prompt attention. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0018
- •Stretched, worn, or jumped timing chain (Bank 2)
- •Worn or broken timing chain guides/tensioner
- •Stuck variable valve timing solenoid or phaser
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting the phaser
- •Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- •Damaged reluctor/tone ring
- •Incorrect timing from prior service
- •Wiring or connector fault at a cam/crank sensor
P0018 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz E-Class(1 issue)
- M276 V6 Camshaft Adjuster (VVT Phaser) Wear Causing Cold-Start Rattle and Cam/Crank Correlation Faults2012-2016
On the M276 3.5L V6 (and the related M278 V8) the four camshaft adjusters — the variable-valve-timing phasers bolted to the ends of the cams — wear internally. The locking pin and vane chambers lose their ability to hold position, and oil bleeds out of the adjuster while the car sits. On the next cold start the cam is unsupported for the first second or two of cranking until oil pressure builds, producing a loud metallic rattle from the front of the engine. As wear progresses the adjuster can no longer hold commanded timing and the ECU logs cam/crank correlation and timing-over-advanced faults. Clogged camshaft adjuster magnets (solenoids) and a stretched timing chain often accompany the failure and are commonly misdiagnosed as the sole cause. Owners frequently report the dealer first replacing solenoids or doing an oil change before the adjusters themselves are condemned.
Mercedes-Benz GLE(1 issue)
- M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle2016-2019
The M278 4.7L biturbo V8 used in the GLE 550 4MATIC (W166/C292) has a complex timing drive with one primary chain and two secondary chains, each with its own tensioner. On early engines the secondary chain tensioners lose oil pressure during shutdown because they lack anti-drainback check valves, so on cold start the chains and camshaft adjusters run momentarily dry and rattle loudly for the first 2-5 seconds until oil pressure builds. Left unaddressed, chain slack, worn guide rails, and worn camshaft adjusters can advance to camshaft-correlation faults and, in the worst case, timing jump. This is distinct from the M276 V6 camshaft-adjuster rattle: it is the V8 M278's multi-chain oil-starvation design, and Mercedes issued a service fix (TSB LI05.10-P-056435) adding oil check valves plus revised secondary tensioners for engines up to a specific engine-number cutoff (278 9xx).
Looking for P0018 on a different make?
View P0018 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0018 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0018 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor A." This code means the computer detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 2 'A' (typically intake) camshaft are out of their expected timing relationship. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals; they should stay in a fixed correlation as the engine turns. When the Bank 2 camshaft is too far off from the crankshaft, P0018 sets, indicating the valve timing on that bank is misaligned. This can cause rough running, reduced power, hard starting, or a no-start, and in some cases signals timing chain or phaser trouble that warrants prompt attention. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0018 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Stretched, worn, or jumped timing chain (Bank 2), Worn or broken timing chain guides/tensioner, Stuck variable valve timing solenoid or phaser, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the phaser, Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0018 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 P0018 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0018 on 2 Mercedes-Benz models: E-Class, GLE.