P0016 on MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Mercedes Benz E Class context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P0016.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What P0016 Means on Your MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
P0016 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A. This code relates to the powertrain, fuel, ignition, emissions, or air-management system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"Engine codes P0016 and P0017 reads cam shaft and crank shaft correlation it is everywhere on the internet and on the Mercedes Benz Forum.This is a know problem that Mercedes has ignored. its on all 2004 thru 2008 vehicles with the 3.5 engine. Calls for a balancer shaft replacement."
"We just purchased a 2006 Mercedes for our teenage sons and had a dealer look at it before we purchased it. They told us there were a couple of codes that were worth watching but that it wasn’t anything significant right now."
"While driving on us 50 my the sbc failed while driving 60mph i had no brakes the indicators told me to turn the vehicle off and to depress brakes fully. that's hard to do whn ur going 60mph... so i had to let the vehicle drift until it came to a stop on the side of the highway..."
"Mercedes-benz v6 m272 engines have timing chain problems caused by balance shaft failures which mercedes has known about for year."
"I have check engine light on, nobody "mechanic" know to fix this problem."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.