Crank/cam correlation Bank 1 on Mercedes — M271 chain stretch (single-cam) and M276 stretched chain.
Mercedes-Benz P0016 — Crank/cam correlation Bank 1 on Mercedes — M271 chain stretch (single-cam) and M276 stretched chain. Typical UK independent garage cost: £600–£2600.
What actually causes P0016 on a Mercedes-Benz
M271 chain stretch is well documented; M276 chain failures became a Mercedes service-campaign topic. Check VIN for any open campaigns.
Mercedes-Benz engines that log P0016
- M271 1.8 Kompressor/turbo
- M276 3.5 V6
- M133 2.0 turbo AMG
How we diagnose P0016 on a Mercedes-Benz
- VIN check for chain campaign
- Cold-start rattle
- Live cam deviation
- Full timing kit only
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
M271/M276 P0016 — full chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets. Partial fixes always come back.
Mercedes-Benz P0016 repair cost in the UK
Expect £600–£2600 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Mercedes-Benz are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Service campaign / TSB note
Mercedes has service-action coverage on selected M271/M276 chain failures.
Bob's workshop tip
Mercedes P0016 — never half-fix the timing. The whole kit is the only honest job.
Codes usually seen alongside P0016 on Mercedes-Benz
- P0017
- P0341
Symptoms drivers report with P0016
- Loud metallic rattle for the first 2–4 seconds of a cold start — the classic 'death rattle'
- Long cranking before the engine catches, especially after standing overnight
- Rough lumpy idle at traffic lights, occasionally stalls
- Stop/Start stops working (ECU disables it once cam correlation drifts)
- Turbo feels lazy or flat below 2,000 RPM — timing is retarded to protect the valvetrain
- MPG drops 4–8 mpg with no other obvious cause
- Code P0011, P0014, P0017 or P0341 stored alongside P0016
Repairs that clear P0016
- Measure cam-to-crank deviation with manufacturer-aware scan tool
- Plan full timing chain kit if stretched
- Replace cam phaser if mechanically faulty
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P0016 guide.