P0024 on Mercedes-Benz: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P0024 on a Mercedes-Benz means the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 (the side without cylinder 1) sits further advanced than the engine computer commanded. The "B" in the title normally stands for the exhaust cam, so the fault is in the exhaust-side variable valve timing, not the intake side that P0021 describes. It can only appear on engines with two cylinder banks and a cam adjuster on the exhaust camshaft: V6, V8 and some flat engines.
- Severity
- Moderate · Emissions
- Typical repair cost, all makes
- €60-€6000
Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Mercedes-Benz and Skanyx tells you what P0024 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P0024 mean on a Mercedes-Benz?
The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Mercedes-Benz models that log P0024.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 (M272 3.5 V6)
2005-2011
The M272 3.5 V6 has variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, each adjustable through about 40 degrees, so a bank 2 exhaust timing fault is possible on it. It was fitted to the E 350 (W211 and W212) as well as the C, S, ML and SLK 350 models.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_engine
What causes P0024 on a Mercedes-Benz?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0024 page, these are the patterns noted for Mercedes-Benz models:
Bank 2 exhaust cam adjuster or its magnet valve
: Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 (M272 3.5 V6)
Old oil slowing the adjuster response
: Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 (M272 3.5 V6)
How to diagnose P0024 on a Mercedes-Benz with OBD2
- Confirm which side is bank 2 for your engine from a bank diagram. It is the side that does not hold cylinder 1, and it differs by make and by engine layout
- Check the oil level and condition. Use the exact approval in the owner's manual; many cam adjusters are sensitive to sludge and thin or wrong oil
- Read all stored codes. The matching bank 1 exhaust fault, intake cam codes (P0021, P0011) and cam sensor codes show whether the problem is local to bank 2 or shared
- Compare actual and target exhaust cam angle for bank 2 with manufacturer-level software. A generic OBD2 reader shows the code, freeze frame and fuel trims but not cam angles
- Swap the bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the bank 1 one when the parts are identical and the workshop manual allows it. If the code moves to the bank 1 exhaust code, the solenoid is at fault
- Measure the solenoid's resistance against the workshop value and check its screen for debris
- Listen for chain rattle on a cold start. A chain or tensioner at fault needs the front cover or valve covers off, so it is a workshop job
How much does P0024 cost to fix on a Mercedes-Benz? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0024 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Mercedes-Benz parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter change with the correct approval | €40–€100 | €20–€50 | €60–€150 | Easy |
| Replace bank 2 exhaust cam adjustment solenoid | €80–€300 | €60–€200 | €140–€500 | Moderate |
| Repair wiring or connector at the solenoid | €10–€40 | €50–€130 | €60–€170 | Moderate |
| Replace camshaft phaser (cam adjuster) on bank 2 | €150–€600 | €300–€900 | €450–€1500 | Professional |
| Replace timing chain, guides and tensioners on a V engine | €800–€3000 | €800–€3000 | €1600–€6000 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0024
These codes are often seen alongside P0024 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0024 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0024 guide