05 Cls350 missfire/engine vibration?

[SeanR]

Wondering if someone can help.

An intermittent issue, its happened twice in two weeks.

First time, I was pulling up to some lights and there was a judder coming from the engine, not sure if it was a misfire or something else, revs don't seem to drop. I pulled over and turned off the engine and then re-started and it drove as normal.

Second time was today, same scenario, but not as bad. Again its driving normal now.

No engine warning lights, the only message I get now and then is regarding the battery (convenience function)

The tick over is 500 when in D, the car drives like a new car, low miles for the year

Not sure whether book it in or wait it out

 

[PobodY]

I don't mean to be the prophet of doom, but is this an M272 engine?

As soon as I read "350" and "judder" I start thinking "balance shaft".

 

[SeanR]

I don't mean to be the prophet of doom, but is this an M272 engine?

As soon as I read "350" and "judder" I start thinking "balance shaft".

Hello, yes it is the M272.

Id read about that too, but hoping it isn't

Other than these 2 occasions its been fine, without fault.

I put money aside when I bought it, so if its that particular fault, how much we talking for an independent to sort it?

 

[WG M-B]

Around £1800 with us.

 

[PobodY]

Can you premptively change the balance shaft gears, and if so does that cost less?

I live in fear of mine failing and was wondering if it would be easier (and/or cheaper) to replace the parts before they fail.

Anyway, before you commit to anything; check the codes first, in case it's something completely unrelated (bad coilpack for example).

 

[SeanR]

£1800. Thought about it being around that, I'm in north west.

Il book it in soon, see what they say.

Thanks

 

[grober]

Sounds more like a battery/ power problem. Try checking the battery terminals / where the battery cable enters the engine compartment/ and the main power distribution centre. Also check the engine earth strap.
AND------- THE FIRST QUESTION ALWAYS WITH MODERN MERCS-----HOW OLD IS YOUR BATTERY!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SeanR]

Sounds more like a battery/ power problem. Try checking the battery terminals / where the battery cable enters the engine compartment/ and the main power distribution centre. Also check the engine earth strap.
AND------- THE FIRST QUESTION ALWAYS WITH MODERN MERCS-----HOW OLD IS YOUR BATTERY!!!!!!!!!!

I'm liking this answer, been a bad week.

I bought the car as a weekend runner and I have not been using it much, over the last few weeks it has been displaying a message "battery convenience function temporarily unavailable"

I think the lack of use is flattening the battery, I will take a look tomorrow, thankyou

I have started to use it more this week for work journeys

 

[PobodY]

I don't know about a CLS, but a dying electrical system made the Nissan behave really oddly (before dying on me in the middle of nowhere... in the rain).

Start with the simple and cheap things first; clearly you've got the same worry as me in the back of your mind!

 

[Codger49]

Pretty sure you would get the EML light on if your balance shaft gears were going home.

There would be codes stored stating the camshafts could not be adjusted any further.

I think malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoids are more common than the gear issue, these again would cause the EML to illuminate and have appropriate codes stored and are much cheaper to fix.

Best to get the battery and charging system checked first.

Fingers crossed for you.

 

[350cls]

When I had MT 350cls the EML light came on a few times and the battery convience message displayed. Could be early signs of a faulty lambda sensor that's what mine was. Best to get codes read first as it could be a very cheap fix.

 

[SeanR]

Thanks gents for all your comments, I will start with the battery and take it from there, much appreciated.

 

[SeanR]

An update after a trip to Halfords.

They tested the battery, said it was ok.

They then tested the alternator and said it wasn't ok and gave me a price of £489 to fix it.
Off the top of my head that seems steep, but I don't know how much this job should cost without shopping around.

Id had my suspicions it may well be the alternator at fault, but it also may just be a separate fault.

I usually do these myself, sometimes even with a reconditioned unit.

I will look into it and get a few quotes. There is a Merc specialist in Bolton not far from me, but they are away until the 11th.

Might wait and see what the Merc specialist has to say.

If someone knows a good place for good alternators please let me know, seen new on Ebay at £144, but always been warned about buying on Ebay lol

 

[PobodY]

ECP lists a replacement Bosch alternator as £360.
I would have thought you could get better than that by buying from a specialist motor electician.

 

[grober]

Quite possible its merely the regulator/ brushes that need renewing. A specialist auto electrical outlet or Bosch service depot may be able to effect a repair for considerably less.
try your local business directory

 

[SeanR]

Thanks again, I will look into it over the next week.

 

[WG M-B]

Can you premptively change the balance shaft gears, and if so does that cost less?

I live in fear of mine failing and was wondering if it would be easier (and/or cheaper) to replace the parts before they fail.

Anyway, before you commit to anything; check the codes first, in case it's something completely unrelated (bad coilpack for example).

Yes you can change the balance shaft pre-emptively. This way the chain shouldn't have stretched so the cost would be less.

 

[PobodY]

So the balance shaft is a single piece with gears?