272/273 balance shaft issue

[mymini007]

I have been offered a clk 280

I have been warned that there may be a problem with these engines, that can cause catastrophic failure if it develops the issue.

What is the failure rate? Is the s a common problem?
Am I best off just walking away?

 

[slade1]

Its a question I have been asking for years, Have been told the EML will give you a warning.
I believe it's a £2/2.5K repair by independent MB fixer.
My CLK has the M272 motor, it's done 84K miles with frequent short trips is whisper quiet with no chain rattle on start up.
Its serviced/MOT/lube change every year regardless of mileage usually around 4/5000 a year.
Check the service history.

 

[slade1]

Add on. check the serial number of motor it may be built after the potential failure. There is plenty of postings on MB forums re M272 motors.

 

[BTB 500]

There are 3 possible issues, based on the engine serial number:

engines up to #2729..30 468933 -- this when the gear is the problem

engines up to #2729..30 759427 -- this when the adjustment solenoids are the problem

engines up to #2729..30 895140 -- this when the adjustment solenoids leak oil

The first two scenarios cause "check engine light", the third is just an oil leak.

The Complete M272 Engine Thread | Engine

Following on from my Complete M271 Engine thread please feel free to add resources to this thread for the M272 Engine. Mercedes-Benz M272 engine Mainly from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia but added to: Technical brief: 76 pages...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[mymini007]

There are 3 possible issues, based on the engine serial number:

The Complete M272 Engine Thread | Engine

Following on from my Complete M271 Engine thread please feel free to add resources to this thread for the M272 Engine. Mercedes-Benz M272 engine Mainly from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia but added to: Technical brief: 76 pages...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

27294030252457

 

[BTB 500]

27294030252457

OK looks like it's in the first (most serious) category. Read the thread I linked to and make a decision - if it does need a repair at some point this will almost certainly cost more than the car is worth. Of course there's a chance the work was done at some point in the past, but I would personally want solid documentation of this.