Are all M272 engines an issue??

[mark_le_b]

Looking at a 2005 SLK350 that is "in the range" for the balance shaft issue
Only done 22k miles - no symptoms or codes yet, but do they all suffer??
So should I expect an issue at higher mileage?!
Thanks

 

[slade1]

I don’t think so, my CLK has done 75K, other have well over 100k.
Frequent oil changes and just enjoy it and don’t worry about it.

 

[Old spanners]

From reading around it seems that the problem was a quality control issue for the gear on the balancer shaft. So not all engines were effected, so like all used cars it's a gamble just with this engine its know problems make a slightly higher risk.
I'm searching around myself for something later in this year C class, CLK or CLS with the M272/3 engine and have sort of settled on late 2007 as a starting point. Depends on your budget and mileage really as certainly pre-2007 the price is more attractive.

 

[slade1]

I believe if the management comes on the code will be about valve timing also I gather there will be no chain rattle. I had this light come on it turned out to be thermostat, relief.

 

[anderoo]

Mine is in the range and is currently on 83k. It might need fixing at some point, if it does then so be it.

The garage I go to has done a few of these repairs, and reckons that some failures were outside the 'affected' range, and also some cars within the range were still fine at very high mileages. So, make of that what you will!

 

[Old spanners]

Mine is in the range and is currently on 83k. It might need fixing at some point, if it does then so be it.

The garage I go to has done a few of these repairs, and reckons that some failures were outside the 'affected' range, and also some cars within the range were still fine at very high mileages. So, make of that what you will!

Poor servicing will effect all cars no matter what engine they have that's why a service history is important.
The M272/3 problem seems to be one of quality control on a particular part which will be aggravated by poor servicing but not all will have the "faulty" part which makes it more of a gamble when you buy one. I have heard of and seen a few failures between 30K - 90K miles so when you buy a car with one of these engines it pays to bear in mind this.

 

[grober]

https://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aktion/Attachment.html?attachmentId=681441

 

[anderoo]

Poor servicing will effect all cars no matter what engine they have that's why a service history is important.
The M272/3 problem seems to be one of quality control on a particular part which will be aggravated by poor servicing but not all will have the "faulty" part which makes it more of a gamble when you buy one. I have heard of and seen a few failures between 30K - 90K miles so when you buy a car with one of these engines it pays to bear in mind this.

Yes absolutely. It is still a gamble if you're buying one and are aware of the issue. Regular servicing can only help but from what I've read it may not make much difference at all to this particular problem - if the sprocket is faulty, I don't think any number of oil changes will prolong the inevitable by much.

But, as I've said in other similar topics, if it does need fixing at some point then it is fixable, albeit pricey. It's not like the car explodes! But I can understand why some people won't want to risk it. It's a shame really, as the 350 engine is really nice.

 

[MancMike]

Mine is a 57 plate, and so outside of the range. So mine isn’t vulnerable.

It’s at 115k of abuse so far and going very strong.