CLS 350 M272 Balance shaft issue

[SeanR]

Hello all, I am new here, my name is Sean.

Ive owned a 2005 CLS350 for about a month now, the only issue so far was a faulty door jamb switch, an easy fix.

The car runs like new, feels new, its done 67000 miles so far.

I was wondering how common the well known balance shaft/gear issue is?. My car falls into the group of cars which may have the issue, where all the gears during that period of inferior quality?.

I cant help feeling I'm driving a time bomb

Sorry for the question on my first post, kind of anxious about it.

Would appreciate any assistance,

Best, Sean.

 

[PobodY]

I can't answer your question, but I'm in the same boat. - I bought a 2006 CLK and was quietly hoping that it was recent enough to not have one of the problem engines.

As with you; I can't fault it at the moment, but only time will tell if it's going to fail. - I almost hope that if it does fail it's within the next year so the dealer I bought it from can foot the bill under warranty.

 

[SeanR]

Hello, i did speak to Mercedes to see if they had anything on record of the fault and work being carried out on my motor. The guy told me that they don't do many, but being a Mercedes dealer, hard to know if he was being straight or not. He did tell me they have nothing on record regarding my car.

He seemed to cheer up a bit when he found out my car was out of warranty.

I then spoke to two Mercedes specialists, again, they said they don't do many, one guy told me he had done a few. Felt like i was mithering a bit, folk are busy and just want to get on with work.

No faults shown on the motor when i went to view it, but buying privately I'm always suspicious , hopefully after owning it a bit longer i will forget about it.

One guy did actually tell me to stop looking for problems on the internet!

 

[PobodY]

This is one of the reasons I bought the CLK from a dealer rather than privately in the end.

Hopefully if you treat it with some mechanical sympathy and change the oil regularly, it won't manifest.

Unfortunately the people who post horror stories are the ones who've had problems. - Those who don't have problems have got nothing to post about.

 

[grober]

V6 and V8 PETROL engines are a much rarer commodity in the UK due to the popularity of diesel fuel. Most evidence comes from the USA [ English language so accessible] and mainland Europe to a lesser extent . At 67,000 miles and no documented history of repair you can assume the problem has not yet manifested itself.
I assume you have read the M272 thread INCLUDING THIS
http://mbworld.org/wiki/images/0/0b/Mercedes_M272_balance_shaft_service_bulletin.pdf
In answer to your question yes the initial timing gear wheels were of inferior quality.
First indications are usually flagged by the engine warning light coming on and stored fault codes. Initially these can be cleared but eventually-------?
Best defence would be not to rev the nuts off it ! and make sure the oil is changed regularly. I would price the repair from a respected independent and save up your pennies for if the worst happens. If its any consolation I reckon the W219 is destined to be one of the few modern "Benz" destined for classic status so is certainly worth keeping on the road.

 

[SeanR]

Thanks Graeme, appreciated.

I have read that thread, looks like a real pain for any mechanic

On a good note, I don't really do too much mileage, so that should help too.

Kind of let my heart rule my brain on this one, I blame the AMG extras:fail. I did manage to get it for a good price once I mentioned the fault to the seller, not sure whether he was glad to get rid or knew something I didn't, he came to a price that should cover the repair.

Il take it easy, see how it goes.

Appreciate the advice, thanks.