Ticking time bomb balance shaft M272

[Ginettaman]

New member so here is my first post and I wish it was about something more positive. I've done some research on this forum on the M272 engine issues. I Was Planning on buying a CLk 286 v6 reg 2006 cab but having doubts now regarding the balance shaft issue. The engine number starts 30 518*** so that appears to suggest it may be less likely to wear the balance shaft gear or have I got it wrong? A vin check does suggests the car was built in 2002 though first registered Nov 2006.
It's got reasonable history from new and now done 99k miles and appears ok. I am a pretty good home mechanic after restoring and building several cars. It's a private sale which I'm not worried about. No engine light is showing except tyre pressure message. Would that message obscure another??
The next issue people list from engine numbers is the adjustable solenoid problem but is that less costly to repair?
I've read that cars after 2009 are safer but that ups my budget a lot. Why is that? Do all balance shafts need replacing anyway not far above 100k miles? Very few can be found for sale with any more than about 120k which does ring alarm bells. The car looks great and drives great but we are seriously worried it won't last long although we won't do huge mileage each year as a second car. We need to decide soon whether to take the plunge or pull out of the deal sadly. Very disappointed in Mercedes!!!

 

[Edd1968]

Welcome to the forum. Nice choice of cars!
I wasn't aware that 280s were built that early as in 2003 it was 240s and 320s (and of course the 55 AMG)
Anyway, not all M272s were affected and with that kind of mileage, it might have already been done (or would have gone by now if it did have the chocolate sprockets)
I'm sure there will be someone along shortly who if you give your vin number to will be able to tell you if your car was in the affected zone.

 

[Edd1968]

I'd buy it!! You only live once.

 

[Ginettaman]

The 2002 vin plate build date may have been wrong. It's a 2006 registration clk 280 drop top model with 7 speed box. No history of replacement chain or shaft hence the worry.

 

[Edd1968]

Ah OK. I'm sure there's a chassis number cut off where they were fine thereafter. Abs can you help here @clk320x

 

[Codger49]

The Complete M272 Engine Thread

 

[Edd1968]

Excellent thread that one. Everything you need to know about your engine.

 

[Ginettaman]

That's why I'm worried as a repair is more than

 

[Edd1968]

You could always junk that idea and grab a nice clean 320

 

[PobodY]

May never happen... and even if it does, the engine doesn't grenade its self.

Yes, if you leave it long enough the timing chain will stop moving the cams and the valves will smash. However, to start with all that really happens is the variable valve timing stops working.

 

[Ginettaman]

320 still has a balance shaft but I presume they are more reliable engines but with less power and less gears? It's only a Sunday summer car for the Mrs but we don't want a 4 grand paper weight sat on our drive. Anyone know of any mechanics in Yorkshire who have done the balance shafts? May consider if I'm satisfied the work can be done without stealer labour charges as happy to do some spannering myself? Never had issues with our old slk.

 

[Edd1968]

Here's the comparison between knackered ones and new ones....

 

[Edd1968]

320 still has a balance shaft but I presume they are more reliable engines but with less power and less gears? It's only a Sunday summer car for the Mrs but we don't want a 4 grand paper weight sat on our drive. Anyone know of any mechanics in Yorkshire who have done the balance shafts? May consider if I'm satisfied the work can be done without stealer labour charges as happy to do some spannering myself? Never had issues with our old slk.

M112, is bullet proof

 

[carlls]

hi and welcome

 

[Ginettaman]

Yes seen pictures. Just need to talk to people who have and can fix them otherwise not take the gamble. Factoring in doing the job doubles the cost of the car so other engine options ? 320 or 230 compressor may be?

 

[slade1]

You only hear of bad news on forums.
Nobody can tell how many actually fail, numbers or percentage.
My CLK has the M272 motor, powerful and smooth.

 

[Edd1968]

You only hear of bad news on forums.
Nobody can tell how many actually fail, numbers or percentage.
My CLK has the M272 motor, powerful and smooth.

... Don't entirely agree with the bad news bit but the V6 motors are tremendously smooth and powerful enough.

 

[Ginettaman]

I agree it's a great car but with an inbuilt time bomb that could go off and cost twice the cars value to repair from advice now received. Far two many have failed at just over 100k including those with the later engine numbers so we won't risk it. Such a shame but I'm go to look for a good 320 or 230 for my partner instead. Tax is also cheaper on the earlier cars. Thanks for everyone's comments.

 

[slade1]

OK, let have some facts and figures on the number that actually fail.

 

[Edd1968]

I agree it's a great car but with an inbuilt time bomb that could go off and cost twice the cars value to repair from advice now received. Far two many have failed at just over 100k including those with the later engine numbers so we won't risk it. Such a shame but I'm go to look for a good 320 or 230 for my partner instead. Tax is also cheaper on the earlier cars. Thanks for everyone's comments.

There's plenty of 320 a d 240s about. There's also alot of sheds out there so you'll have plenty to choose from.