benz888

Hi Rodney

Can you please check if my vin # 4JGBB86E26A048845 is affected

Thank you very much

benz888

Hi Rodney

Can you please check if my vin # 4JGBB86E26A048845 is affected

Thank you very much

COOPERDB

`


WDBTJ72H67F21764

2007 CLK550 - Silver

Thank-You for this valuable service


`

Rudeney

MY2006 ML? Yes, it's in the range for potential balance shaft failure. All MY2006 xx230, xx280, xx300,xx350, xx450 and xx550 vehicles will be. MY2007 is when it was fixed - that's the only year where there is a question that needs a VIN look-up for the engine serial number to know for sure.

Rudeney

You're missing a digit - there should be six numerals at the end after the "F".

benz888

Thank you very much Rodney .

My check engine light came on and has the code P0016/P0017

I have a appointment with MB Oct 10 just wondering if it's save to drive the car until then ?

Thanks in advance

COOPERDB

`


My mistake -


WDBTJ72H67F217614


Thank-You -

Rudeney

That's better! You have M273 engine #101006 - beyond the range for a bad timing idler sprocket (the V8's equivalent failure of the balance shaft).

Rudeney

That's pretty much going to be balance shaft failure. Yes, it is safe to drive. In fact, you could probably drive it tens of thousands of miles like that before you have any serious problems. The variable valve timing system can compensate for the slack in the chain caused by the worn idler sprocket. Eventually, the sprocket will wear to the point that the balance shaft stops rotating, and that will cause additional engine vibrations. After that, it's just a matter of time before the timing chain really digs into what's left of the sprocket, which can cause issues with the chain itself. But again, that takes quite a while to happen.

benz888

Let just hope my 3rd party powertrain warranty will cover the BS .. Thanks for your help Rodney

kev1900

Hey Rodney
Would love a vin check when you get time!
WDBWK54F66F113357
Thanks for all the help you have given!

Javvy

Vin check please # WDBRF92HX7FB70244....

thanks rodney...

Javvy

Rudeney

Double check that VIN - the 12th digit should be numeric, so I assumed "8" instead of "B". If so, it's M272 engine #470869, which is beyond the balance shaft problem range.

Rudeney

That's a MY2006 SLK - so yes, it will be in the range for potential balance shaft failure (as will all MY2006 V6's).

GL88

Hi Rodney
Can I ask you to decode this VIN so I can see if this car has the troubled balancing shaft. It's a 2007 C280.

WDBRF54H17F932605

Thanks
Guy

DankNugs

Hi there,

I am a new member and am interested in buying a used 2007 C280 4MATIC. I am obviously concerned about this balance shaft issue and will probably not buy the car if it is affected.

I was wondering if someon could lookup the engine serial for VIN #: WDBRF92H47F931927 to see if it is affected?

Thank you so much! This post has been amazingly helpful and I really appreciate everyone's help!

Rudeney

M272 engine #587130 - beyond the balance shaft problem range.

Rudeney

M272 #602161 - beyond the balance shaft problem range.

obenourb

Could you tell me if WDBTK72F77T082835 is in the range for balance shaft issues? Thank you.

Rudeney

That CLK550 has M273 engine #117130, which is beyond the problem range.

kaggarwa

I recently bought a 2006 c230 with 65k miles on it. Then I read about the Balance shaft issue. Can you please check if the following Vin# is an affected one.

Vin# WDBRF52H66A902692

Further, my dealer is offering third party extended warranty through firm called
"The Mechanic". They do mention Balance shaft in their engine repair thing. He is quoting 3K for 4yrs/50K miles.

Please advise.

Thanks a lot!
Kamal

Rudeney

All MY2006 V6 engines will be in the range for potential balance shaft failure. If you are not in a situation where you can DIY your own repairs, then an extended warranty might make sense. And if the balance shaft does fail, it will cost more than $3k to fix. i would look for a warranty that also covers things in addition to the drivetrain, like alternators, AC system, window regulators, door locks, etc.

Burner1916

Hello Rodney,

New here and potential 07 C280 owner. Can you please check my vin #? WDBRF92H87F914077. Engine number which I think/hope is clear: 272 94130568902

Matt

Rudeney

The last 7 digits of the engine number is the serial number - so 568902 is it and that's beyond the balance shaft problem range.

blueordie

Looking at buying vin number WDBRF92H67F929693. Want to know if balance shaft is infected