Hello,

Sorry if this question has been answered previously. I'm not familiar with Mercedes and did try searching through the forums.

My wife drives a 2008 C300 (~107,000 miles) that recently started idling at low RPMs, being jerky when coming to a stop/start, and threw a CEL. We took it to a european auto mechanic that comes highly recommended, and they told us that the motor stored a P0016 and P0017 codes. They told us that the issue was most surely a balance shaft issue that affected the 272 and 273 motors, and that the repair was not worth the cost due to the age and mileage of the vehicle. They didn't charge us a thing, and told us to sell it and purchase a new vehicle.

When we got home, I looked on the forums to the best of my ability. Our engine serial number is 27294730738974, which appears to be outside the affected range of motors (<2729..30468993).

Is it possible that the mechanics were wrong? Is there another possible issue? We also had a code relating to running lean, as well as a thermostat code.

Thanks for the help in advance.

 

MY2008 should have that issue. I'm surprised that your VIN didn't fall into the range. Have you tried contacting MBUSA?

 

Not yet I haven't -- I plan on calling tomorrow (04/05). I spoke to another mechanic today over the phone. He said that to the best of his knowledge, the issue with the balance shaft ended with the 2007 models.

Any truth to that?

 

Absolutely the mechanic is 100% wrong. Your balance shaft is fine. No 2008 has ever been effected by this and he should have known that instead of throwing you into a panic. There are many other things that can cause this problem including magnets, the cam sensor itself among other things.

Head into a dealer and pay the money to have a proper diagnosis of the issue but your engine/cam is fine. It's a sensor or something like that. Please reply with updates.

 

holidaycontrol -- you may only have 2 posts, but that 1 just made my day.

I'm going to talk to the dealership today.

Since the P0016 and P0017 aren't actually causing the CEL, I'll work on fixing those codes (thermostat and MAF sensor) in the meantime. Hopefully the car will run smoother and I can clear the codes.

 

Happy to help - I'm not 99% certain it's not the balance shaft, I'm 100%. Any update from dealership?

 

My 2007 R350 was diagnosed with balance shaft issues 5000 miles ago but is running beautifully. What I don't know is how long do I have?

 

only 2006 and 2007 models were effected with this.

 

For the thermostat and sensor, we have DIY's below that can help you tackle those jobs yourself if you're up for it. Help save some money in your pocket. Posted info below for you. Good luck and hope you get everything figured out.

Thermostat: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item2
Sensor: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...uel-Intake.htm
Tech articles: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...Index-W204.htm

 

Any update with this?

 

My first thought was cam position magnets.

 

Do you know if "All" 2007's were effected?

 

Sorry for the slow response, was traveling out of town for work.

Spoke with both another mechanic, as well as the dealer. Both assured me that it is not the balance shaft.

I'm going to fix the currently lit CELs, and see how it drives from there.

 

hi guys
i recently bought a c230 2007 vin WDBRF52H27F869534..can anyone pls vin check for me cause car is only 103k and it has a miss fire. i changed passenger side magnets no luck.
Thanks