bambu1

Hi,

I stumbled across a thread on another website where owners of clk's were complaining of issues with cam balance shafts needing replacement. Consensus was that it affects various models with early "272" engines.

Question: Is it possible to determine if my car has an early 272 engine by deciphering the VIN code, and if it has a potentially defective balance shaft? (I own a 2007 clk350 coupe.)

Thank you.

Kevwood

If there was a service issue raised by MB then yes, you can call/visit them with your VIN and have them check to see if you fall within the time period/production run. Good luck and hope you don't have any problems.

Klinh

Hmmm..........never heard of such issues. What do you mean by "cam balance shaft"? The cam are out of balance cause vibtation?

Kevwood

In a lot of OHC V6 engies a 'balancing shaft' is installed in roughly the same as where the cam shaft would be on an OHV engine. It's purpose is litterally to balanse out the rotating assembly and control vibrations. The one in my Z34 does the same as well as drive the oil pump, my 4.3L6cy Blazer also had one years ago.

Klinh

Let me ask the questions again. Which is bad.......the cams shaft (the cams itself) or the cams balancer (which has gears)?

Kevwood

He said balancing shaft in his original post.

unitfreebie

Hey Guys.. check out this thread on Benzworld, see post #7 for specific problem as the Balance Shaft Sprocket gear and engine serial number affected:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209...-retarded.html

Please post back here what you find out and if the dealer will fix it for you under warranty or not?

bambu1

Hello all,

Thank you for the replies regarding the cam balance shaft issue.

1) I e-mailed the dealer's technician via the dealership website...(Nov 17, 2007 update: they called me to inform me that unfortunately, my car was built with the defective cam balancer shaft. They won't replace it until the specific error code displays...then they follow the Technical Service Bulletin (see below). I'm furious that Mercedes sold me a CPO car, knowing about the problem and not informing me BEFORE the purchase! Don't they call that consumer fraud?)

2) This is known problem for a variety of mercedes benz vehicles with the 3.5 Liter "272" / "273" engines built between 2005 and 2008, including our clk's!

3) Check out this website for threads and the TSB related to this issue [go to Thread #12]. Shows photos, diagrams, etc.... http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=271866

Here is the link to the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aktio...hmentId=681441

thx.