johnxyz

Hi - 1st Post - Just saw the issue with the defective balance shaft/idler gears for both the V6 and V8 Mercedes engines. I'm considering a used 2008 CLK 550 - now most of the posts cite the defect effecting '06-'07 (if I recall) model years only while the link to the class-action suit against MB specifically includes engines in 2008 & 2009 model years as well.

Does anyone have anything definitive if the '08 550 engines have the idler gear/soft sproket problem? Although I really like the car I'm considering, I'll have to pass (might anyway just based on the mention of 08's). Don't mean to appear so negative but I want to avoid a huge headache if I can.

BTW if the 2008's are in the clear - any other pre purchase inspection tips you can provide for the '08 CLK 550? This particular car has less than 17,000 miles.

Thanks for any feedback


Did a little more research - for the 550 M273 V8 engine, its the idle gears that are defective (balance shaft for the 350 M272 V6. However, the class action docs refer to the years' 2006 for the CLK500 and 2009 for the CLK550. Skips over the '07's and '08's CLK. Anyone know if the 2008 CLK 550 has the improved/hardened idler gears? Would like to confirm this before going forward with the purchase. Thanks again.

Yidney

I would not pass on the car based on this issue as it is not hard to find out if the car is affected or not. It's based on engine serial number. Get the engine number from a dealer based on the car VIN. Then ask if it is in the affected range. Simple as that.

johnxyz

I called a MB dealer and they provided the following Engine # for a 2008 CLK 550:
2739 67 30 240744

Would this be outside the range for the M273 that are affected? 2739 30 088611 being the last engine # in the affected range?

It appears to be but would like to confirm. Thanks for all your help

Yidney

You look safe to me, but the same dealer who gave you the engine # can tell you for sure. They are not unaware of these problems.

gcolby

I'm having trouble getting official MB confirmation that engine # 2739 67 30145327is outside of the affected range.

I note from other posters here that this engine # seems to be outside of the problem range but can anyone point me to a resource where I can double check this info.

I'd like to get MB to attest to this but it is a US vehicle now in Canada in a private sale so MB Canada not too keen to discuss.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

2150john

I have attached a pdf of the MB service bulletin, perhaps that will help.

Rudeney

That is M273 engine serial number 145327, which is well outside of the affected range.

gcolby

Thanks for the input folks.

Assuming one can never truly know, what special preventative maintenance steps could be taking to reduce the risk.?

Rudeney

gcolby, I am fairly confident that you are safe. There really isn't anything you can do other than regular maintenance like oil changes, etc.

gcolby

Thanks Rudeny

I'm nervous but taking the plunge anyways. If the inspection tomorrow doesn't identify anything nasty I'll have to change my status from Garage is empty to current owner.