M272/273 Engine: Cam adjuster magnet & balancer shaft sprocket issues DTB
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
From: Toronto, Ontario
2002 CLK 320
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
I currently drive a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 Elegance Coupe (C209)
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 Coupe
Compliments to you all. I’m new to the group and have just discovered this thread - thank you.
I’m from South Africa and currently drive an immaculate 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 with the M273 engine. The vehicle currently has 83000 km’s (51 875 miles). I am the second owner and I’m due for an A-Service sometime this month. I will also perform a transmission fluid change as I’m not sure as to when this was done, just going through past records (as a safety precaution).
Glyn, would it be possible to kindly check if my vehicle is affected with the following:
1. Worn timing chain guide gear.
2. Engine cam plug oil leaking.
3. VIM actuator cam breakage.
My vehicle is out of the South African warranty and maintenance period, however, the vehicle has only been serviced by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. I have yet to ask the Dealership if they are aware of the problem affected with M272 and M273 engines, however, it would put me at ease as to what to expect in terms of the vehicle behaving odd. How would one know? Would the “Check Engine” illumination light appear on the instrument binnacle to warn the driver or will the vehicle come to a complete standstill?
My vehicle particulars are as follows:
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 Coupe.
Vin Number: WDB2093722F225056
Engine Number: 27396730129229
There are so many “websites to check” if one’s vehicle is affected, however, which is the correct website to use in future and are there any South African members who have W209’s with similar issues and if Mercedes-Benz SA resolved or repaired the issues (in and out of warranty).
Thanking you kindly.
Kind regards,
Alexis
Last edited by alexi_k; Jan 4, 2020 at 01:28 AM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 11
From: The Great North West USA
2015 E400 Cab - 2013 GL350 - 2013 ML350 - 2006 E350 - Old Jeep
Is my car/motor in the good or bad range?
VIN: WDBTK56G06T063985
How can I tell if the repairs were already done @ the Stealer?
Thank you.
VIN: WDBTK56G06T063985
How can I tell if the repairs were already done @ the Stealer?
Thank you.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: South Burlington, Vermont
2019 Ford F-150 Laredo, 2007 Mercedes CLK350
P0016 on my girlfriend’s 2007 CLK350
my girlfriend’s 2007 CLK350 is logging P0016 codes, but not P0017 as far as I know.. I’m curious why said that you need both P0016 and P0017 in order to confirm the balance shaft sprocket issue... is that because the balance shaft Issue affects both sides Of the engine? And could you please tell me if her car might be affected by the balance shaft sprocket issue? Her car’s vin number is:
WDBTK56F17T075703
thanks a million ... hoping for a good answer
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
2006 CLK 350 (W209)
2006 clk350 just diagnosed w this at 119k
My son bought 06 clk350 about 6 months ago. Check engine light came on and we finally got diagnosis, sounds like this is the problem. It’s due for inspection and obviously won’t pass. With a 119k on it, is there any recourse? My son’s about to junk it because fixing at a dealership will cost more than he paid. Any suggestions? Between purchase and other repairs done, he’s out 11k with nothing to show for it.
vin # WDBTK56H46F177849
vin # WDBTK56H46F177849
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
c230k/s500
Should I wait and see before moving forward
I just got this estimate. I am not sure if i really have the problem. Have p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303. p0017 codes showing. Changed coils and plugs and codes came back. Car drive pretty good no major issue right now. But I am not sure if the Balance shaft is the issue. About to change the magnets on it to see if that works. Any advice would be appreciated. Attached quote for repairs.
2006 clk350 76000 miles VIN: WDBTK56GX6T056803
Engine: M272
Engine # 272960 30 096223
Model 209.356/372/456/472
Mileage: 75874
2006 clk350 76000 miles VIN: WDBTK56GX6T056803
Engine: M272
Engine # 272960 30 096223
Model 209.356/372/456/472
Mileage: 75874
Last edited by tbone6812; Sep 13, 2025 at 10:27 AM. Reason: added more info
