No worries with that - only the M272/M273 engines (xx230, xx280, xx300, xx350, xx450, xx550) from MY2005 through MY2007 are an issue.

 

Thanks alot for your prompt reply Rudeney! Glad I at least don't have to worry about this if I do decide to purchase that CLK 320.

 

Hi Glyn and members,

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

 

That engine is beyond the range for timing chain idler sprocket (a.k.a. "balance shaft") failure.

 

Thanks, Rodney.

 

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.

 

hi Glyn,
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

 

Can you check my VIN on this issue
WDDGF8BB8AF418241

 

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

 

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