demidion

Hi Rudeney

I have a 2007 CLK550 and wanted to see if mine was one of the ones with the problem. I only have about 37k on it so I don't know when the issue starts showing up. I did have an error code about cam angle show up for about a day then it went away. I don't know if that was part of it or not.

Could you please let me know? It's WDBTK72F67T076332. I do have an extended warranty for the next few years so I'm not too worried about it!

Thanks!
Joe

oneilgpalmer79

Hi i am looking into purchasing a 2007 mercedes benz c230 i am concerned about the balance shaft issue could someone please check this cars vin? WDBRF52H87E027593 thank you so much

Rudeney

Joe, your CLK550 has M273 engine #62292, which is in the affected range. I would scan for codes - look for P0016 and P0017. Other codes will not be a balance shaft (or in your V8's case, timing gear idlelr sprocket) problem. Mine started throwing intermittent codes at about 27K miles, and then was steadily illuminating the MIL at 29K. I have heard other not have problems until higher miles. I have not hear of any problems starting in higher (150K+) miles.

Rudeney

That has M272 engine #496487, which is beyond the affected range.

Peydidy

Could someone please check vin: WDBWK56F96F113947

Thanks!

demidion

Thank you very much! I wish I had written down which code exactly came up... I expect it was one of those though! I guess next time it comes on I'll try to get it to the dealership ASAP before it goes off again!

Joe

Rudeney

Joe, if you did not erase the code, it will still be stored. You might want to invest in an inexpensive OBDII scan tool (you can get them for under $50) and use it to periodically check for this.

Rudeney

That SLK350 has M272 engine #273174, which is within the range for potential balance shaft failure.

oneilgpalmer79

Thanks!!

starbenzz

hey will be grateful if you could check up on my behalf with regards to the VIN below if its within the affected range. thanks loads

WDB1714422F150505

Rudeney

WDB1714422F150505 That's a MY2002 SLK200 with an M271 I4 engine - those are not affected by the balance shaft problem. It only affects the M272 V6 engines (models named 280, 300, 350) and M273 V8 engines (models named 450 or 550*)

Note that the "550" desgnation was not used in all markets - some models with the M273 5.5l V8 engines were named "500" in non-USA markets.

cdumitru

Could someone please check on this VIN for me please - 4JGBB86EX8A401870

Thank you in advance

Rudeney

4JGBB86EX8A401870 is a MY2008 ML350 with M272 engine #892662. As expected for a MY2008, it's well beyond the affected range.

Smurfette

I was thinking of purchasing one of these cars in the next 24 hours and I want to avoid a potential headache.
I currently have a 98 SLK and it has been wonderful and I'm hoping that one of these cars will be as reliable as my old SLK.

Thank you!

WDBTJ56H16F180663 ('06 CLK 350)

and

WDBWK56F75F055951 ('05 SLK 350)

cdumitru

Thank you, I REALLY appreciate it! I nearly bought an 07, and I knew that was OK, and very last minute I bought an 2008 model without even paying attention to this matter. Thank you again, I appreciate it!

Rudeney

WDBTJ56H16F180663 has M272 engine #186728, which is within the affected range.
WDBWK56F75F055951 has M272 engine #035923, which is also within the affected range.

I believe you need to stay away from MY2005/2006 vehicles with the M272 engine as I am sure they will all be in the range. Look at a MY2007 - those only have a 50/50 chance. MY2008 is almost certain to be out of the affected range (but I'd still check "just in case").

Smurfette

This is from a 08 clk 350: WDBTJ56H28F238671

Besides the balance shaft, are there any other major issues with the CLK class?
Thank you so much for your help.

Rudeney

WDBTJ56H28F238671 has M272 engine #704218, which as expected for a MY2008, is beyond the affected range for balance shaft issues. That would be a good car - the CLK is pretty solid. Just make sure to do the regular service and maintenance (including the transmission fluid/filter change every 39k).

jessica1

Hi Rodney, I want to purchase 2007 Merecedes c280 4MATIC (76500) for $13,900. But afraid it might be affected in the balance shaft issue? Can you check VIN# WDBRF92H07F920682 ? Or do you have a link where I can go to check it?

chopperpilot

Jessica,
The engine number is 579534, which is beyond the range for the balance shaft problem.

StockSilverCLK

Would you be so kind as to run my VIN as well? It's WDBTJ72H17F210330, thank you!

todderobert

I am sorry, but I do not have the information to answer this question, but I am sure the folks on this site can help you. They have helped me amazingly to date.

Fatz

Rodney or Glyn will help you when they see the post.

chopperpilot

Stocksilver, Your 273 engine is #065650 which falls into the range for the balance shaft problem.

StockSilverCLK

Well that sucks... Thank you for the info though, I appreciate the help. What does this really mean, in actual terms? Just abandon hope and wonder how it made it to 61k miles because it's going down? Could it already be experiencing issues and I can't even tell?