Rudeney

Unfortunately, magnets won't solve the problem. You will only get P0016 or P0017 when the timing chain is not in the expected position, which will be due to either a defective timing chain or (likely in your case) a bad timing gear on the crankshaft. P0017 usually shows up first, then P0016. It may be intermittent at first, but eventually, even if you clear the errors, both will return almost immediately.

Alex225577

Rodney, I really appreciate your feedback. Even though it's bad news, now I know what to expect. You seem to be very knowledgeable about the issue. Is there a legitimate walkthrough on how the problem could be solved in terms of DIY? My best friend is a certified mechanic. Also, do you know of the part numbers needed to fix everything? I have read so many terrifying stories about the dealership not helping out and asking 4-7k to repair the vehicle...

Rudeney

I bought my CLK550 knowing that it had the problem (it was already throwing the codes). I got such a good deal on it, I was wiling to absorb the dealer's $4K quote for repair if MBUSA wouldn't "goodwill" it, or if I decided it was too much for me to tackle on my own. I did a lot of research on the actual repair for the V8, which is slightly easier than the V6.

On the V8, all that has to be replaced is the main timing gear bolted onto the front of the crankshaft, so theoretically, it can be done without removing the engine. In practice, the timing cover can't be removed with the oil pan in place, and it cannot be removed without lifting the engine several inches. By the time you do all the prep work to do that, you are then just "minutes" away from pulling the engine out completely. So, most mechanics do that to make the job easier. With your V6, the engine must be removed in order to do the job, and it is more complicated. Here's the basic WIS docs:

http://benzbits.com/M272/RemoveBalanceShaft.pdf
http://benzbits.com/M272/RemoveEngine.pdf
http://benzbits.com/M272/RemoveGuideRailPins.pdf
http://benzbits.com/M272/RemoveCamshaftAdjuster.pdf

There are several special tools needed and a good understanding of the timing system. I didn't include all the subdocuments, so if you get to the point of needing any of them, let me know.

Alex225577

Rodney, I can't thank you enough for providing me the info. I really hope our posts here would also benefit other mb owners with the same issue. What I also would like to find out is the part names and numbers needed for the repair. Possibly approximate cost of all the parts. I will try to get some skilled mechanics together and do it in about 2-3 weeks, when I get all the info, parts and availability of everyone. Thanks again

Rudeney

Alex, there is a rebuild kit mentioined in the TSB:

http://benzbits.com/BalanceShaftTSB.pdf

It's part number A2720300213. It's listed at $300 at parts.com:

http://www.parts.com/parts/index.cfm...earch&siteid=2

I think you also need a new timing chain tensioner, which runs about $100.

Before you go spending money on this, have you talked to your local MBZ dealer about this yet? If they don't seem interested in helping you work with MBUSA for a goodwill coverage, then I suggest contacting MBUSA customer service yourself. Go to the website and contact them via a message:

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/contact_us/overview

Send them a nice message asking for help. I did and they covered my repair.

Alex225577

Rodney,

Thanks again for being extra helpful with resolving my issue. I have been reading posts on this forum for about 3 years now, but only recently registered to seek help in resolving my issue. I could not even think that someone from here would take so much time and provide me so much useful professional advice and information...

I will consecutively follow all the steps that you have advised me of. Unfortunately, I am extremely busy nowadays and can't take care of everything in 1 day; so I will take 1 step at a time. Currently my mechanic is trying to negotiate with the dealer for me. If that does not work out, I will move to the steps you've provided.

I will post all the details of my progress here, as soon as I get updates. I love my clk and will do my best to resolve the issue with minimum financial damage.

Thank you so much

jjstenger

Could someone please tell me if my car is in the affected range?

VIN: WDBRF92H06F742643

Thank you!

Rudeney

WDBRF92H06F742643 has M272 engine #134761, which is within the affect range. Usual disclaimers apply - it seems that not all engine in the range have defective parts, it;s just that they know that range could have been built with defective parts. Just keep an eye on the MIL and check the codes - P0016/P0017 are the tell-tales.

Alex225577

So far my mechanic has spoken with MBZ dealership in Harrisburg, PA and they refused to help. Today I went to the dealership in Hagerstown, MD. These people seemed like they may be able to help me work with MB USA. I have scheduled to drop the car off on January the 3rd, so they can 'confirm' the balance shaft issue and go from there. They suggested that I will have the highest chances to obtain help from MBUSA at the beginning if the fiscal year. So I'm hoping to get lucky. I will post an update after January 3rd

Sugarmon

Can you check if my 2009 clk 350 is in the affected range..
WBDTJ56HX9F263920. Thanks

Rudeney

@Alex: Good luck! I still suggest you might contact MBUSA directly by sending a message on their website. The customer service managers who work the electronic communication are a different group than the regional reps that the dealers work with. Sometimes, coming in from different angles can make a difference.

@Sugarmon: Your engine is fine - it's serial # 31-061887 which is well beyond the affected range (as we would expect by MY2009). Of course it never hurts to be certain - enjoy your CLK!

Sugarmon

Thanks Rodney....

vsix

Would you also please check if mine is in the affected range?

CLK 550 2007

WDB2093721F229444

Thanx

Rudeney

WDB2093721F229444 has M273 engine #143098, which is beyond the affected range.

vsix

Thank you very much Rodney! Ill keep on this thang without any worries.

PhiGamm

Hey cam you check my vin too 05 clk 500 WDBTJ75J95F152155

Rudeney

I can tell you without looking - you have no problems with the balance shaft. Your CLK500 has an M113 engine. Those are not affected. It was only a problem with the M272 V6 engines (xx350, C280, C300) and the M273 V8's (xx550, GL450).

Dandaco

So my VIN is WDBTK72F38F238093 and the engine number is 27396730173149. Does this fall into the potential bad news category?

Jshood

Hi Rodney,

I'm looking at buying my wife an R350 this week. Could you check these two VIN numbers to see if the engine serials are within the range of the balance shaft issue?

4JGCB65E07A053280

4JGCB65E37A041057

Thanks & Merry Christmas!

Rudeney

M273 engine number 30-173149 is beyond the range for balance shaft (or in your case with the V8, timing gear) issues. You're good to go!

Rudeney

4JGCB65E07A053280 has M272 engine #535540 and is no worries for balance shaft issues.

4JGCB65E37A041057 has M272 engine #436625 and that is witin the affected range

Dandaco

thank you

Dandaco

Looking at a few 2009 E350 Sport models. Can someone tell me if the VIN WDBUF87X89B431011 falls into the potential balance shaft problem range. Apologies for posting a W211 related question in this thread?

Rudeney

WDBUF87X89B431011 has M272 engine #31-161958 - way beyond the range. I think it's safe to assume that bay MY2009, all the affected engines had been exhausted. Really, MY2008 should be safe, but I found one or two with affected engines, so better be safe than sorry and check.

Patton001

Could you check my clk 350?

WDBTK56G26T067679

Thanks, fingers xxx'd