4JGBB86E39A528350 has M272 engine #31-224499. As expected with a MY2009, it's far beyond the affected range for balance shaft problems.

And just a note - I usually post engine serial numbers as six digits, but they are actually eight digits. The first series of M272 and M273 engines started with a "30" prefix and its those 30-000000 to 30-468993 (for the M272 V6) or 30-000000 to 30-088611 (for the M273 V8) that are affected.

thanks Rodney,
I've been trying to use that Russian website but it doesn't always work...

Try this one:

http://www.auto-parts.spb.ru/cat/cat...&client=dr2000

I just put your VIN in and it has the data card.

I typically check VINs with EPC, which I have as part of SDS/WIS installed on my computer. My copy is good through MY2010.

Rodney, you are the man.

I'm looking at a 2006 E350 with 62K miles, vin WDBUF56JX6A809584. Would you please let me know if this is in the range of balance shaft issues?

Thank you very much.

WDBUF56JX6A809584 Yep - it's MY2006 so it will be in range for potential balance shaft failure. M272 engine #081542.

Thank you so much. You just saved me from purchasing a $12K paper weight.

Just keep in mind, not all in the range will fail, but my advice is when buying why take a chance? Find one not in the range and sleep easier at night.

Does WDBTK56G46T070907 fall in the potential engine issue

Hi Rodney, Can you pls check this one. 2007 CLK 550

WDBTK72F47F222404

Thanks!!

Found the motor number. Thx again

273967 30 120671

Just sold the G500 and planning on buying a 2008 R350. Can you please check if VIN 4JGCB65E48AO81634 is affected?

Thanks so much.

That car has M272 engine #332004 which is in the range for potential balance shaft failure.

That engine is beyond the affected range (M273 problems end at #88611)

I can't get that VIN to pull up - maybe there is a digit wrong? But by MY2008, you should be fine - the problem was caught back in lat 20006, before the MY2008' went into production.

4JGCB65E48A081634. I made a mistake. The character between A & 8 is zero not letter O. Please try again. Thanks a bunch.

Please also check:
4JGCB65E28A078764 It's a MY2008. Thanks.

rodney, thx!!

Considering purchasing CLK350 with this VIN WDBTJ56JX6F196167 for my wife. Please check. Thanks!

M272 #887775 - beyond the range for balance shaft failure.

M272 #845681 - also beyond the range.

The problem was identified and rectified in calendar year 2006, when they were about halfway through the MY2007. Very rarely does MBZ begin production two "model years" ahead, i.e. they would not have been building MY2008s during calendar year 2006. However, during new model introductions or even major facelifts, they do sometimes build "pre-production" models early. These vehicles are not normally sold to customers. They are usually destroyed, but I think sometimes, they fall into the "black market". I have heard of one MY2008 with an engine in the range, and I believe it was such a situation.

Yes, all MY2006'ws will be in the affected range - this one has M272 #321237.

Thank you Rodney!

What about VIN 4JGCB65EX6A028031 ?

4JGCB65EX6A028031 is a MY2006 so yes, its M272 engine #3378808 is within the range for potential failure.

I just bought a 2007 CLK550 with the VIN# WDBTK72F47T077396. Is this car affected...???

WDBTK72F47T077396 has M273 engine #758854 which is in the range for potential balance shaft (or for the V8, timing chain idler sprocket) failure.