M272 engine #570044 - beyond the problem range.

The M273 "balance shaft" issue is through serial number 88611, so that one (173849) is well beyond it. And the model years are the same - all MY2006 M273s will be in the range, and half the My2007s. Oh, and technically, there's no balance shaft, just an idler sprocket, but the same problem and position on the timing chain as the V6.

Just bought a C230 Sport. Seemed like a great deal. Gulp. WDBRF52H37A947008. Am I in the range?

You have M272 engine #514600 - it's beyond the range for balance shaft failure.

WDBUF56J36A976532 Verdict? Thumbs up or down? :drum roll:

it's a MY2006 E350 - all MY2006s with the M272 V6 (xx280, xx300, xx350) or M273 V8 (xx450, xx550) will be "in the range" for potential balance shaft failure. only MY2007 needs to be checked as it was halfway through that year's build where the problem was discovered and resolved. MY2008+ is fine.

Figured I'd ask on ours:

VIN: WDBTJ65J35F126628

Thanks much,
-Nigel

Your CLK320 has the M112 engine - it's fine. The balance shaft problems only affect the M272 V6 (xx230, xx280, xx300, xx350) and M272 V8 (xx450, xx550) engines built from MY2005 through halfway in MY2007.

WDBRF92H57F873939 Can you guys tell me if my sisters car is in the range?

Plus I know it does not have the adapter plate for the bluetooth module in the center armrest but it does have wires going into it? she has a MHI Bluetooth module she bought when she got the car but the dealer quoted her so much it get it running she never bothered? I used to do radios in my vehicles so if is just a wiring issue I can fix that however if it all of the costly additional parts forget it.

Her car has M272 engine #477133, which is beyond the balance shaft problem range (it ended with #468993). It may still have camshaft solenoid (cam magnet) problems, but that's easy/cheap.

As for the cell phone interface, the few loose wires in the center console are about $1200 short of getting that MHI Bluetooth puck to work. My advice is to go aftermarket. Look at http://www.mcar.us I put this in my CLK and am happy with it.

Hi Rodney,
Could you please check for me whether my car is affected by the camshaft problem. My car is an E350 manufactured 08/2007.
VIN : WDB2110562B229725.
Thank you.
Minh

You have M272 engine #738781 - well beyond the balance shaft problem range (and as expected with that build date).

Thank you so much Rodney. You are so kind and great That's a huge weight relieved for me.
Cheers
Minh

looking at slk 280.. is this vehicle susceptible to balance shaft issues. The VIN is WDBWK54F67F142827. Thank-you

Hi Rodney,
Could you please help me with my old ML 320 built in April/2001. VIN:1631542A272716.
I noticed the SRS light has been lighted in the last few months.
The car is otherwise running well with no issue noted.
Could you please tell me what's wrong? and is it easy to fix. How to fix it? and roughly how much does it cost ?
Thank you .
Minh

That one has M272 engine #439628 - it's in the range for potential failure.

You have an M112 engine which is not subject to the defects that caused balance shaft failure as with the M272/M273 engines. I would get codes read and go from there. Since this is not balance shaft related, You probably want to start a new thread, and you should put that in the W163 forum. I'm glad to help if I can, but I don't frequent that forum, so once you get the codes read and post a thread there, PM me and I'll hop over and take a look!

Can some check this vin
4JGBB86E36A035313
2006 ml350
Thank in advance!

Hi Rodney, can you please the VIN number on my 2009 C350 WDDGF56X39R43616. Thank you!

Please check this VIN for issues-----2009 E350 vin# WDBUF56X99B409938

No need to check VINs on these! All MY2006's with the M272 engine (xx2300, xx280, xs300,xx350) will be "in the range" for potential balance shaft failure. Anything MY2008 or later will be beyond the range. The only engines we need to check are MY2007 as it was halfway through that build when the problem was realized and rectified.

Could you see if my '07 is in the range?

WDBUF56X27B0979975

Thanks.

Is that VIN actually WDBUF56X27B097975? If so, it's M272 engine #544363 , which is beyond the balance shaft trouble range.

Hi Rudeney,

Thank you for providing such an invaluable service to this site.

Can you help me with my vin? 4JGBB86E26A053155

*fingers crossed*

Thank you!

Can you please help me see if this car has that balance shaft issue I'm about to buy and I'm trying to do all my home work on it before I purchase. I will also like to get help in getting a VMI if any one can help or guide me where to get it I Will appreciate it.. Thx

WDDNG71X47A136700