Rudeney

Yes, all MY2006 CLK350's (or any MY2006 car with an M272 or M273 engine) will be in the range for balance shaft failure.

blkeydtxn

Thanks Rodney.

I have been reading up on this issue and the mileage was over 100K before it started running rough. Hopefully my engine has one from a batch that was correctly heat treated.

Rudeney

There are usually no performance symptoms of balance shaft failure - just codes that will illuminate the MIL (P0017 and P0016, a.k.a. DTC 1208 and 1200).

C280 Sport

Does a 2009 CLK550 fall into the balance shaft issue range?

Vin number is WDBTJ72H39F263808

Rudeney

No. It was resolved halfway through the MY2007 build, so that's why only MY2007's need to be checked. Any M272/M273 before that is in the range for potential failure, anything after is OK.

MrMiky

Hello,
Just recently got a 2007 CLK 350. more of a gift from a family friend tbh. it has 160K on it. Has no codes, or check engine etc. runs great, but I am scared reading all the issues mb has. I have always thought mb's would be tough cars, that just needed serious maintenance. However I am deciding if its worth keeping it, or selling it. for now I am just driving my Toyota, and the car is packed in the garage lol


the vin is WDBTJ56H07F221804


thank you!!

Rudeney

WDBTJ56H07F221804 has M272 #560110, which is beyond the balance shaft problem range.

MrMiky

Thank you so much! I have read almost every page of this thread. As a newbie would you advise I keep it? And if so what kind of maintenance would you suggest at a mileage of 160K

Rudeney

Just get the maintenance manual and follow the schedules. At that mileage, I would watch for catalytic converter failure - nothing you can do about it, it's just the lifespan of the catalyst.

MrMiky

Thanks!!

Is that an expensive job? And would you advise on keeping the car still, or getting rid of it

Rudeney

I would keep it, of course, but then again, I DIY everything, and I know these cars pretty well. In terms of regular maintenance costs, it's going to be a bit more expensive than the Toyota, but it's not terrible, especially if you DIY. Of course there are always the "unscheduled" maintenance issues, and some of those can be expensive, but luckily they are rare. If you are going to rely on a shop for all your work, it is going to cost you to keep it.

MrMiky

thanks I think I will keep it, I do most if not all of the maintenance on my car as of now. I already bought the service repair manual on ebay, and I have the manual too.. in that case I would be relying on this forum in the even things happen, I hope not though


thanks again

randy993

I've recently purchased a 07 ML 350 with vin 4jbb86e47a201095. I believe that it is past the problem area, but would like for you to check.
TIA,
Randy

Rudeney

Did you leave out a digit in the VIN? Is it maybe 4JGBB86E47A201095? If so, it has M272 engine #486328 which is beyond the balance shaft problem range (it was through #468993).

randy993

Thank you Rodney. That's reassuring to know. Are these pretty solid trucks? It has 99k miles and was serviced at the same MB dealer since new. Did these engines also have issues with the timing chains streaching?
Randy

Rudeney

Hi Randy, the biggest worry I'd have with that ML is the transmission. The 722.9 7GTRONIC units made prior to 2008-2009 tend to be more problematic. It will almost surely need a new conductor plate (dealer-only job, about $1400). Also, the torque converters and fluid pump bearings are more likely to fail than later versions. i don't want to scare you, because there are hundred of thousands of these transmissions going strong, but it's just "more likely" than the later versions.

Other than that, the W164 used "parts bin" components, so it will be no more or less problematic than any other MBZ of the same era. Most of the electronics are based on the W204 C-class, which are proven to be fairly reliable. Just expect the usual maintenance and occasional "unscheduled" repair as with any MBZ.

ICTM

Apologies for my first post being a request.....
I am thinking of buying a 2007 SLK 280 Edition 10. The VIN is WDB1714542F168744. The car is a UK spec and until doing a web search I had no idea of the issues that some of these engines had. Is this car within the range that may have these issues ?
Many thanks.

Rudeney

WDB1714542F168744 has M272 engine #637707 - well beyond the range for balance shaft problems.

ICTM

Thanks very much for your help

c230-07-joe

hi Rudeney
i recently bought a c230 2007 vin WDBRF52H27F869534..can anyone pls vin check for me cause car is only 103k and it has a miss fire. i changed passenger side magnets no luck.
Thanks

Rudeney

WDBRF52H27F869534 had M272 #468958, which is just barely within the range for potential balance shaft failure (it was through #468993). Misfire codes do not indicate balance shaft failure - those are usually due to bad plugs or coils. I'd find out which cylinder throws the code, and swap coils to see if it follows the coil or cylinder. If it stays with the cylinder, then swap spark plugs. Balance shaft failure will be DTCs 1200 and 1208 (P0017 and P0016, respectively).

c230-07-joe

hi Rudeney
so i took it to a mechanic today, codes 1200 and 1208 came up....misfire on 2nd and 3rd cylinders on the passenger side. He cleared the codes, and it drove like brand new.I got home put in two new plugs on those same cylinders and swapped the coils no luck. Mechanic said he can do the balance shaft for 3000. This is so sad as car is only 103000km. Is there another way to test coils?

Rudeney

Get the balance shaft issue fixed before diagnosing the misfires. Although it's sad that MB did not stand behind their cars with this problem, I will say that $3K is a fair price to pay for this work. Just make sure the shop is reputable and also that they are VERY careful to properly mat the engine back to the transmission. Problems there can damage the flywheel, transmission fluid pump and possibly the torque converter. I know that because my dealer who did my CLK under "goodwill" wasn't careful and I found out three year later when the flywheel almost fell apart.

simmer

Can someone please check this 2005 vin #? I am looking to maybe purchase.

WDBTK75G25T052644

Rudeney

No balance shaft worries on the CLK500 - that uses an M113 engine. Only the M272 (xx280, xx300, xx350) and M273 )xx450, xx550) engines are a concern.