The dreaded M272 Balance Shaft
#426
So...2007 and beyond for the E350? I really like this car... Also after the 134k mark, can it still be the balance shaft? Can the Poo16 be a smaller problem? I really like the car.
thanks all
thanks all
#427
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yes, there are people here who run into this problem when they have 160k. It's also possible it's a smaller problem, but most of the time it isn't. Could just be the sensor/magnets. But most people who report back say it isn't.
#428
So worst case scenario, If it is the balance shaft, what would you do?
1. Repair it at an independence shop?
2. Drive it until there are major issues?
3 swap it out with a non-affected engine?
Im really at a loss of what to do.
Thanks again
1. Repair it at an independence shop?
2. Drive it until there are major issues?
3 swap it out with a non-affected engine?
Im really at a loss of what to do.
Thanks again
#429
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
Likes: 1,507
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
As for what to do if it isn't, things aren't pretty. If you can't do it yourself, the cheapest would be at an independent mechanic. But make sure they know how to do it, someone also had a private shop do it and it didn't run quite right afterwards. You could keep driving it, but I think eventually it just won't start, you just have a few thousand miles before it stops completely, just the luck of the draw. As for replacing the engine, it's probably about the same cost, you'd have to get a 2007+ engine that didn't have the problem. But used engines are still in the $2000 range so it's probably about the same as taking it out and fixing it.
#430
It’s a small dealer I purchased the car from. I contacted him yesterday (Saturday) and which he agreed to speak on Monday. Saturday was the 15th day after the purchase, but the first day code P0016 came up. We will see what happens then.
Also, what impact would changing the cam sensors have on the situation? Would that clear the code and resolve any of the concern?
Thanks
Also, what impact would changing the cam sensors have on the situation? Would that clear the code and resolve any of the concern?
Thanks
#431
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
Likes: 1,507
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It’s a small dealer I purchased the car from. I contacted him yesterday (Saturday) and which he agreed to speak on Monday. Saturday was the 15th day after the purchase, but the first day code P0016 came up. We will see what happens then.
Also, what impact would changing the cam sensors have on the situation? Would that clear the code and resolve any of the concern?
Thanks
Also, what impact would changing the cam sensors have on the situation? Would that clear the code and resolve any of the concern?
Thanks
#432
Cetialpha5, you’ve been very helpful. Do you know if these 15 day warranties cover a situation like this?. It’s a known issue, but the car is still running.
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
#433
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 177
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53 (on order); 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Jimbo (post #422) is the best route you can take. If you don't do what's in the video to verify the mechanical positions of the cams - you'll never know 100% that it's the balance shaft. The codes do pop up in pairs (P0016 and 17 or 1200 / 1208). There is a note in the bulletin (attached) that states - "In rare cases, a stretched timing chain might be the reason for the DTC fault codes when the sprocket does not exhibit any signs of wear." That's why the check in the video is so important.
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Ronald12 (11-13-2017)
#434
HE PROBABLY RESET THE CODES AND THAT TURNED OFF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ITS THE BALANCE SHAFT NOT THE SENSORS, DONT LET YOURSELF THINK ITS THE SENSORS, A NON MOVING PART IS NOT THE CULPRIT, COMMON SENSE SAYS ITS A MOVING PART(BALANCE SHAFT) GOOD LUCK
WAS THE CHECK ENG LIGHT ON WHEN YOU BOUGHT IT?
WAS THE CHECK ENG LIGHT ON WHEN YOU BOUGHT IT?
Last edited by Shack1; 11-13-2017 at 11:56 PM.
#435
I’m going to try the example in the video...
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
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Shack1 (11-17-2017)
#436
I’m going to try the example in the video...
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
I was able to reset the codes with a cheap code reader and they came back in about 50 miles, sounds like thats what he did.
Last edited by Shack1; 11-13-2017 at 11:55 PM.
#437
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
Likes: 1,507
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Cetialpha5, you’ve been very helpful. Do you know if these 15 day warranties cover a situation like this?. It’s a known issue, but the car is still running.
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
But yes, clearing the codes is one way to get around it, but the way to find that out is with a code reader and checking the readiness status. If it's not ready, that's usually a clue that the codes have been reset. Usually you have to go through a bunch of different drive cycles before it's in a ready state after clearing codes.
#438
Not familiar with AZ law. How did it go with the dealer? Maybe you should say you're going to contact the attorney general or the state dealer licensing authority.
But yes, clearing the codes is one way to get around it, but the way to find that out is with a code reader and checking the readiness status. If it's not ready, that's usually a clue that the codes have been reset. Usually you have to go through a bunch of different drive cycles before it's in a ready state after clearing codes.
But yes, clearing the codes is one way to get around it, but the way to find that out is with a code reader and checking the readiness status. If it's not ready, that's usually a clue that the codes have been reset. Usually you have to go through a bunch of different drive cycles before it's in a ready state after clearing codes.
#439
I’m going to try the example in the video...
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
No , the check engine light was not on at the time of purchase...I wouldn’t have bought it. It ran fine on the test drive and still does. I’m obviously concerned about the horror stories of the P0016 code.
Thanks for all your replies
#440
Cetialpha5, you’ve been very helpful. Do you know if these 15 day warranties cover a situation like this?. It’s a known issue, but the car is still running.
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
The car was sold “as is” , but I guess there is the 15 day warranty....does this fit the criteria? Just wondering what to expect or ask for when we speak.
Thanks again
#441
The dealer gave a me $2000 back on my purchase. As I said earlier, it’s a small dealer , so I was able to negotiate a small deal. I will save that money and hope for the best. I really like the car , and if I need to make that repair, I’m halfway there.
#443
I still think that dealer pulled a fast one and reset the code before he sold the car.
just found out today that the service agent I was dealing with is no longer there now I feel like I have no history with my local MB dealer even though they have my records
Now I am dreading the next big issue with this car the SBC unit since the recall only extended to 10 year warranty which the car is when you’re out of.
Good luck with the car but The chances it’s the balance shaft are very good
#444
So Shack were there any symptoms of the camshaft before your repair? How did you realize? Did it throw codes and if so, which one(s)?
After the repair could you tell the difference in performance in the car? How many miles were on your car?
Thanks
After the repair could you tell the difference in performance in the car? How many miles were on your car?
Thanks
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SilverCLK280 (09-25-2022)
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#447
Confirmed with diagnosis at the dealer $180, which was later applied to the repair.
Now the car does seam to have a slight bit better acceleration, might be due to resetting the computer and trans but
now the milage is a little poorer, lol.
Good luck but be prepared to have this repair done, otherwise you will not pass smog with a check engine light.
#449
Decided to look for another one, too risky, mileage was 75,000 miles price £5,650
looked at the mot “only a month ago” and the advise was engine light on, it’s wasn’t on when I test drove the car but it’s not to say that it’s just been reset, car was very clean and very smooth, but would be nervous.
seen another one, engine number 272940 30 849881, I think this is out of the trouble range
looked at the mot “only a month ago” and the advise was engine light on, it’s wasn’t on when I test drove the car but it’s not to say that it’s just been reset, car was very clean and very smooth, but would be nervous.
seen another one, engine number 272940 30 849881, I think this is out of the trouble range
#450
Decided to look for another one, too risky, mileage was 75,000 miles price £5,650
looked at the mot “only a month ago” and the advise was engine light on, it’s wasn’t on when I test drove the car but it’s not to say that it’s just been reset, car was very clean and very smooth, but would be nervous.
seen another one, engine number 272940 30 849881, I think this is out of the trouble range
looked at the mot “only a month ago” and the advise was engine light on, it’s wasn’t on when I test drove the car but it’s not to say that it’s just been reset, car was very clean and very smooth, but would be nervous.
seen another one, engine number 272940 30 849881, I think this is out of the trouble range
According to the dealer, where do I find the engine number?
Why are you so set on a Merc?
Last edited by Shack1; 11-19-2017 at 04:33 PM.