The dreaded M272 Balance Shaft
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix,AZ
2007 E320 Bluetec and 2008 C350
Hello, can someone check the vin/ engine number for this 2007 E350? Checking for the potential camshaft failure. Also does this model have the SBC issue?
Thanks
WDBUF56X07B182992
Thanks
WDBUF56X07B182992
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
From what I see, your engine number is 272964 30 666318. Affected engines went up to 30 468993, so you ought to be okay. By the way, you said cam shaft, and this is for balance shaft, but I think that is what you meant.
MB stopped putting SBC brakes in cars in 2006, so if yours is a 2007 you don't have them.
MB stopped putting SBC brakes in cars in 2006, so if yours is a 2007 you don't have them.
Last edited by jimbo1763; Dec 9, 2017 at 07:44 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
My 2007 E350 is going strong at 181,000 miles. I have taken good care of it. Mine did have to have the balance shaft replaced.
Ask if the conductor plate has been changed on the transmission-that is a weak point on a lot of these (mine included). The symptoms are the car hanging in a gear too long and then sudden unexpected shifting. It is about a $1200-1500 repair.
Also check for regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes every 40K miles. Not sure if you are 4Matic-if so, the same applies to the transfer case.
I assume you are looking at the car-get a thorough prepurchase inspection done, and check the service records. Regular stuff.
Ask if the conductor plate has been changed on the transmission-that is a weak point on a lot of these (mine included). The symptoms are the car hanging in a gear too long and then sudden unexpected shifting. It is about a $1200-1500 repair.
Also check for regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes every 40K miles. Not sure if you are 4Matic-if so, the same applies to the transfer case.
I assume you are looking at the car-get a thorough prepurchase inspection done, and check the service records. Regular stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
My 2007 E350 is going strong at 181,000 miles. I have taken good care of it. Mine did have to have the balance shaft replaced.
Ask if the conductor plate has been changed on the transmission-that is a weak point on a lot of these (mine included). The symptoms are the car hanging in a gear too long and then sudden unexpected shifting. It is about a $1200-1500 repair.
Also check for regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes every 40K miles. Not sure if you are 4Matic-if so, the same applies to the transfer case.
I assume you are looking at the car-get a thorough prepurchase inspection done, and check the service records. Regular stuff.
Ask if the conductor plate has been changed on the transmission-that is a weak point on a lot of these (mine included). The symptoms are the car hanging in a gear too long and then sudden unexpected shifting. It is about a $1200-1500 repair.
Also check for regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes every 40K miles. Not sure if you are 4Matic-if so, the same applies to the transfer case.
I assume you are looking at the car-get a thorough prepurchase inspection done, and check the service records. Regular stuff.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...or/2035400253/
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Hard to tell. We looked the car up in the MB VMI and the last service record at an MB dealership was 2013 with no mention of the repair. I know the car belonged to an owner of a Chrysler dealer so it's possible the car was serviced elsewhere. I've got an OBDII scanner coming tomorrow so, I may scan the car and see if any codes pop. It's also got new air bags too so somebody has been doing some work on it. It's really clean inside and out but, I am not sure if I am willing to risk $8k if I cannot verify the repair .
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
You can just replace the electrical connector when doing the transmission fluid. I just did mine and it was starting to go. It ends up leaking oil from the wires and that ruins the plate. If you get it early enough, the plate will be fine, I think the connector is only around $7.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...or/2035400253/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...or/2035400253/
Had the connector replaced with each fluid change, still needed a plate (input speed sensor) at about 135K miles
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Hard to tell. We looked the car up in the MB VMI and the last service record at an MB dealership was 2013 with no mention of the repair. I know the car belonged to an owner of a Chrysler dealer so it's possible the car was serviced elsewhere. I've got an OBDII scanner coming tomorrow so, I may scan the car and see if any codes pop. It's also got new air bags too so somebody has been doing some work on it. It's really clean inside and out but, I am not sure if I am willing to risk $8k if I cannot verify the repair .
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
E350
Hello, I’m new to the forum and wanted to see if someone could tell me if my engine was affected with the balance shaft issue? I just picked up my car from repair and was told it needed replaced. 272964 30 314192 is my engine number. I have an 06 E350.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Your engine is in the affected range. But not all cars within that range have the problem. Are you having your check engine light coming on and has someone read the codes for you?
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
E350
Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I just had it checked and the check engine light was on when I dropped it off at the mechanic. From what I was told is there are codes for the timing chain and that according to mercedes there’s been no repair to the balance shaft and that was likely it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Hello, I’m new to the forum and wanted to see if someone could tell me if my engine was affected with the balance shaft issue? I just picked up my car from repair and was told it needed replaced. 272964 30 314192 is my engine number. I have an 06 E350.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I just had it checked and the check engine light was on when I dropped it off at the mechanic. From what I was told is there are codes for the timing chain and that according to mercedes there’s been no repair to the balance shaft and that was likely it.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
S550
Hello, I’m new to the forum and wanted to see if someone could tell me if my engine was affected with the balance shaft issue? I just picked up my car from repair and was told it needed replaced. 272964 30 314192 is my engine number. I have an 06 E350.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Last edited by axl_rose; Dec 12, 2017 at 03:52 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
E350
Mileage is approximately 133,695. I’ve owned the car since 09/2012 and purchased it from original owner. The codes provided to me are as follows:
P0060
P0272
P0856 - Fixed thermostat
P1200
“Directly from invoice “likely there is a problem with the timing chain or balance shaft timing gear. Cleared the dtc’s and they did not reset at this time. Balance shaft does not appear to have been done via records with MB”
P0060
P0272
P0856 - Fixed thermostat
P1200
“Directly from invoice “likely there is a problem with the timing chain or balance shaft timing gear. Cleared the dtc’s and they did not reset at this time. Balance shaft does not appear to have been done via records with MB”
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
S550
Mileage is approximately 133,695. I’ve owned the car since 09/2012 and purchased it from original owner. The codes provided to me are as follows:
P0060
P0272
P0856 - Fixed thermostat
P1200
“Directly from invoice “likely there is a problem with the timing chain or balance shaft timing gear. Cleared the dtc’s and they did not reset at this time. Balance shaft does not appear to have been done via records with MB”
P0060
P0272
P0856 - Fixed thermostat
P1200
“Directly from invoice “likely there is a problem with the timing chain or balance shaft timing gear. Cleared the dtc’s and they did not reset at this time. Balance shaft does not appear to have been done via records with MB”
Fault codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, and 0276. These fault codes could be recorded as current in the ECU fault memory. If current or pending these codes are caused by a malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoid. If you have these codes you should check for oil leak at camshaft adjustment solenoid.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
All showing invalid, enter correct VINs here: https://www.datamb.com/ 272 clean point 30 468993 >, 273 30 088611 >.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix,AZ
2007 E320 Bluetec and 2008 C350
Vin numbers
All showing invalid, enter correct VINs here: https://www.datamb.com/ 272 clean point 30 468993 >, 273 30 088611 >.
Thanks again
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
E350
Fault Code: P1200 or P1208 Pending or Stored
Fault codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, and 0276. These fault codes could be recorded as current in the ECU fault memory. If current or pending these codes are caused by a malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoid. If you have these codes you should check for oil leak at camshaft adjustment solenoid.
Fault codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, and 0276. These fault codes could be recorded as current in the ECU fault memory. If current or pending these codes are caused by a malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoid. If you have these codes you should check for oil leak at camshaft adjustment solenoid.
I received a call today from corporate basically telling me my engine was not affected by the balance shaft issue and that they will not offer a good will repair on the balance shaft.
Any other suggestions that may get them to budge?
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
I had the it checked for oil leakage st the camshaft and there was nothing. I had it confirmed with the MB dealer that my balance shaft needs to be replaced. I brought up the class action and the service manager said I needed to speak with corporate.
I received a call today from corporate basically telling me my engine was not affected by the balance shaft issue and that they will not offer a good will repair on the balance shaft.
Any other suggestions that may get them to budge?
