The dreaded M272 Balance Shaft
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
I got myself some Liqui Moly 0-40 synthetic and a nice MAHLE filter to see if it changes anything based on the cold/oil viscosity theory. Will try during next oil change. Could also be the wiring harness I understand, as I have never seen wires this bad on any other vehicle that crack and break... so not funny
I have a case of magnets due to a shipping error by MB, but have to find then since I moved.
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
The car is supposed to be out of the range of the problem.
I have not pulled the sensor and checked the markers. Is there a good write-up on that?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
2006 E350 4matic
there is an MB video:
I turn the engine a couple of times by hand on the crank completely, then set crank to TDC plus 35 degrees. Markings on the crankshaft pulley may be different a bit but similar enough to identify. All sensors need to be out and all 4 camshaft hall markers must be in center of holes if all is well. If not, balance shaft, stretched chain or a gear issue or marker on camshafts, depending. If the car is out of balance shaft issue range, and BOTH intake and exhaust markers are messed up on the passenger's side while driver's side are BOTH perfectly aligned, change chain and retest. The exhaust cams are gear driven from the intake cam, so even more stuff could be happening there with the P0015
I turn the engine a couple of times by hand on the crank completely, then set crank to TDC plus 35 degrees. Markings on the crankshaft pulley may be different a bit but similar enough to identify. All sensors need to be out and all 4 camshaft hall markers must be in center of holes if all is well. If not, balance shaft, stretched chain or a gear issue or marker on camshafts, depending. If the car is out of balance shaft issue range, and BOTH intake and exhaust markers are messed up on the passenger's side while driver's side are BOTH perfectly aligned, change chain and retest. The exhaust cams are gear driven from the intake cam, so even more stuff could be happening there with the P0015
Last edited by vpipis; Jan 28, 2019 at 10:25 AM.
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
Thanks.
If the codes keep coming back, I will dig in deeper, but right now, I would think that since the codes are random and related to cold temps, I am thinking I will start with a pair of magnets.
If the codes keep coming back, I will dig in deeper, but right now, I would think that since the codes are random and related to cold temps, I am thinking I will start with a pair of magnets.
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 85
Likes: 5
Mercedes C32
Hey guys, thread necromancy here...
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Hey guys, thread necromancy here...
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Hey guys, thread necromancy here...
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
looking at pulling the trigger on a e350 2005/6, well looked after, service books etc....
has 190000kms on it......
guy wants about R65000-00 / usd 4300
he reckons in the 13 years he has owned it he hasnt had a major repair on it? are there e350s with this engine out there that dont have the balance shaft issues?
Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
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Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 159
Likes: 53
Mercedes-Benz S430, S500, S600, and E320 CDI
Also make sure you get the 5-speed transmission. Replacing the speed sensor (and thus the conductor plate) on a 7-speed transmission is a dealer-only affair, whereas with the 5-speed, you can do it yourself.
Any version of the M112 or M113 engine family is a good choice.
I wouldn't worry too much about SBC. Yes, it's a US $1100 repair if it's out of warranty. But it's not a US $8000 repair like that balance shaft problem is.
Any version of the M112 or M113 engine family is a good choice.
I wouldn't worry too much about SBC. Yes, it's a US $1100 repair if it's out of warranty. But it's not a US $8000 repair like that balance shaft problem is.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Also make sure you get the 5-speed transmission. Replacing the speed sensor (and thus the conductor plate) on a 7-speed transmission is a dealer-only affair, whereas with the 5-speed, you can do it yourself.
Any version of the M112 or M113 engine family is a good choice.
I wouldn't worry too much about SBC. Yes, it's a US $1100 repair if it's out of warranty. But it's not a US $8000 repair like that balance shaft problem is.
Any version of the M112 or M113 engine family is a good choice.
I wouldn't worry too much about SBC. Yes, it's a US $1100 repair if it's out of warranty. But it's not a US $8000 repair like that balance shaft problem is.
local shop.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
I'm not sure you understand what "user serviceable" means.
Also 4matic E350s got the 5spd 722.6 so you're wrong on both counts.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
If If you can’t understand my other post about being user serviceable there’s no hope for you goodbye
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
There are differences between nations and configurations, and between what various people may consider user serviceable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
Look it up again. ALL W211 E350 and E550 4matics used the 5 speed 722.6.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Again the 722.9 conductor plate is NOT user serviceable. It needs to be coded to the car by the manufacturer. The 722.6 is conductor plate doesn't. The 722.9 conductor plate it is far more difficult and expensive to service than the 722.6. The 722.9 is NOT a DIY transmission by any stretch.
Look it up again. ALL W211 E350 and E550 4matics used the 5 speed 722.6.
Look it up again. ALL W211 E350 and E550 4matics used the 5 speed 722.6.
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
Why are you trying to be so combative. Just because you feel the trans is not user serviceable doesnt mean its not.
Bottom line is DONT by an 2006 E350 or any 2006 with that motor. Hope we can all agree on that?
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
2006 E350 4Matic Wagon
Hey newbie 801, I own a 2006 E350 4matic wagon. I purchased it about 4 1/2 years ago with 167k on the odo. I had done my research on the balance shaft and came to the conclusion that I was in the clear due to the fact that most of the issues occurred from 60 to 80k miles. Mt engine has the serial number that is in the affected range. At 180k the CEL came on and the codes were P0017, P0016. I pulled the cam sensors and found that the balance shaft was failing because the serial numbers visible when you remove the sensors were not in the center of the hole. I currently have 236k miles on this engine with no problems except my fuel pump just went out last week. I live in a state that requires an emission OBDII pass inspection, so every year I have to get a waiver from the DMV so I can get my registration renewed. I have done a lot of research on this issue and what I have discovered is the MBUSA knew about this issue early in 2006. They did not have the integrity to on it and issue a recall. Instead they decided to let the consumer purchase these cars and roll the dice. A lawsuit was filed and MBUSA beat around the bush for several years and finally settled the suit at which time my car was out of the range to be satisfied by the settlement. I still drive the car because I can't sell it because of the CEL without giving the car away. I plan on replacing the balance shaft this spring. I think that I have figured out a way to do it without removing the engine. I drive 85 miles a day round trip to work and home so the miles will keep racking up untill I tear into this mess.
