The dreaded M272 Balance Shaft
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
2006 E350 4matic
P0015 P0025
Thank you for the document Konigstiger. On page 42 and 43 is it implied that the exhaust camshaft position of both banks A and B is dependent on the oxygen sensors of the catalytic converter? Or the items do not line up in which case I have still do not know what causes the exhaust cams to be over-retarded.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio USA
MB 2007 E350
120,000 on my 2007
New member here, looking forward to jumping into this forum. I realize this subject has been beaten to death, but I'd like some positive feedback (if any out there) on the M272 Balance Shaft failure 'epidemic'. I just purchased a 2006 e350 4matic with approx 64k on the odo. Not sure I would have purchased this car had I known about this balance shaft issue. Regardless, my question to fellow M272 members is: Is balance shaft failure inevitable? Are there any of you who are driving M272 powered benz'es who have NOT experienced this condition and if so, how many miles do you have on your ODO at this point? As stated, I've got 64k on my '06 e350 4matic and so far, so good. I know there are plenty of horror stories out there, but are there any out there that are immune to this point? Wondering if I should be driving around simply expecting this (balance shaft) to fail ... or if I stand a ballpark chance of escaping unscathed? Thanks for any/all replies.... and again, looking forward to MBWorld experience.
VIN: WDBUF56X67B117192
Engine: 27296430574064
I'll follow more on these threads and appreciate all the advice like so many others. Hopefully, my timing chain isn't stretched or damaged and it's just routine maintenance. Car runs great. 121,500 miles.
Trade in value here in the USA on these is horrible. Like $2,000.
Mike
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
2006 E350 4matic
I went over the document but perhaps I am missing something? I cannot understand what inputs would cause an exhaust camshaft to receive retard command. Or perhaps something else is at play, like the camshaft position plates having been re-used, or silicone blocking oil passage to cam adjuster (although issue does not seem to be viscosity improved). I do have more "knock" during acceleration and I am also uncertain on gasoline quality and reported octane rating. Is there a way to analyze when the exhaust camshafts are retarded? My mechanic said he feels it may be the chain. I think that a lengthened chain would also affect the intake camshaft on the driver's side bank, much like the balance shaft sprocket teeth missing, as both cases lengthen the chain, in effect?
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2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
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Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, Ca.
06 E350
You dont have the direct injection 302 hp 3.5 version, you have older 268 hp. motor
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
