The dreaded M272 Balance Shaft
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
So, I'm told today that this (balance shaft) needs replacing/fixing I wanted to know if mine is on the "affected" list WDBUF56JX6A799820
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
1998 C200 & 1984 190E
big lebovsky, for an 2008 ml350 like yours, i take that to mean the tenth digit on the Vin is an 8 correct? but the vehicle was made in 2007, and your engine is safe? not affected. I need all info i can get on this before i take a step.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
MBUSA Bulletin LI03.30-P-050027 "Implementation of series measure changing material for balance shaft sprocket as of engine 2729xx30 468993 as of October 2006 production Implementation of series measure changing material for timing chain guide wheel as of engine 2739xx30 088611 as of September 2006 production."
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Beware of trying to generalize the issue to a model year. My 2007 E350 was manufactured in July of 2006, and I got hit with a balance shaft issue at about 70,000 miles.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Alabama, Roll Tide
2006 e350
I want to know if there is any chance that MBUS would be willing to fix this? I feel like they should...as I'm sure those with the affected models would. I cannot put 6k in this vehicle now or in the future and that is the estimate from the dealer. What is MBUS suggesting people do about this if anything? I'm feeling a little like it's a lose/lose situation and I'm the loser...So basically I'm stuck with a car that I can't in clear conscience sell to an unknowing buyer but if I disclose the problem, I can't get anything for the car...
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
w211 Facelift E350
Not Effected! never felt so good!
I bought a Saks Fifth Avenue Edition E350 2007 and just checked on the engine and turns out its not effected you have no idea how happy this made me for the past 3 weeks of owning this car I have been loosing my dam mind over this my check engine light came on and I took it into fletcher jones in newport beach and they quoted 426 for the replacement of two cam sensors. Ever since the car has been running great it has a mild vibration in the steering wheel at idle but I think thats to do with the motor mounts if anyone has this issue please shed some light Id love to get rid of the vibration other than that the car is beautiful btw it has 62,000 miles right now.
Thanks!
My Vin
WDBUF56X77B067547
and my engine number
Engine 272964 30 498844
im clear right?
Thanks!
My Vin
WDBUF56X77B067547
and my engine number
Engine 272964 30 498844
im clear right?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Miami
2008 ML 350
correct, my VIN 10th digit is 8, not affected by balance shaft issue, but affected by faulty magnets (engines up to 272...... 759 427)
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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
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
w211 Facelift E350
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 714
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, GA
2005- E55, 2007 GL450, 94 B3000
I want to know if there is any chance that MBUS would be willing to fix this? I feel like they should...as I'm sure those with the affected models would. I cannot put 6k in this vehicle now or in the future and that is the estimate from the dealer. What is MBUS suggesting people do about this if anything? I'm feeling a little like it's a lose/lose situation and I'm the loser...So basically I'm stuck with a car that I can't in clear conscience sell to an unknowing buyer but if I disclose the problem, I can't get anything for the car...
Where in AL are you?
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
SLK 280
Are there any other people on here in the UK that has had this issue?
I have recently purchased an SLK 280 and have now been told that balance shaft needs replacing at a cost of £5000+
Car is 2007 and only 22,000 miles
Repair represents almost half the cost of the car :-(
Rob
I have recently purchased an SLK 280 and have now been told that balance shaft needs replacing at a cost of £5000+
Car is 2007 and only 22,000 miles
Repair represents almost half the cost of the car :-(
Rob
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Cars
Can someone please check for me too!
Hi, would you guys be able to help me out? I wanted to purchase a 2005 C240 4Matic, would anyone be kind enough to check if this VIN WDBRF81J95F702333 has either of the issues. I believe one issue is the balance shaft failure and then their is one more failure due to a defective part quality which I cant recall on what it was.
Can anyone tell me if any issues are with the VIN WDBRF81J95F702333, Thank You!
Can anyone tell me if any issues are with the VIN WDBRF81J95F702333, Thank You!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
'83 240D 142K, '06 E350 4MATIC 62K
Should have read this before I purchased!
Bought a really nice, well maintained 2006 E350 4MATIC with only 55K miles about 10 months ago. It now has 62K miles and this balance shaft issue I'm reading about is making me nervous. I did purchase an extended warranty up to an additional 60K miles or 4 years (whichever comes first) and have used it already to replace some sensors (speed, steering angle). I've also had to replace one of the batteries (It has 2, so I've been informed) and had a front brake job done.
Although I love the car and have an extended warranty, I'm leaning towards trading it in for something else. In such a short period of time it seems it spends a lot of time at the shop!
Any thoughts?
I believe my vehicle falls within the affected range but if anybody can confirm that would be greatly appreciated
My VIN is WDBUF87J96X183636
Thanks!!
Although I love the car and have an extended warranty, I'm leaning towards trading it in for something else. In such a short period of time it seems it spends a lot of time at the shop!
Any thoughts?
I believe my vehicle falls within the affected range but if anybody can confirm that would be greatly appreciated
My VIN is WDBUF87J96X183636
Thanks!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
We are not worthy!! 
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
01 Nissan Maxima
I just got the bad news $6,500 for the balance shaft fix, they did offer 10% off, OMG what a joke, 10% off. I am not sure what to do next, my car is in pristine condition but with 137K I am not sure how to proceed. Should I try to take it to auction? suggestions please.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
01 Nissan Maxima
I might garage it awhile to save up some cash before deciding my next step. I have a fully loaded 1991 Mustang GT convertible I have been using but I hate to keep wracking up miles as it only has 108K original miles:
It currently runs so I might try to trade it in somewhere.
I might try to get into a C class lease if MB offers me a decent trade in value on my E350 but I am hesitant to go from an E to a C.
Thanks for the replies
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Suzuki Maurder
Balance Shaft Issues
We are looking at a 06 E350 with 64,000 miles and from the datacard the motor is within the balance shaft issue. The carfax shows that the motor and transmission were pulled and repaired at 50,000 with balance shaft seals, valve cover gaskets, camshaft sensor adjusted. It does not list a balance shaft at all. Do you think i would be safe with this vehicle? I would think it was repaired. Let me know your thoughts.
Last edited by abbysdaddy66; Jul 2, 2014 at 04:23 PM.
