blindkarma

Seems like everyone here wants to unload their car if affected. I have the opposite question. A 2006 CLK350 is available near me with 110K miles at a nice price. If this car already had the balance shaft replaced, is it otherwise worth considering? It's hard to tell with all the complaints here from owners that were blindsided by the problem or fear it. So what about after the problem is fixed? I see mostly positive consumer reviews for the 2006 CLK350.

cetialpha5

I would think that it would be ok if they were fixed because the new parts don't have the problems the old ones did so in theory it shouldn't happen again. I think there were a couple other engine parts that caused problems in those years, but the parts were relatively minor, just a matter of getting the parts replaced. At 110k, it might have already been done. Just get a PPI on the car and get the VMI from the dealer.

blindkarma

I got the VIN: WDBTJ56J16F175479. Can anyone tell me the serial or if that puts it in the range? Thank you.

The seller has owned the car for 5 years. He did not have it fixed himself and does not have records before purchase. I understand a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) is good. Will they be able to tell? I don't know what a VMI is. Is that through the dealer and can I get it before buying the vehicle?

Plutoe

There is a list floating around the forum with the problem engines, however you can simply go to a dealers service dept and have them run the VIN you will learn in quick order if the engine is/was a problem and or if it was ever fixed and when.

FYI----don't go in at 0800 or a Monday---wait till things calm down and go in after lunch and preferably go to a woman

konigstiger

30 153325 is within affected range. PPI is recommended. Have dealer run Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI) for your VIN giving a history of what service was performed by MB dealers and confirm if balance shaft sprocket repair was already done.

blindkarma

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

ATXE500

Looking at a 08 ml350 4matic. I don't know what I'm looking at any help? VIN:4JGBB86E98A427800
engine: 272967 30 949204

ATXE500

I also have a 05 E500 are any of the 5 liters affected?

konigstiger

You're fine.

konigstiger

113 engine is not affected.

Dianeflynn

2007 e350 4 matic 82k miles. Am I in trouble? CEL comes on, but once engine turned off does not come on when restarted. Usually happens when accelerating. Veh ID WDBUF87X47X214569

cetialpha5

It's possible, your engine number is 30 454869. Clean point was after 30 468993. You also have a 8/23/2006 build date, I believe cars made after 10/2006 didn't have the problem. But you might not have that problem right now, the CEL should be stored in memory and most auto parts stores will check the CEL for free. A CEL code could be anything.

jimbo1763

+1-get the code read.

Dianeflynn

Thanks: just spent 2k and told I can anticipate another 2k for a broken intake flap (maybe this is the CEL)

jimbo1763

Don't know where you are, but places like AutoZone will read the code for you for free if you don't have a reader of your own.

eatmydust

Would a 2008 E350 be beyond the time frame?

eatmydust

is my VIN#

konigstiger

You're fine.

eatmydust

Curious, how from that PDF ?

konigstiger

Clean point for 272 - 30 468993 your engine # is 272964 “30 694687”

ATXE500

Looking at a 06 ml350 4JGBB86EX6A096447
Check on it at MB USA but no information

konigstiger

30 270565 is within affected range.

alan2

Hi, would you be so kind to check about this one if its falls into the issue? Im supposed to buy the car within the next day, but now im worried, since this is my first MB car and its used 2007 c230.

WDBRF52H97F839544

When I googled it, I am not sure (so please double check), but the engine of what i want to buy seems to be:
272920 30 396475

Plutoe

Your engine number is the 396474---is your engine number equal to, less than or greater than 463993 and then go to post number 170

bchalou

Konig,

Can you please check another vin for me?

2007 E350 VIN WDBUF87XX7X217167


As Konig stated unless you have been taking your car to MB for service it about 90% likely they WILL NOT help you.