At 3K miles a year, I would guess it is going on too many short trips.
The Balance shaft is a known problem, but the transmission is likely to be a time rather then mileage issue, maybe made worse by all the sitting.

The v1 and v2 of the VGS controller boards could be better. Good news is - if you decide to change out the conductor plate - you'll get v3 from a different OE supplier. The rest of the trans is robust.

I was planning on using a refurb service that will fix my oem unit.

the 722.9 is a stout transmission for what it is. Released in early 2002 if i'm not mistaken in the w230/220 chasis. It's gotten better and better over the years tbh. I don't think he's making excuses per-say. I agree that 47k miles on a 12/13 yo auto trans is no where near enough use imo. couple that with the fact you purchased a 2006, first year of the M272 and if i'm also not mistaken first year the .9 trans was implemented in awd models "s, e, c class"

December of 2012 over 5 million 722.9's manufactured. I'd have to say it's not that bad of a transmission. haha

And if it was in fact a poor design MB would have re-designed or applied a different trans when "direct select" became about.....

I think chrysler and a few others use this trans as well.....

I like the 5 speeds but fuel economy is very poor.

How many miles on your E350 and any trans issues?

'09 E 350 4Matic Sport
 

Current mileage = 108,000
Major problems = none
Minor things = recently had oil cooler and oil separator seals replaced due to oil leaks.
Mntce. History = Maintained according to "the book", except oil changes. Oil/filter changed each 5K miles, and oil sample tested annually...all results = Excellent.

relinuca

PS: For the past 35 years, our primary vehicle has been a luxury class car; i.e., 3 Jaguars w/mixed results, a BMW 740 iL...a terrific car, a M-B 320 CLK Cabrio...another terrific car, and now our '09 E 350...may be the Best of the Bunch. Presently, we intend to keep the E 350 for a couple more years, and then maybe find a pristine 2014-15 ML 350 suv.

288k+ and counting
 

2003 W211
E320 GAS
4 Door Sedan Sports
288K+ and counting- pls see the images in my album
(I am adding 175 miles per day Ubering in DTSF)


- No known or reported a major mechanical issue.
- Replaced the radiator a year and 1/2 ago.

* the previous owner who happened to be my uncle has been driving MB since the 70's and although the car has a high mileage he did a very good job in maintaining the car, he does oil change every 8k, replace transmission fluid every 12 to 18 months, lube and grease all the bushing on the suspension every year, as well as checking and adding oil in the differential box.

*brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid, and engine oil, are being checked regularly.

As of today, the car is running smoothly the engine is quiet and with good compression. Transmission is shifting properly no fluid leaks. The suspension is making some noise every time I hit a bump. There are minor scratches and some dings on the body, all the leather, felt, dashboards, and woods, in the interior are all intact and well-taken care as well.

2005 E500 wagon 170,000 miles
 

Purchased at 129,000 . For two and a half years I drove it with absolutely no problems just regular maintenance. The car is a dream for me and my particular needs very fast very tight very comfortable. I sold off my small business and changed businesses and started driving my car for 8 hours a day and instantly started having loads of continuous problems. The first thing that went was the fuel pump when that was replaced then the front bearings went then the alternator went and working on the alternator by moving the Overflow bottle which had dry-rotted I broke the Overflow hose and bottle and that was replaced. Front driver side CV axle boot were replaced . Check engine light p0453 high evapoative pressure signal . Both rear air springs have gone . That is all in a matter of 5 months . I love this car when it drives , I hate it when it doesnt ! I need a large wagon for my other business , after driving this vehicle for a while I dont think I could be happy with any other wagon . Kind of like a junkie , a Mercedes wagon junkie . Lord help me I dont think I have enough money for this addiction !

I have had most of those issues too. Also the front ball joints, water pump and Crankshaft Position sensor. None were hard to replace and might be worth doing as preventative maintenance. Ours replaced a Buick Roadmaster wagon and this is light years better in every way.

2008 E350 Sport
Current mileage = 164,000 miles
Major problems: = None, but see below (steering rack)
Maintenance History = This week I replaced all rear suspension links and bushings (except subframe bushings), rear brakes, had brake fluid flush done, replaced steering rack due to 2 leaks on it, necessarily had PS fluid flush done.
Last year I had front suspension components replaced, replaced intake manifold (due to butterfly breakage), knock sensors, cam magnets , another variety of sensors and seals & throttle body (I think I ruined it cleaning with throttle body cleaner when I replaced the intake manifold).
~2 yrs ago I replaced shocks & struts, had fuel tank assembly replaced under warranty (due to issue with gas smell after filling tank).
Car runs absolutely great.

To those with transmission issues, I've done some research that suggests that the trans fluid MUST be changed religiously every 39,000-40,000 miles or transmission failure is pretty much a given

04 e320 RWD 100k miles
 

Maintaining a friend's e320 for him. Replaced the following so far

100k - water pump, passenger side PCV gasket reseal, aux battery, main battery. Will do plugs soon.
80-90k - driver side lower control arm, transmission mount

Other than this, normal ATF flush + ATF filter, air+cabin filter, oil filter changes

How important is servicing the transmission? I had a Honda with a notorious transmission issue, died on me at 140k miles. Even with manual trans, I change the oil when it gets to 100k. My parents' E350 that I maintain hit 100k pretty recently, and I do not want a rerun of the fate that befell the Honda.

+1.

I think the current interval is every 39K miles.

I replaced the filter, fluid, and pan after about 160,000 miles, and the thing shifts a little more smoothly as a result (wasn't bad before that, but definitely better now). But this is the kind of thing that local garages can screw up if they're not competent. Wouldn't get it done at an oil-change place. A good independent mechanic will do it affordably. Get the OE filter online from husker, mbdirectparts.com. And get the right fluid, not just any old fluid.

Very DO IT NOW!

2009 E350 4Matic Sport
at around 90K=new battery, and replaced some leaking oil seals on the topside of engine; replaced MB-Tex on driver's seat bolster...had to replace again around 110K.
At 100K, repaired electric trunk wiring harness...typical.
117,000+miles now, and car runs great...a well built car for sure.

Complaints?
I don't like the 18" AMG wheels...too easy to scuff...wish it had the OEM 17s", but the AMG wheels look cool.

relinuca

I do think we do not have the actual Sport package which would include stiffer springs, different front calipers, ect. I think it is very rare because people would rather pay for the AMG version of the w211 E klasse. perhaps AMG styling package is a better term for our cosmetically enhanced 09's

edit

No 09's were effected by balance shaft issue so no idea what your gripe is about

'07 E350 4matic wagon just turned 190K miles.
Major issues: Water pump, Fuel pump, Serpentine Belt, Air springs, Drive shaft and Transmission. (tranny was replaced with a used one @ 140K however that one is starting to misbehave now as well. I have a live time warranty on it so I'm not too concerned, yet).
Minor issues: Too numerous to list.
We bought this car used with 130K on it as a H.S. car for our daughter at an auction. In hindsight not very well bought and should've spend a couple of grand more for a well sorted example as I don't think the previous owner took very good care of it. I'm well aware of the "sunk cost" fallacy, but at this point it's the devil we know, That and paying for college is draining our budget faster than we can save up for something more reliable. ;(

My 08 E550 is around 144k miles now. Problems encountered are as follows:

Cam seals needed replaced (was leaking oil @ ~120k m)
Panoramic sunroof motor died (once under warranty, again out of warranty at around 130k m)
Airmatic strut failure as expected
Thermostat died that resides in the engine coolant reservoir.

So nothing major in my opinion, though I absolutely hate airmatic. I've done some basic preventative maintenance, for example, changing the rear diff fluid, changing oil/filter and fluids on schedule, and replacing the serpentine belt and associated pulleys/idlers at 130k. That's honestly about all I've done other than wearables (brakes/tires) and the car still runs great.

Just turned 139k on my 2006 E-350 base wagon. The engine was replaced @ 136k because someone returned it to the dealer filled with diesel fuel. (it was a courtesy vehicle for my indie mech.) He put in a new engine with all of the externals parts new inceluding a new fuel pump. He also replaced the plate on the transmission that controls the shifting. I just put in a new radiator about a week ago. This is the best wagon that I've had. Had a 2000 and 2002 E-320 wagon. The extra power is noticeable right away. I'm getting about 24 - 26 mpg highway at 70 mph. I'm liking it so far.

Why would someone replace an engine due to putting diesel in the tank?