220S

Was this rectified in the 2011 M272 E35 version of the W212 V6 motors? I'm asking because apparently there's going to be a class action suit over this known issue. But it doesn't mention the 2011 W212 M272 V6 motor. Was there actually a changed made in the balance shaft and idle gears (that eventually will fail) after 2010? Or are they just going to wait until they introduce the new motors?

http://classactionlawsuitsinthenews....-m273-engines/

K-A

There's a REALLY expensive issue that apparently will inevitably happen to the early 550 V8 motors (can't remember what it is, but they were talking about it on the W221 Board, but I'm thinking it might be the same thing?) as well.

I wasn't even aware that there were any major issues like this with the current 350 motor. Hopefully if the suit wins, M-B will issue a recall, or something.

What exactly do the balance shaft and idle gears do? How do you know if they're going/gone bad?

Wig

I have never heard of this issue.

If this is a known problem that's been around for a while, it begs the question why has MB allowed it to affect so many model years?

220S - would you mind elaborating in layman's terms what the issue is?

BudC

In the case of the V6, MB uses a 90 degree block which creates an inherent imbalance in V6 engines. To compensate, a balance shaft runs in the opposite direction to the crankshaft. It's driven by the timing chain(s) driving a gear at the end of the shaft. If this gear wears it can affect the timing of the camshafts and other important components in the engine.

In the case of the V8, there is no balance shaft but there is an idle gear that takes the place of the gear at the end of the balance shaft and if it wears, the same problems occur.

The primary symptom appears to be a Check Engine light.

Note that the new V6 coming for 2012 uses a 60 degree block so that no Balance Shaft is required.

konigstiger

212 is not affected.

M272 (350) engine up to Serial #468993 or M273 (550) to 088611. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past the serial numbers listed above.

Owners can check engine # here http://www.auto-parts.spb.ru/cat/cat...&client=dr2000 (datacard – engine)

If engine #is within range, reference DTB S-B-03.30/08j JUN09 for repair under factory warranty or extended warranty. Out of warranty have SM involve MB rep covering dealership to consider/approve goodwill repair given defective part was installed @ production.

BudC

Thanks Dan!

Now I have a Data Card for my 2008 E350 (built June 2007) and it's not affected by the problem.

220S

Yeah, thanks Dan. That's what I wanted to know, if they actually did a manufacturing change. It's good to know that MB will fix via goodwill for those out-of-warranty owners affected. But apparently many are being turned away, hence the CA suit.

So, the info on the suit is incorrect? It does mention the W212.

konigstiger

Since the suits are involved, no comment but I can suggest https://mbworld.org/forums/2089508-post1.html

220S

Excellent post

Particularly the part about "just the facts" and "don't make threats."

When I read some of the NHTSA reports that consumers file, I wonder if anybody can take them seriously. They're all over the place. "The seat belt not only got stuck, it wrinkled my new suit!" And full of threats. "From now on I'll spit on every Mercedes I see on the road!"

K-A

Konigstiger in with the truth! Thanks as always.

Seems that there's a good reason as to why M-B keeps touting the new V6 60 degree angle, and the lack of such shaft.

One thing about my current 3.5, is that *sometimes* (not always), at idle, it generates enough vibration (at certain RPM/idle loads, like when I drop it into gear, but don't hit the gas) to feel in the cabin. My car is solid as can be, but the only noise I ever hear in the cabin, is at that exact same "idle-load", the engine's behavior seems connected to this little "squeek" sound I get (that is perfectly in line with the engines "burble"/firing order) inside, coming from around the inner dash, or footwell/behind steering wheel area. I was wondering if maybe the problem listed above had something to do with that. Fortunately, and hopefully not.

RJC

Glad to hear the new DFI engines eliminated the problem parts altogether; sounds like they will be inherently smoother too...

BudC

The problem that caused the law suit was a worn timing chain idler gear. It just happened to drive the balance shaft on the V6 but existed on the V8 w/o the balance shaft.

The new V6 won't need the balance shaft but there will still be an idler gear in the path of the timing chain which hopefully will be more robust than the ones on the earlier M 272 and M 273 engines.

steadystud

Hey BudC,
I have a w220 20i03 s500 (USA) and might have a similar issue. as I have been getting getting this rough Engine noise from a bouple of days and it does not drive like before. It feels like the muffler has been taken off my car and feels more like a challenger or a truck.
I took it to the Mechanic (non dealer) and they tell me that it might be the Balance shaft. Does this car have a balance shaft? ior an idle gear ?? Im confused. and if it is the idle gear, how much will it cost to fix it and does the after market warranty cover it? The car has 68,000 K on it.

BudC

The V8 engines that were affected were M273's. They didn't appear until the 2006 model year so your engine isn't affected.

V8's don't have balance shafts, only V6's. Your mechanic doesn't seem to know what he's doing so maybe you should have a dealer look at it.

steadystud

Thank you Bud.