Mercedes W163 350 Engine question
12-27-2019, 11:09 PM
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1974 280 SE, 2000 W220 S320
Mercedes W163 350 Engine question
Hi fellow forum members ...
Could knowledgeable members help me with some information ...
Is the 350 V6 found in later model ML W163's in fact the M272 V6 found in the ML W164 ??
If the answer is yes, does the engine suffer from balancer shaft sprocket gear failure?
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt?
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well?
I have read where the ML W163 350 V6 was essentially a bored out version of the ML320 engine ... is that accurate?
Thank you in advance for members that can clarify the issue ...
Cheers
Could knowledgeable members help me with some information ...
Is the 350 V6 found in later model ML W163's in fact the M272 V6 found in the ML W164 ??
If the answer is yes, does the engine suffer from balancer shaft sprocket gear failure?
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt?
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well?
I have read where the ML W163 350 V6 was essentially a bored out version of the ML320 engine ... is that accurate?
Thank you in advance for members that can clarify the issue ...
Cheers
12-28-2019, 06:09 AM
#2
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Is the 350 V6 found in later model ML W163's in fact the M272 V6 found in the ML W164 ?? No, it is a totally different eng.
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt? Yes.
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well? What actuator cam?????????????
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt? Yes.
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well? What actuator cam?????????????
12-28-2019, 03:37 PM
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Is the 350 V6 found in later model ML W163's in fact the M272 V6 found in the ML W164 ?? No, it is a totally different eng.
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt? Yes.
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well? What actuator cam?????????????
The Factory bulletin suggests it was 2005-2006 W164 engines that had this issue. So would the 2003-2004 ML350 W163's be exempt? Yes.
Also, does the ML W163 350 V6 also suffer from actuator cam for VIM issues as well? What actuator cam?????????????
The VIM actuator is in the attachment. Sorry for my bad explanation.
VIM actuator
12-28-2019, 07:06 PM
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Is the VIM also known as the "tumble flap"?
To be clear, the M112 90 degree V6 in the W163 ML350 is a 90 degree block, which does have a balance shaft. It apparently also has a variable length intake manifold.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...112_engine#E37
So while the M112 may not have the widespread balance shaft and tumble flap issues of the M272, the basic architecture details of 90 degree block + balance shaft + variable length intake manifold are shared.
To be clear, the M112 90 degree V6 in the W163 ML350 is a 90 degree block, which does have a balance shaft. It apparently also has a variable length intake manifold.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...112_engine#E37
So while the M112 may not have the widespread balance shaft and tumble flap issues of the M272, the basic architecture details of 90 degree block + balance shaft + variable length intake manifold are shared.
12-28-2019, 07:16 PM
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Is the VIM also known as the "tumble flap"?
To be clear, the M112 90 degree V6 in the W163 ML350 is a 90 degree block, which does have a balance shaft. It apparently also has a variable length intake manifold.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...112_engine#E37
So while the M112 may not have the widespread balance shaft and tumble flap issues of the M272, the basic architecture details of 90 degree block + balance shaft + variable length intake manifold are shared.
To be clear, the M112 90 degree V6 in the W163 ML350 is a 90 degree block, which does have a balance shaft. It apparently also has a variable length intake manifold.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...112_engine#E37
So while the M112 may not have the widespread balance shaft and tumble flap issues of the M272, the basic architecture details of 90 degree block + balance shaft + variable length intake manifold are shared.
Thanks for your advice/knowledge ...
I think it would be safe to assume the VIM is the 'Tumble flap' ...
The reason I asked the questions is there are a couple of W163 ML350's for sale in my state. So I thought they may be a better option (more power) than the ML320.
But from the wiki & your observations, I would also assume that the engines are one in the same ... I have not read or seen in the forum where there have been instances of these issues occurring with the W163 versions ...
I'll keep doing research & see what I can find ... before 'pulling the trigger' in a W163 ML350
12-28-2019, 07:53 PM
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Thanks for your advice/knowledge ...
I think it would be safe to assume the VIM is the 'Tumble flap' ...
The reason I asked the questions is there are a couple of W163 ML350's for sale in my state. So I thought they may be a better option (more power) than the ML320.
But from the wiki & your observations, I would also assume that the engines are one in the same ... I have not read or seen in the forum where there have been instances of these issues occurring with the W163 versions ...
I'll keep doing research & see what I can find ... before 'pulling the trigger' in a W163 ML350
I think it would be safe to assume the VIM is the 'Tumble flap' ...
The reason I asked the questions is there are a couple of W163 ML350's for sale in my state. So I thought they may be a better option (more power) than the ML320.
But from the wiki & your observations, I would also assume that the engines are one in the same ... I have not read or seen in the forum where there have been instances of these issues occurring with the W163 versions ...
I'll keep doing research & see what I can find ... before 'pulling the trigger' in a W163 ML350
