Greetings everyone in this esteemed forum,

I'm thrilled to share that I've recently acquired a meticulously maintained 2007 SL350, boasting just around 40,000 miles on the clock. All the previous service was carried out at the hands of Mercedes-Benz professionals at the Mercedes-Benz dealership. However, as I delved into online research, I stumbled upon discussions concerning a potential balance shaft issue specific to this model. From what I've gathered, this seems to be the sole drawback associated with the otherwise impressive SL350.

Here are the details: the vehicle's VIN is WDB2304562F129512, and the engine number reads M272966 30 483754. The heart of the vehicle is the 3.5L V6 engine paired with the 7-speed automatic transmission. I sought out this particular model not only due to its efficiency, but also to avoid the reputedly less reliable ABC system found in the SL500.

I humbly turn to the knowledgeable members of this forum for guidance. Would you be kind enough to assist me in assessing the potential risk of a future fault concerning the balance shaft, given the provided VIN and engine numbers? Moreover, I'm eager to learn about any other possible issues I should anticipate or precautions I should take to ensure a smooth ownership experience down the road.

Your insights and assistance are immensely valued. Thank you all for your time and expertise.

 

Well, for one, your steering wheel is on the wrong side.

Was there any kind of campaign covering the balance shaft? If so, the affected cars would be identified in the bulletin.

 

[QUOTE=JettaRed;8892320]Well, for one, your steering wheel is on the wrong side.

Was there any kind of campaign covering the balance shaft? If so, the affected cars would be identified in the bulletin.

Maybe in Poland, they're not aware of which side we drive on in Australia and New Zealand, but I can assure you that I'm driving on the correct side where I reside. Also, if I was aware of a bulletin that answered the advice on which I am seeking, I can assure you I would not be asking for advice on the reliability and balance shaft of my vehicle and future arising issues online!

 

I see. So you are below the equator and everything is backwards. Makes sense now.

 

I'm here seeking assistance, not engaging in arguments with individuals who might not be taking their prescribed medication and are seeking confrontation with other Mercedes-Benz owners globally. It's important to reflect on one's behavior and communication with others. Improving these aspects can lead to a more positive and fulfilling future.

Cheers
Seth

 

Also for future reference I suggest you do a bit of research before calling Australia or New Zealand backwards! Or any other nations! Our policies by far exceeds the Polish middle ages policies and corrupt government. We are in the top 10 nations in the world and you sit in the top lower 10 of the spectrum. We have Polish families waiting 10 years to become a resident of our country. Do you have any Aussies or Kiwis in your waiting list? I don't think so. So who ever you are hiding behind your cell phone in some Polish village I suggest it benefits you to not make such uneducated poorly worded remarks in the future I also suggest a man living in a glass house should never be the one throwing stones at anyone. PERIOD!

 

Sorry if I hit a nerve. "Backwards" was only in reference to which side the steering wheel of you car is on, as if looking in a mirror. It's a good humored dig I have with many of our members from Great Britain. But, if you want to make of it than that, that's your prerogative. I am curious what you have against Polish people. Such generalizations seem disparaging and inappropriate.

Good luck getting help.

 

I know I shouldn't do this, but you really seem to need help.

https://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-...y-vin-m272273/

 

I hold no animosity toward Polish individuals; in fact, I recently departed Warsaw on December 6th. I visit Poland regularly, at least once annually, and have established a network of friends there. Moreover, I've explored cities such as Wroclaw, Poznan, Lublin, Gdynia, Gdansk, and Krakow on multiple occasions. I am enthusiastic about Poland's abundant potential, notably in its diverse culinary offerings. However, I hold reservations about certain governmental aspects

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your choice.
You have the support of the UK market on the forum so there is some precedent for V6 problems and maintenance issues.

 

Hi there, lovely car, I have the similar V6 R230 3.7L, mine has the AMG 5 Speed shift auto as opposed to the 7 that yours has.
I too bought the car as wanted to avoid the ABC suspension, I had had the car for about 5 years and its been amazing, super reliable and I do long journeys from Scotland to London (400miles) regularly. I have not had any issues with the balance shaft, and have 180K miles on the clock.

 

Seriously @sethofmilano , did you look at the MercedesMedic website? It tells you whether your car is at risk based on the engine production number.

 

 

I’m interested why you chose an R230 instead of an R171 SLK350?

 

Hello A1EK,

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am familiar with the 3.7L engine present in the pre-facelift SL350 models, coupled with the 5-speed transmission. However, my interest primarily lies in the facelifted version for its notably modern and stylish exterior appearance, alongside an interior that exudes a more contemporary feel.

The V6 engine with its 24 valves, quad-cam setup, and the incorporation of a 7-speed automatic transmission indeed present a significant improvement in both the sound and performance compared to the earlier 1990s 5-speed variant. Yet, it's acknowledged that embracing these advancements may involve a trade-off in terms of reliability.

Best regards, Seth Milano

 

Hello Jettared,Hello Jettared,

Thank you for sharing the article regarding the engine number.

 

Hello Jettared,

I did come across the article mentioning that after a certain engine number production, the balance shaft should be secure. However, it's worth noting that this report was specifically related to vehicles in the US. My car was originally sold in Japan, and I imported it to New Zealand, which led me to believe that the report might not apply to my situation. However, I might be mistaken, and the report could encompass all manufactured cars irrespective of their origin.

Interestingly, I'm aware of an individual in Wellington, New Zealand, who owned the same vehicle as mine. His car had a higher engine number than mine and was a few months newer, yet he had the balance shaft replaced. This discrepancy adds a layer of confusion to the situation.

Best regards,

 

As a longtime R230 owner it is obvious the age and complexity of the ABC system is the Gorilla in the room.
However the basic chassis is fairly well designed and, properly equipped handle more challenging conditions and rides very comfortably on aftermarket coilovers and sway bars that will allow a lot more handling and control than OE SL350 equipped suspension.
I like the idea of weight reduction (V6) but the reasons for buying a 350 to just delete ABC is not anything I’d be interested in. Too low bhp/lb
One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor

 

OP....Contact New Zealand Mercedes Benz and see if it is in the engine number range for the issue ..and have them check to see if the issue has already been taken care of? Barring that reach out to Japan Mercedes Benz and ask them the same question? OR finally take it to New Zealand Mercedes Benz and have them replace the balance shaft with the updated one assuming that it fits.....

 

Hi, UK member here, also with steering wheel on the RIGHT side of the car .

I have an SL500, but previously has an SLK350 with the same M272 V6 engine you have, so had an interest in the same issues.

Engine numbers do not change for different markets, so if yours is outside the number range (which it is), it is safe, regardless of where it was sold.

The change just hit USA a little later than UK due to shipping schedules, so you cant go by dates.

Other things to watch for on the M272 and 722.9 gearbox are:-
on engine
the tumble flaps in the air intake sometimes fail, and the linkage will break at some time. Keep an eye out for codes. Not bad to fix or replace.
rear of engine there are some plastic plugs that knock in. They often leak oil, but very easy and cheap to replace
Cam magnets sometime fail, again easy and inexpensive.

gearbox is good, so long as oil is changed routinely, 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Procedure is complicated, and uses a lot of expensive oil. This is best left to a specialist to do. £200 (uk)
They do have conductor plate (inside the gearbox) issues, if not maintained. You cant replace the conductor plate with a used one, but you can have yours refurbished. A new one is £2000, refurbishing £500 or less. A specialist might be able to fit a used one, but it needs "virginising" first which is a hack on the software.

So engine is good, and gearbox is OK if both maintained correctly. Good choice on an SLK, but an SL should be 5l V8

With the rest of the car, you will still have lots of potentially expensive parts that can fail, including the roof, dual battery system, brake system, and rust can be an issue, depending on your climate as well as unexplained erratic electrical gremlins (both batteries need to be in top condition), but generally well engineered solid car.

 

The brake system, at least the SBC, has an extended warranty in the States to unlimited mileage and 25 years. You may want to check that, as well. Attached is the letter I received.