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Interpret Balance Shaft Sprocket Engine Serial # for 2006 & Later Gasoline Only?

344K views 950 replies 256 participants last post by  gqmagic 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
As some of you know, I just recently bought my 2008 e300 which has the M272 engine. To some dismay, I've read up about the defective balance shaft sprocket issue and how expensive it is to repair. I understand that vehicles with the M272 engines "up to Serial No. 2729..30 468993" (that's the way it's written) are affected and that after that they used a hardened material for the sprocket. From my readings I thought that the affected engines were mostly earlier M272's up to 2007 or so and hoped I was safe. The dealer just told me my engine serial number is 2729..44 307732. SO, am I looking at the ending 6 digits or do I look at the last 8 digits? Seems to me I'm either way over (and safe) or way under (and concerned). Can anyone interpret?? Thanks . . .
 
#4 ·
Thanks Konigstiger, I'm REALLY pleased that I won't have to worry about sprocket problems! :) :) :) At the same time I'm almost concerned that the mechanic gave me the wrong number . . . how come Rolex11 has 2 extra digits after the 2729, compared to mine?
 
#12 ·
I would think you have to have some evidence of failure first. Not all of the cars within the range of being affected fail. Stats that I have heard on that vary from 5% to around 15%, and generally the failure is going to be prior to around 50K miles. In my case, my CEL came on and the failure was evident from the codes.

Cost of repair varies as well. If you are out of warranty, you may still be able to get MB to contribute to the cost for good will sake. It helps if you have been routinely serviced by the dealer, etc. Repair can be pricey. Figures I have heard range from $1500 to $5500.
 
#943 · (Edited)
Not all of the cars within the range of being affected fail. Stats that I have heard on that vary from 5% to around 15%, and generally the failure is going to be prior to around 50K miles.
Hi Jimbo1763,
Your post was made in 2012. Are the statistics you quoted on failure rates of the M272 balance shaft drive sprockets holding up over time?

I own a March 2005 W211 E350 (with an affected engine number) that's done 108,000 kilometers (just over 60,000 miles approx). I wasn't aware that some E350 M272 motor's sprockets may NOT fail! Thank you for that great news!

I've always oil & filter changed 6-monthy--to try to keep as many metal particles out of the motor as possible.

Does anyone else have a solid statistical failure rate on those W211 E350 M272 cogs?

Thank you and all info much appreciated!
Kind regards,
Mike
 
#15 ·
Help

So I just backed into my driveway and Im sitting with the car idling. I hear a big POP! and my car drops like I have Hydraulics!! I come out and I see the driver side front end has dropped. Does this related to this blog? Does my engine qualify? Is there a statue of limitations to when MB will fix this issue for me?
my vin is:
03 Mercedes B E320 WDBUF65J63A234998

thanks for any help!!
 
#18 ·
List of effected years and models

Checked about a dozen VINs on 2005-2007 E350 wagons for sales east of the Mississippi. All fall into found thee soft balance shaft engine numbers. Glad you guys had this info. I'm sure w/o it would have wound up with a wagon with a soft shaft and eventually the hard shaft from my local MB service center.
Since I dont want a car payment and maintenance bills the search is on for a 2004 E320 wagon.

List of effected models I found on a class action lawsuit filed against MB.


The Mercedes M272 engine is reportedly installed on the following Mercedes Benz vehicles:


Model Years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010:
Mercedes Benz C 230
Mercedes Benz SLK 350
Mercedes Benz CLS 350
Mercedes Benz E 230

Model Years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010:
Mercedes Benz CLS 280
Mercedes Benz CLK 280
Mercedes Benz C 280
Mercedes Benz E 280
Mercedes Benz SL 280
Mercedes Benz C 350
Mercedes Benz E 350
Mercedes Benz S 350
Mercedes Benz SL 350
Mercedes Benz Viano

Model Years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010:
Mercedes Benz R 280
Mercedes Benz R 350
Mercedes Benz ML 250
Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Model Years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010:
Mercedes Benz S 280

Model Years 2008, 2009, 2010:
Mercedes Benz CLC 230
Mercedes Benz CLC 350


The Mercedes M273 engine is reportedly equipped on the following Mercedes Benz vehicles:

Model Year 2006:
Mercedes Benz E 500 and E 550
Mercedes Benz CL 500 and CL 550
Mercedes Benz CLS 500 and CLS 550
Mercedes Benz GL 500 and GL 550

Model Year 2007:
Mercedes Benz GL 450
Mercedes Benz S 450
Mercedes Benz ML 450

Model Year 2008:
Mercedes Benz ML 500 and ML 550

Model Years 2006 and 2009:
Mercedes Benz CLK 500 and CLK 550
 
#31 ·
To konigstiger

Can you check my 2008 E350.
VIN: WDB UF56X68B339832,
Engine #: 27296430954462,
Tran# 72290601775485


Thank you.
Alan
 
#40 ·
Balance Shaft

Jimbo; my 07 C230 Sport is engine # 30-453972 and in the bad range, is there any indication that the bad sprockets were isolated to the earlier engine numbers or just all over the range. It makes me wonder if the sprockets were all made by one source or multiple suppliers and possibly one supplier was the problem. Really makes me mad that MB is not providing mor information, they must be able to tell from their data if it was one supplier. Thanks.
 
#41 ·
Jimbo; my 07 C230 Sport is engine # 30-453972 and in the bad range, is there any indication that the bad sprockets were isolated to the earlier engine numbers or just all over the range. It makes me wonder if the sprockets were all made by one source or multiple suppliers and possibly one supplier was the problem. Really makes me mad that MB is not providing mor information, they must be able to tell from their data if it was one supplier. Thanks.
No idea. I would not think that information would be forthcoming from MB.
 
#43 ·
Hi Barchetta, Here' your engine # 272972 30 227376
Eng# up to 2729..30 468993 MAY have a problem. As stated in earlier threads only 10-20% of engine may have the defect.

Stuck in bed recovering from heart surgery and bored hope you dont mind. Also have your data card info if interested. PM me and I'll send all that info.
 
#45 ·
'08 E-350 4matic sp-1 engine check



Best Wishes for Speedy and Strong Recovery!

I'm a recent buyer of a beautiful White & Tan '08 E350 4matic and the suspense is killing me. My vin is WDBUF87XX8B253519 and I am concerned about the engine issues. Can you help? I'm covered with an extended 2 year CPO.
Thanks
 
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