The Mercedes M272 (3.0/3.5L V6) and M273 (4.7/5.5L V8) powered the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, ML, GL, R-Class, and SLK from 2005-2011. They are infamous for the BALANCE SHAFT GEAR / IDLER GEAR failure - one of the most expensive class-action defects in modern luxury cars.
Class-action settled. Balance shaft sprocket / idler gear teeth strip from soft alloy. $5,000+ fix - engine out of car. Affects mid-2005 through mid-2008 production.
Soft sprocket teeth strip and trigger P0016/P0017 cam-crank correlation codes. Class action settled - some VINs covered, many out of warranty by lawsuit time. Repair requires engine removal.
View diagnosis →Even outside the balance shaft issue, timing chains stretch by 120-150K. Causes cam timing codes and rattle on cold start.
View diagnosis →Camshaft adjuster solenoid magnets fail and trigger P0011/P0014. Cheap fix.
View diagnosis →Oil cooler seal under the intake leaks, soaking the V with oil. Intake removal required - expensive labor.
View diagnosis →Plastic intake flaps and lever break, trigger P2004/P2006. Aluminum aftermarket levers are common fix.
View diagnosis →MAF and throttle bodies have a finite life on these. Hesitation and lean codes are typical symptoms.
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Mid-2005 to mid-2008 M272/M273 engines without documented balance shaft repair (check VIN against the class-action database)
2009-2011 (revised hardened gears from factory)
Pre-owned M272/M273 cars are deceptively cheap because the balance shaft repair scares buyers off. Budget $5,500-9,000 if not done. Annual maintenance $1,000-1,500. Total non-routine over 150K: $10,000-18,000 if multiple repairs hit.
If your Mercedes-Benz is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
The balance shaft sprocket teeth in mid-2005 to mid-2008 M272 V6 engines were made of too-soft material and strip prematurely. The fix requires engine removal and runs $5,500-9,000.
No formal recall, but a class-action settlement covers some VINs. Mercedes goodwill varies widely. Check the VIN with Mercedes USA before buying.
Yes - the M273 has the same idler gear teeth issue. Less commonly reported because V8 cars get less daily driving but the design flaw is identical.
P0016 or P0017 cam-crank correlation code is the dead giveaway. A cold-start rattle for 5+ seconds is also suspicious.
Only if the balance shaft repair has been done WITH RECEIPTS, or the car is mid-2008+ with hardened gears. Otherwise, factor $7,000+ into your offer.