What is a balance shaft on a Mercedes?
A balance shaft gear is a part of a vehicle’s engine that is designed to help balance out the components of the engine and eliminate vibrations at higher speeds. Balance shaft gear problems are most typical among V6 piston engines, primarily the Mercedes M272 in models manufactured between the years 2004–2008.
Is there a problem with the Mercedes E350 balance shaft?
I have since found that balance shaft is a common issue with this engine. 2006 was the first year Mercedes produced the E350 with this engine and Mercedes has since re-engineered the balance shaft to fix the problem.
Can a balance shaft worn sprocket cause engine damage?
Early signs of this problem are the check engine light and engine noise. If the timing chain fails, the pistons can hit the valves and cause severe damage to the engine. Engines with the balance shaft worn sprocket were Mercedes-Benz 350 models (Example: E350 C350 etc. ) that were equipped with the M272 engine.
What causes timing chain problems in Mercedes Benz?
Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines had timing chain problems caused by balance shaft and idler gear failures. Mercedes produced certain models with defective gears in their balance shafts (M272 engines) or with defective idle gears (M273 engines).
How to check the balance shaft of a Mercedes Benz?
Go to this page and click on Option 1 or 2. You will be taken to an external site where you can check engine and transmission serial number. Once you enter VIN number hit search and look for your engine serial number. You can also get your engine serial number by calling your MB dealer.
I have since found that balance shaft is a common issue with this engine. 2006 was the first year Mercedes produced the E350 with this engine and Mercedes has since re-engineered the balance shaft to fix the problem.
Early signs of this problem are the check engine light and engine noise. If the timing chain fails, the pistons can hit the valves and cause severe damage to the engine. Engines with the balance shaft worn sprocket were Mercedes-Benz 350 models (Example: E350 C350 etc. ) that were equipped with the M272 engine.
Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines had timing chain problems caused by balance shaft and idler gear failures. Mercedes produced certain models with defective gears in their balance shafts (M272 engines) or with defective idle gears (M273 engines).
How to get compensation for Mercedes balance shaft issues?
There are two specific ways to receive compensation from this class action settlement: Extended Guarantee Mercedes has agreed to cover qualified future repairs up to 10 years or 125,000 miles to the sprocket of the balance shaft gear in M272 engines or the idle gear in M273 engines.