Mercedes Balance Shaft Problem/Parts Walk Through

[@tvs3497]

The video sums it up nicely. My '06 C230 is pretty much a total loss because of the balance shaft. I am praying that somehow I will come out of this without losing thousands of dollars in the process. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had with a car in my 44 years of owning automobiles. Nothing even comes close. At $16,000, it was the highest priced auto I've ever purchased. It is a fact that man has been making metals for thousands of years. Industrial and commercial part manufacturers have extensive knowledge and high-precision machines to make metal parts nearly indestructible. There is absolutely no excuse on earth for this kind of failure to be occurring in a luxury car engine - or in any engine! The smell of burning fluids permeates the interior of my Mercedes every time I start the engine. This in itself is a health hazard that could cause a premature death for driver and passengers. Mercedes Benz completely ignored this problem and still to this day takes no responsibility. This attitude is beyond comprehension and defies all common civilized decency.

[@iRepairAutos]

+Tim Vger I'm sorry that you are experiencing this. It is really a shame that these beautiful vehicles have this problem. How many miles is on this vehicle now?

[@Kevin-vn7mg]

I also have a '06 C230 that is exhibiting the balance shaft issues. The timing belt has stretched and now also needs to be replaced. I'm wondering if you repaired your '06 and how much it ended up costing you.

[@tvs3497]

current mileage is 135,000. I have not repaired the shaft. The class action lawsuit did not include me because the mileage was above 125,000. But that don't matter to me. I hope to garage this car and methodically disassemble the engine and note every detail I find. Then we'll talk to MB or take what we've learned to a larger audience if MB doesn't offer some repair money.

[@iRepairAutos]

I found an independent shop to do mine. $4000. I should have done it myself. They broke the water pump housing, and the Air Intake rods and didn't tell me. I have a video on the air intake replacement.

[@UBIGI]

Видео суммирует его красиво. Мой '06 C230 - это в значительной степени полная потеря из-за балансировочного вала. Я молюсь, чтобы как-то я выйду из этого, не потеряв тысячи долларов в этом процессе. Это, безусловно, самый худший опыт, который я когда-либо имел с автомобилем за свои 44 года владения автомобилями. Ничто не приближается. В 16 000 долларов это был самый продаваемый автомобиль, который я когда-либо покупал. Это факт, что человек зарабатывает металлы в течение тысяч лет. Промышленные и коммерческие производители комплектующих обладают обширными знаниями и высокоточными машинами, которые делают металлические части почти неразрушаемыми. На земле нет абсолютно никаких оправданий для такого рода неудач в автомобиле класса люкс - или в любом двигателе! Запах горящих жидкостей пронизывает интерьер моего Мерседеса каждый раз, когда я запускаю двигатель. Это само по себе является опасностью для здоровья, которая может привести к преждевременной смерти водителя и пассажиров. Mercedes Benz полностью проигнорировал эту проблему и до сих пор не несет никакой ответственности. Это отношение не поддается пониманию и бросает вызов всей общей цивилизованной порядочности. (y)

[@juliovalenzuela4216]

Thanks formal the help over the years. Would you know if an E350 with a 272 engine would run smoothly with the balance shaft issue? I’m getting codes P0016 and P0017. I’ve changed all 4 camshaft magnets and still getting codes. Car has 156k miles on it and runs smoothly.

[@JohnAseye-wd3cc]

Do need bring the engine before removing the balance shaft?

[@anthonygrant5305]

I've looked at many of your recordings. They have helped me with many small repairs. And just like you, I have the same codes for camshaft position sensor. Is there a follow up video after this repair? I assume that after this rebuild the vehicle runs like new? Is it worth every penny? My vehicle still drives good after it warms up. How did you check for the problem?

[@meradu2]

I have a 2007 GL 450 with a 4.6 L V8 my code said camshaft position sensor‘s bank one A and then bank one B I replace both of them and nothing happened no change in the sound I have a very small video with the car running you can hear that tapping knocking noise in the engine if you have any help please let me know

[@a.f.1587]

These are good engines, AFTER 2007. I think at the end of 2007 they changed the balance shaft gear to a better alloy, so those engines not suffering from this issue anymore. Check your motorcode, if you have 31 in the middle, you are good, if you have 30 in the middle that engine MIGHT BE affected, in this case you need to check the whole number. M272 engines that are higher than 2729.30.468993 are NOT affected. M273 engines higher than 2739.30.088611 are not affected as well. Engines lower than these, are a lottery. Simply don't buy them. My M272 is made in 2008 with the 31 in the middle, i'm not worried, these engines are pretty good, just make sure you buy the improved version.

[@bziton]

So this is my engine SN 272967 30 636998. Unaffected even though the car was released 5.31.07?

[@SurfingWithTheMartian]

I have a 2007 SLK 280 with 74k miles. The serial number for the engine is in the affected range for the balance shaft issue so I’m always on the lookout for symptoms that may indicate that the balance shaft has failed or is failing. Here is what I have come up with so far: 1. P0016 or P0017 DTC codes. 2. Excessive engine noise and or poor drive ability indicating slack in the timing chain. 3. The timing marks on the chain don’t line up with each other after removing both intake cam position sensors and rotating the engine to the proper position and viewing the marks through the holes for the mounting locations for the sensors. 4. Any metal pieces in the engine oil after doing an oil change. 5. Failure of any engine component due to oil contamination/metal pieces in the oil. So far I haven’t had any problems with items 1-4 above. As to item 5 I did get a P0015 code and had to replace the passenger side exhaust cam magnet. I don’t know that it failed due to metal pieces in the oil from a failing balance shaft but seems very possible. I wonder does anyone know if the main reason for the failure of the cam magnets is because of them being contaminated from metal pieces from a failed/failing balance shaft. Does anyone else have anything else to add to the list above?

[@JohnAseye-wd3cc]

Do i need to bring the engine out before removing the balance shaft?

[@rusty358]

Intake valve sprocket shift may indicate a stretched chain, not necessarily a worn sprocket on the balance shaft. Replacing the chain and tensioner may fix it and reduce the wear on the balance shaft sprocket. I found the chain out of spec on a 280sl at 98,000 miles.

[@MrSurfcat888]

First off, I love your vids and they have been very helpful. Please help. I have a 2008 E350 4-Matic that is throwing both P0016 & P0017 codes. I turned the crankshaft to 305-degrees, pulled the camshaft position sensors and found that the circle of numbers is perfectly aligned in the center of both the exhaust & intake holes. Thus, the balance shaft or timing chain are not the issue. I also pulled both VVT magnets/solenoids and they both appear functional (magnets are loose when shaking and actuator goes in/out). Other than gambling and replacing all 4 sensors & magnets, do you have any suggestions to wipe these codes and get the engine to function better? I am experiencing weak bottom-end torque, but normal top-end performance. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@JohnSmith-gm4fj]

So I tore my m272 engine apart (2006 c280) due to a bad balance shaft and I can tell you it is a pain in the butt. You have to take the engine out of the car, no way around it. 1. drain the oil while the engine is still in the car. 2. Loosen the crankshaft pulley nut while the engine is still in the car (trust me). 3. Remove the engine from the car. 4. Take off the starter gear on the back. 5. Take off the back piece. 6. Remove the back part of the balance shaft. 7. Put the engine on an engine stand. 8. Remove the oil pan (you have to get that little axle out first). I can go on and on, there are some good videos out there.

[@DVLZHAZE]

Did it work? Was your car misfiring and rattling when you found out something was wrong? If I do try to tackle this job thanks for the advice because you seem to hit some key points. Also, any special tool you had to buy that you couldn't get around.

[@inthrutheoutdoor3464]

Will an engine vibration at 2 to 4k rpm be a sign of the balance shaft? I just put in a new motor 06 c230 v6 and was assured motor was good was only 2200 parts and labor. No check engine light just the shake. They said drive it few days see if motor settles in. Maybe motor mount?

[@JohnSmith-gm4fj]

@@inthrutheoutdoor3464 probably the motor mount, a bad balance shaft will send out a code asap as the chain rounds off the gear and the shaft stops spinning. It could also be a rough idle, needs a little tuning, try new plugs, air filters, clean the injectors the usual.

[@JohnSmith-gm4fj]

@@DVLZHAZE My car never misfired I just got the dreaded code, in fact the engine ran fine but the CEL light was on and I knew I would never pass inspection. Even though I tore the entire engine down to the block...few few special tools needed, in fact only 2 or 3 if memory serves, I ended up putting in a used engine I got off Ebay, at that moment and being under a time, I needed the car to run right then it was the right decision. I still have the stripped block in my garage with all the parts in boxes, I did toss the shaft as it was totally stripped. I can lift the stripped block it's only about 35 lbs. Wife keeps yelling at me to get rid of it, don't know anyone that wants it.

[@inthrutheoutdoor3464]

@@JohnSmith-gm4fj thanks John. yeah the idle is smooth and on point but when you rev rather sitting still or driving vibration comes in just under 2k rpms then smooths out somewhere past 4k. I did the same thing because the check engine light was on for intake manifold and balance shaft so was cheaper to do replace motor 2200.00 parts and labor from a reputable supplier here in atl. Got it back today. They did plugs and fee other things. Hoping for the best. 🤞

[@simonsafi7589]

Does this need to take the whole engine out? thanks

[@localsource]

i looking for the installation position of the Balance Sprocket, also known as a Idler gear. It’s a 273 V8 and doesn’t not have a Balance shaft. There is a weight on the sprocket to balance the engine. the weight has a mark on it. a where does this mark go in correlation to the copper link on the chain? Thanks

[@meradu2]

What can I say because I’m going through this process of trying to figure out what the noises is on the suv ,your video definitely gives me a little bit more insurance this this is possible I do have the V-8 4.6 L so if I understand correctly the V-8 is different when it comes to balancer Thank you for taking the time explaining every piece by piece I have been working on cars but I am not a mechanic and I don’t do this every day I can’t say that I can enjoy it but I have to endure it Thanks for sharing the video Oh yes if you’re reading this message can you please look at my video and listen to the noise tap in taking noise on a 2007 GL 450 so I cannot figure out what the problem is

[@zxtenn]

Wow, I bet you that's a 10 grand repair with all those highly machined parts and removing engine, etcc. that's a lot of labor considering R+R engine You didn't mention what wore the sprocket teeth down to less than nothing? Chain too tight? I have a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 V-8 and it has 147,000 miles, doesn't burn a drop of oil, replaced the transfer case at 116,000 miles was the only major repair, original trans. etc. I replaced all front end parts except ball joints including the control arms with upgraded units and steering box, yes it only gets 12 mpg city but its my 2nd vehicle. I just replaced both front axles and hub bearings so all set there now for at least 5 years. I was thinking of a used ML 320/350 but think I will keep the Jeep You're obviously a good mechanic and smart guy

[@glasser2819]

stay away from German money pits - They are purposely built to require high maintenance then fail prematurely. This soft shaft being worn out is a prime example: no maintenance could have prevented this failure. Once parts are replaced, old engine still chewed metal shavings 😂 It's just pricey junk sold to ignorants drivers like us 😂

[@iRepairAutos]

We are addicted to them..

[@tanguyj8156]

Hey! Great video! Do you know if we need a mb scanner at the end ? Is there a specific procedure with computer or no? Thanks

[@robertwright4965]

I have an 09 E350 that needs this repair. Any takers?

[@danielmillard3329]

The water pump instructions gives you a point where you should place a flathead screwdriver to prise it off.

[@zxtenn]

Hi- I was told after 2008 the balance shaft sprocket problem was fixed so after 2008 that problem no longer exists, I was looking at a few 2010 and up full documented and low mileage ML 350- that's a lot of work there and also very expensive

[@iRepairAutos]

+jim dandy the problem was fixed but.... to be safe you should have the Vin number handy and check to see if it falls in range with the other problematic engines. Just to be safe

[@glasser2819]

fear not, Benz was forced to fix the balance shaft scam but they now they use tin-can chains that stretch and need replacement around 160Mi Variable Valve Timing mechanisms also need premature repairs

[@akujude]

@@iRepairAutos how can I check the vin number?

[@Godisablebraketechnicianasecer]

Hi I got a question for you. How to remove the Mercedes Benz R350 2007.

[@redbaron2448]

How many Miles were on the car when you changed all this out? 50k or 100k

[@iRepairAutos]

Over 100k.

[@jamiewelsh5442]

Hey bud what mileage on average should these be replaced. I've got a 06 slk350. No check lights or noises...yet. should I wait or go straight ahead a do the repair.

[@iRepairAutos]

They should never need replacing unless there is a defect in the manufacturing process. No issues or lights no need to change it.

[@ModMINI]

What's the best way to get the engine out? Together with transmission or can transmission be left in the car?

[@iRepairAutos]

+Mod MINI Transmission and engine taken out is the easiest.

[@ModMINI]

+iRepair Autos Thanks - that's what I ended up doing. Wasn't so bad once I figured out how.

[@iRepairAutos]

+Mod MINI Are you in the process of doing the balance shaft sprocket replacement?

[@ModMINI]

+iRepair Autos Yes - Drivetrain is out, haven't started that exciting job yet. I have access to WIS and great videos like this and optimistic about the work. I've worked on cars a lot but not this particular engine, and am doing a lot of research before tearing in - several places where mistakes can be made.

[@iRepairAutos]

+Mod MINI Sweet! Where are you located?

[@benjaminmercy1071]

Sheesh the fact the whole engine has to be pulled out to get to this piece is crazy. I own a 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 350 & I’m getting code P0015, but I was told by mechanic that my balance shaft has never been changed also but idk if it’s bad

[@iRepairAutos]

These balance shafts in an ideal world should never need to be changed. Did he check to see if the timing marks are off? That would indicate if the balance shaft sprockets have worn down and need changing

[@zamiryi]

Those balancer assemblies are $1000/piece, cam adjusters must be done with the magnets, you are looking at a solid $3500 in parts, around 22 hrs of labor

[@inthrutheoutdoor3464]

Will an engine vibration at 2 to 4k rpm be a sign of the balance shaft? I just put in a new motor: 06 c230 v6 and was assured motor was good was only 2200 parts and labor. No check engine light just the shake. They said drive it few days see if motor settles in. Maybe motor mount?

[@b.trill6868]

Got code 1208 shop said balance shaft! My car recently just got 103k miles mark ! I’ve been reading parts tend to wear around that time and this happens smh what’s your thought? Would you think it could possibly be cam intake sensor?

[@hishamamar1008]

Hi. Just I want to ask you I have cl 500 2007.250 km.and I have p 0018 and p0017 and p0019.ao it will be the same what did you do in this video? Thanks.

[@danielwalton5180]

Someone needs to do a series to show how to accomplish this job. I have a 2007 e350 4matic. The check engine light came on while I was driving home from the "no returns" dealership. I had the codes ran. To my horror, it was the only two codes I was worried about finding. The cam/ crank not synced codes. I didn't even get to enjoy new used car for a day.

[@danielwalton5180]

Ain't that a bitch? If you find a solution ( inexpensive garage that does a great job) lemme know. I'll do the same. I'd make a drive to get mine done. I'm in the Midwest America.

[@ethanpn2003]

I have p0016 p0017 p1200 p1208 is this this problem? Thx bro

[@coronapack]

This is why c230 owners do an LS swap in these...

[@fonsahdominic5318]

Greetings sir your video's are really helpful but sorry for disturbing I have this problem with one of my customers 4matic 350 2017 model V6 the engine is having a hard starting problem I have check the vehicle and I was told is the camshaft position actuator I have changed all the camshaft position sensor s but still the problem is still there the engine is still having the hard starting this is the code coming repeatedly talking about the camshaft position sensor

[@fonsahdominic5318]

po0018

[@rusty358]

Are you saying the oil filter doesn't work on this motor?

[@iRepairAutos]

No, the oil filter works.

[@veda-songbird1815]

so the Balance shaft controls what exactly?? I'm having my water pump changed just now 😯...it's very unfortunate when parts break during repairs 😩

[@iRepairAutos]

+Song Bird a balance shaft is an eccentric weighted shaft which offsets vibrations in engine designs that have secondary harmonics more found here: balancershaft.wordpress.com/ Thanks for watching! Please subscribe

[@ModMINI]

+Song Bird Balance shafts are used in v-block engines to even out imbalances in the engine center of mass which would otherwise cause vibration and stress on the engine. They are kind of like noise canceling headphones. They are a weighted mass that spins in such a way to cancel out the vibration from other moving parts in the engine.

[@veda-songbird1815]

Im thinking by now my 26 year old baby needs this

[@ModMINI]

+Song Bird Maybe, although it should be a non-wear or low-wear part - this is a problem specific to the 272 and 273 engines which were designed with a bad alloy which allows the sprocket to wear prematurely.

[@veda-songbird1815]

+Mod MINI ok thanks

[@cembaki1715]

Looking to buy a e350. I just checked the vin number and it is one of the defective ones. However, car has 174k miles on it and runs really good w/o any check engine light on. Do you think that it is repaired or a ticking bomb? Can it survive for 174k miles? What do you think?

[@iRepairAutos]

I would check with Mercedes to see if this work was done. They can check via the vin. Also take it on a highway drive. If you have an icarsoft scanner you can get more details as to what the engine is doing.

[@derralkoyier2328]

Time bomb

[@philjones3131]

Why do you have to change the pulse wheels and magnets?

[@iRepairAutos]

You need to change everything that may have metal parts broken off in and on them

[@philjones3131]

@@iRepairAutos Thank you, that's very helpful and makes perfect sense when you think about it. Thank you and great video.

[@b.trill6868]

So my w204 hit the 103k mile mark and code 1208 came on brought to shop there saying balance shaft needs to be fixed!

[@iRepairAutos]

Oh man!!!!! This is bad news. See if it's covered. Based on the age and miles

[@b.trill6868]

@@iRepairAutos I’m not original owner! If that matters Miles are about 104k 2010! C300 sport Everything’s clean inside and out clean title! New front end rear alignment New rotors and brakes New window tints just put on sadly !! New cabin and air filter New oil change If you were in my position, what would be your thoughts? And how much would you sell it for asap!

[@iRepairAutos]

I would go to mercedes and talk with them. If you're lucky they may cover part of it. If not, trade it in. The job is between $4000 and $6500

[@b.trill6868]

@@iRepairAutos brought my car to autozone to check the engine code. They said to get new cam shaft sensor for for bank 2 sensor b did that ! Light still on scanned again this time for bank 1 sensor a! Did that erased code drove for 30-40 mins went inside for about an hour drove again now currently in car and light hasn’t popped on ! Lemme say big difference in driving performance now! So I’m thinking the shop tried to milk me for some money? First they said it was cam magnets and paid 662 for that for the light to still be on. Thinking now I could’ve did it myself atleast bank 1. But I guess it is what it is right? Then for them to look over my car I left it with them for 8 hours but they said it was balance shaft and they felt bad and charged me for 2 hours of work to check over the engine scan and scope out the engine so I guess that’s good? But still kinda pissed that they really said it was other major things instead of telling me it was only the sensors. And basically fixed something that didn’t need to be fixed (cam magnets ) and spent money on them to not even find the lite simple problem ! But question since I changed bank 2 sensor b and bank 1 sensor a should I change the remaining 2 other sensors as well???!

[@sonikempire]

very disappointing that benz did that, I would expect that from audi but not MB. Audi does stupid mistakes like this (2.0T cam follower, oil consumption, etc) My brother has an e350 but I haven't gotten around to fix it yet. I'm dreading it. The later year engines don't have those issues and they will swap into the earlier year cars except for one sensor needs to be spliced.

[@iRepairAutos]

Yes this is truly disappointing. What is even more disappointing is the fight that ensued when owners tried getting their vehicles fixed. Some dealerships would do it and many would fight and come up with reasons other than the real issue (not paying)

[@glasser2819]

@@iRepairAutos Benz dealers are in the business to extract money by twisting arms of the weakest customers, not MBUSA. The best place to find a bad Benz... is at the Lexus dealership 👍🏻

[@omerwahed]

What is the labor cost?

[@iRepairAutos]

Most shops are charging $6000 USD and up in labor and parts

[@volkswagentiguanrline2610]

How much would I have to spend for this job

[@iRepairAutos]

+Volkswagen cc pricing varies. Check with Mercedes first. They offer to pay off certain criteria is met (miles, etc.) I've seen quotes from $3500 USD to $7000 USD.

[@volkswagentiguanrline2610]

iRepair Autos how long will a repair like this takes

[@iRepairAutos]

+Volkswagen cc about a week. It requires complete engine removal and take down.

[@glasser2819]

the crap is how well the repair job is done: with minimum parts or with all maintenance parts. Many professionals minimize out of pocket cost with bare bone parts but top labor for themselves, DEALERS INCLUDED! (Timing kit at 100K then job redo at 140k for oil pump seals: WTF!) Dealers are large independent business entities. They follow TSB procedures for warranty jobs invoiced back to corporate else they do exactly as they please beside scrutiny from the "BAR: Bureau of Automotive Repairs". anyways, don't fight lost battles with Golahiat

[@Leveluplivin]

12:53 so basically need a engine rebuilt huh 🤔

[@iRepairAutos]

100% yes.

[@veda-songbird1815]

Great..great running car...thinking about selling it...but noooooo it is my Baby

[@glasser2819]

baby that keeps biting your wallet non-stop also known as a German money-pit 😂

[@zokizoki2524]

problem solved install a v8, or perhaps AMG engine!

[@jshadler1589]

I noticed you didnt change the cam adjusters, just the sensor wheels and magnets. I have a chatter about 10 seconds after I start the car, it lasts 3 or 4 seconds. I believe its the cam adjuster, when the oil pressure comes up, the chatter goes away. The 2008 272 v6 is not throwing any codes and runs great. Sid you ever run across a chatter like this, with no codes? Thanks. Here is a link to video . Thanks again. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZK5nHuhqZaIaZo

[@garynorthtruro]

The reason these things happen now is, development time is too short before sending to market. Poor parts quality should have been caught way before this point. If the price of the car was cheap then maybe one could accept it but not when it's this expensive and damaging. The M/B just isn't what it used to be.

[@iRepairAutos]

I agree with you fully.

[@glasser2819]

you are saying... Benz does not know they are using SOFT METALS to build timing parts... I think its pure engineering decision, just like when Boeing management fires software engineers and sub contracts out to India: failed B337 planes get grounded for Billions

[@Dayporter-j3m]

Factory difec then need to make money off parts