[jbanks15]

Hey folks, I have to admit I didn't read all 18 pages of the thread (I stopped at page 8). I am looking at a potential SLK350 (2006, 6 speed manual). The car is in Rochester NY, some 300 miles away. I've already called the MB dealer there and asked about a pre-purchase inspection. I guess I need to ask them to also do this test for the cam timing. I looked up the VIN and the engine # is definitely one of those affected. The MB dealer told me that based on the VIN, the warranty coverage is now expired. The car has 47,000 miles on it (see link below)

I am thinking that in addition to the visual test for timing marks, I should ask about an extended warranty through 80,000 miles? Although I doubt I will drive this car more than 5,000 miles each year, so it could take 8 years to reach 80,000 miles.

It sounds to me like it could be a $4000 ticking time bomb or nothing at all.

The car is a single owner and its a 6-speed manual and is loaded up with all the nice options including the air scarf, GPS/Sirius radio and Xenon lights.
2006 Used Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK350 Roadster 3.5L at Sutherland Service Center Serving Pittsford, NY, IID 15076163

One thing I didn't understand, if you had an affected car and were covered under the class action settlement, then could you opt to replace the gear, even if it had no symptoms? Or only if it failed?

Doug, you can skip worrying and pick up any year SLK 55 AMG. It has the M113 engine and not the M272

 

[mchild]

Hey folks, I have to admit I didn't read all 18 pages of the thread (I stopped at page 8). I am looking at a potential SLK350 (2006, 6 speed manual). The car is in Rochester NY, some 300 miles away. I've already called the MB dealer there and asked about a pre-purchase inspection. I guess I need to ask them to also do this test for the cam timing. I looked up the VIN and the engine # is definitely one of those affected. The MB dealer told me that based on the VIN, the warranty coverage is now expired. The car has 47,000 miles on it (see link below)

I am thinking that in addition to the visual test for timing marks, I should ask about an extended warranty through 80,000 miles? Although I doubt I will drive this car more than 5,000 miles each year, so it could take 8 years to reach 80,000 miles.

It sounds to me like it could be a $4000 ticking time bomb or nothing at all.

The car is a single owner and its a 6-speed manual and is loaded up with all the nice options including the air scarf, GPS/Sirius radio and Xenon lights.
2006 Used Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK350 Roadster 3.5L at Sutherland Service Center Serving Pittsford, NY, IID 15076163

One thing I didn't understand, if you had an affected car and were covered under the class action settlement, then could you opt to replace the gear, even if it had no symptoms? Or only if it failed?

No symptoms no new gear - at least at the expensive of MB.

The mileage is right at the point where many engines that have had the problem show it. Can you tell from the seller provided CarFax report (if they are not willing to provide you with a CarFax report then walk away) which MB dealership sold and maintained the car. Most MB dealerships upload all maintenance and repairs so it may be listed in the report if it has already been done. If it isn't done you may be able to get the dealership to confirm whether they have done it or not. For some reason MB dealers are very reluctant to provide repair history but you may get them to just confirm that one item. If it has been done then you are good to go. If it has not been done, then yes, you do want the test done. This car was manufactured right at the time that most of the problem balance shafts were installed.

 

[Doug Antelman]

Balance Shaft

The place selling the SLK350 provided a carfax. There's no indication the gear was replaced. The car was serviced at both a Honda dealer (oil changes only) and MB dealer. The only major items listed were: replaced drive belt tensioner pulley; engine wiring harness, replaced freeze plug. While the car was serviced at a MB dealer there's not much detail as to what they did.

Again, all I can do is ask the MB place doing the PP inspection to look at those timing marks. And I can see how much warranty coverage.

They are asking $19k for the car, I am going to try and get it for $17k. I have a feeling they won't go below 18k, because they know how few manuals there are and also it has every option.

I definitely like the nose of the 2006 better than the 2009.

as far as an AMG, sure if you can get it with a 6-speed manual. Did they at least use a dual clutch automatic with the AMG?

No symptoms no new gear - at least at the expensive of MB.

The mileage is right at the point where many engines that have had the problem show it. Can you tell from the seller provided CarFax report (if they are not willing to provide you with a CarFax report then walk away) which MB dealership sold and maintained the car. Most MB dealerships upload all maintenance and repairs so it may be listed in the report if it has already been done. If it isn't done you may be able to get the dealership to confirm whether they have done it or not. For some reason MB dealers are very reluctant to provide repair history but you may get them to just confirm that one item. If it has been done then you are good to go. If it has not been done, then yes, you do want the test done. This car was manufactured right at the time that most of the problem balance shafts were installed.

 

[jbanks15]

I definitely like the nose of the 2006 better than the 2009.

???

nose is exactly the same

AMG has 7 speed auto, 7 speed paddle shifters and 7 speed slap stick

all for that same price

 

[jbanks15]

R171 (2004–2010)[edit]
R171
Mercedes-Benz R171 front 20080801.jpg
Overview
Production 2004–2010
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Body and chassis
Platform Mercedes-Benz R171
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L I4
3.0 L V6
3.5 L V6
5.4 L V8
Transmission 5-speed (SLK 200)
7-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 95.7 in (2,431 mm)
Length 4,087 mm (160.9 in)
AMG: 4,093 mm (161.1 in)
2009–2011: 161.5 in (4,102 mm)
2009–present AMG: 161.4 in (4,100 mm)
Width 1,788 mm (70.4 in)
1,793 mm (70.6 in)
Height 1,298 mm (51.1 in)
2004–08 AMG: 1,270 mm (50.0 in)
2009–2011 AMG: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Curb weight 1,495 kg (3,296 lb)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz R171

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 pre-facelift

2004–2008 SLK 280 pre-facelift
The R171 features a number of revisions compared to its predecessor, the R170: a 30mm longer wheelbase, increased length (72mm) and width (65mm),[10] 40% increased use of high strength steel,[10] seven-speed automatic transmission, adaptive two-stage airbags, head/thorax sidebags and a revised roof mechanism (marketed as the Vario roof) deployable in 22 seconds (previously 25 seconds) with a rotary-pivoting rear window enabling a more compact folded roof stack and trunk storage increased by 63 litres with the roof retracted.[10] Optional features include remote operation of the retractable hardtop as well as a forced air, neck-level heating system integral to the headrests, marketed as Airscarf.[10]
The fully galvanized bodywork, which features 19 percent improvement in static bending and 46 percent improvement in torsional strength with the roof down, also features a 3% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, with a Cd value of 0.32.[10] The design has been aerodynamically optimized to minimize interior draughts with the top retracted and includes a fabric windblocker which can be pulled up over the two roll-over bars.[10] Mercedes marketed the R171's tapering front end styling by designer Steve Mattin as "Formula One-inspired".[10]
Models of this SLK include:
SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) I4 supercharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 300 (known as SLK 280 in some markets) – 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
SLK 350 – new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph ou 250 km/h(electronically limited).
SLK 55 AMG – 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph (249 km/h). A modified version of this model was used in Formula One as its Safety Car during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.[11] The SLK55 AMG was also the first Mercedes tuned by AMG's Performance Studio to create the new "Black Series".
R171 facelift (2007)[edit]
In January 2008 at the Detroit Motor Show, the SLK-Class facelift was launched, following pre-show announcements in December 2007 with the first American owner being James Glass on Johnson City TN.[12] The R171 facelift included new engines, with a particular improvement to the SLK 200 and 350 with more power and better fuel efficiency. The exterior changes were subtle, with alterations limited to the front bumper design and new wing mirrors.[13]
SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 supercharged engine
SLK 350 – 3.5 L (3498 cc) 224 kW (305 PS; 300 hp) DOHC V6 engine
SLK 300 and 55 AMG retained their existing engines

 

[Roxanne7169]

Rha-cha-cha? You mean THE Rha-cha-cha?? OMG to spend one more day there....while you are there do yourself a favor, pick up a garbage plate. Just ask the first person you see where to get one. And don't go for the knock off "Rubbish Plate" or "trash pile"... it's Nick Tahoes or nothing baby! Take a cooler and bring home some Zwiegles white hots or maybe even some Wardiskys....if you can find it.
As for the car..RUST RUST RUST baby. Crawl around underneath it and using a stiff middle finger THUMP the frame! If at any point your finger goes through get up AND WALK AWAY...BS be damned. (Balance shaft). If it has been garage kept then great but again...middle finger! Look on the map think snow (and salt). Take a cruise down Lyell and report back.

But then again, being 300 miles away you get what I am saying (writing) right?

 

[Roxanne7169]

And no, no warranty (SP) no garantee (SP) no remediation..it is what it is

 

[Roxanne7169]

Pitsford is for sure one of the better hoods. But that doesn't mean the car lived there and that doesn't mean it was cared for. Ask if it was a "315'r" and if so, point your middle finger south and GTF outta there.

 

[Doug Antelman]

Ummm, the 2009 has that split bumper, like a formula one car. The 2006 doesn't have it.

As far as AMG, yes the V-8 engine will be inherently better balanced than a 90-degree V6. MB had to use a balance shaft with their V6 engines to eliminate inherent vibrations from a 90-degree V6. They should have used a 60-degree V6, which I think they eventually did. Then you don't need a balance shaft.

If the company is all about engineering, then why not use the 60-degree V6. More complex isn't better engineered, its more complex. Engineering is about using the best design and build, which many times is the simpler design which is more reliable.

As far as buying an AMG, I don't think I will go that route... Higher initial purchase price, higher operating costs due to lower fuel economy, and I am sure tires will cost more also. I also am not a big fan of automatic transmissions. I like the direct feel of the clutch and having total control over the engine and gearing. The AMG is faster, but I'm not really after the muscle so much as the open sports car experience (along with some luxury).

I definitely like the nose of the 2006 better than the 2009.

???

nose is exactly the same

AMG has 7 speed auto, 7 speed paddle shifters and 7 speed slap stick

all for that same price

 

[jbanks15]

you said nose. bumper is not nose hood is nose

 

[Doug Antelman]

Are you done putting down Rochester yet? It's upstate New York, it's no different in many of the formerly industrial cities like Binghamton, Syracuse, Albany etc.

The car was not winter driven, it was garaged and it is a single owner car. In addition to doing my own inspection, it will be getting a full inspection from a MB dealer, they will check for rust and corrosion. I can tell from the CarFAX service records- all of the services were done between May and October, indicating that the car was put away for the winters.

Rha-cha-cha? You mean THE Rha-cha-cha?? OMG to spend one more day there....while you are there do yourself a favor, pick up a garbage plate. Just ask the first person you see where to get one. And don't go for the knock off "Rubbish Plate" or "trash pile"... it's Nick Tahoes or nothing baby! Take a cooler and bring home some Zwiegles white hots or maybe even some Wardiskys....if you can find it.
As for the car..RUST RUST RUST baby. Crawl around underneath it and using a stiff middle finger THUMP the frame! If at any point your finger goes through get up AND WALK AWAY...BS be damned. (Balance shaft). If it has been garage kept then great but again...middle finger! Look on the map think snow (and salt). Take a cruise down Lyell and report back.

But then again, being 300 miles away you get what I am saying (writing) right?

 

[Roxanne7169]

Doug, had to read your message twice before reacting. The smiley did it for me. By no means am I putting down Rochester. I love Rochester with a passion. And a garbage plate is a real thing, like rust. Good luck to you.

 

[Doug Antelman]

I spoke to a MB (independent repair shop) here in Boston area yesterday. I found them via a web site that described the Balance shaft issues... here is what the guy said:
1. 45,000 miles is typically too early to see a BS failure, and most of the ones he's seen are past the 80k mark.
2. He charges $3500 for the repair, unless its a 4-matic, then its $4000
3. Changing the oil more often won't make a difference, although if you are getting gear wear, it will flush any metal particles out of the system sooner.
4. You can't predict IF or WHEN this will happen, it is the luck of the draw. It may happen to your SLK, it may not happen at all. Don't lose any sleep over it.
5. It's not like the Porsche IMS failure which basically destroys the entire engine.
6. He has seen this problem in many different models, not just the SLK. It's inherent to the M272 engine.
7. There is really no test you can do, even inserting a boroscope down into the engine to look at the gear, because by the time the gear is that worn, it will have triggered the check engine lights.

Another mechanic (MD dealer) told me today there is no point to check the timing marks unless they see the error codes. If there are no error codes, then the timing marks will be OK. MD dealer charges $7000 to do the BS repair, as opposed to $3500.....

Here is the thing... you could spend the $3500 right off the bat and not have to worry about it again, but why? Since not all cars have the failure, why not gamble and do nothing until your own car has a problem!!

Maybe at 100,000 miles or 150k, you could replace the timing chain and do the BS at that time, it it's needed.

 

[Ragezro]

Just found this read so I checked my serial number 272942 30 472555 and it is 3562 engines AFTER the "bad" range of engines.

So should I feel warm and fuzzy?

The reason I'm still a bit concerned is that I had a co-worker that had a 2006 Toyota pickup and Toyota had a buy back for trucks from 1995 through the 2004 models as they had "fixed the problem of the frames rusting to nothing in 5 years or less" so he felt safe with his 2006 model yet it ended up with the same rusted to nothing frame issue as did many others with newer model year Toyota trucks at about 5 years of age. I guess there is talk of another lawsuit over another batch of years now.

 

[jbanks15]

Just found this read so I checked my serial number 272942 30 472555 and it is 3562 engines AFTER the "bad" range of engines.

So should I feel warm and fuzzy?

The reason I'm still a bit concerned is that I had a co-worker that had a 2006 Toyota pickup and Toyota had a buy back for trucks from 1995 through the 2004 models as they had "fixed the problem of the frames rusting to nothing in 5 years or less" so he felt safe with his 2006 model yet it ended up with the same rusted to nothing frame issue as did many others with newer model year Toyota trucks at about 5 years of age. I guess there is talk of another lawsuit over another batch of years now.

I would not worry
as the long thread states...the range is large because mb does not know when the problem started or when it ended until they changed parts
my previous 2005 SLK 350 was in the range and I never had any issues

you can always do the 'test'. see the videos in post 1

remember,

It might never happen
It might have happened and was repaired by previous owner

 

[jet]

Hello All
I am in the process of replacing the balance shaft in our slk350 does anyone know if the new oil pump needs priming with Vaseline or is it a case of just bolt up and start the car.
Thanks John

 

[Notwen]

Brilliant thread, thank you. An SLK350 that is currently top of my list is a late 2004 build, so appears even more promising.

Best regards
Gareth

 

[Healthy]

I would not worry
as the long thread states...the range is large because mb does not know when the problem started or when it ended until they changed parts
my previous 2005 SLK 350 was in the range and I never had any issues

you can always do the 'test'. see the videos in post 1

remember,

It might never happen
It might have happened and was repaired by previous owner

So basically even if our engine is in the range, it's a low % chance of occurring? It's not like 50% have this issue. Just like the example you gave of your 05 in the range but not having any issues.

 

[jbanks15]

So basically even if our engine is in the range, it's a low % chance of occurring? It's not like 50% have this issue. Just like the example you gave of your 05 in the range but not having any issues.

Yes, I would not say low because I can not predict things
The range is large because as stated in the thread, MB does not know when the affected part was used or replaced, per se.
There is a video test that takes about 15 minutes in post 1 of this thread to see if you are affected
Also, again, do you want your FREE gift, your datacard?

 

[Healthy]

Applicable Models (Not Applicable to Model 164.156, 204 or 216.386): Equipped with M272 Engine Up to
Serial No. 2729..30 468993 or M273 Engine Up to Serial No. 2739..30 088611.
The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on
engines past the serial numbers listed above.

Courtesy Efair

Added by jbanks15:
Balance Shaft Gear Issues
M272 engines that were sold between 2004 and 2008 with engine serial numbers below 2729..30 468993 often show early wear of the balance shaft gears, requiring extensive repairs at a retail cost of over $4000. These complaints led to a class action lawsuit against Mercedes Benz (Greg Suddreth and Paul Dunton v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC), which alleged the M272 engines are equipped with defective balance shafts gears which "wear out prematurely, excessively and without warning, purportedly causing the vehicles to malfunction, the check engine light to illuminate and the vehicle to misfire and/or stop driving." The suit further alleged that Mercedes knew of this problem, sending out repair bulletins on how to address this issue and ultimately changing the balance shaft gears to avoid this problem. This suit was ultimately dismissed with the judge agreeing with Mercedes that because the gears fail at 60 -80K miles and outside of the warranty period, Mercedes is not legally responsible for these problems. A second class action lawsuit is being organized. [7]
7. "Mercedes Benz named in class action over safety issues related to its M272 or M273 engines". Retrieved Mar 12, 2013.
http://gotaclassaction.com/mercedes...z-named-in-class-action-over-safety-issues-related-to-its-m272-or-m273-engines/

**********************************
Do the video test to see if you have the issue, posts 106 and 117


**********************************
Check your engine number in your free datacard:

http://www.slkworld.com/vehicle-data-card/67706-free-how-get-free-datacard.html
**********************************
Here is a sister thread on this issue:
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-general-discussion/20874-balance-shaft-sprocket.html

Here is Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action attached
see last pages of this thread for discussion
***********************************
The Balance Shaft/Idle Sprocket settlement was approved by the court
post 156
Read the court document https://eclaim.kccllc.net/caclaimforms/mse/docs.aspx
************************************

Now this is real interesting. I spoke with a well established MB repair specialist in NC. They told me it's actually the later model years 2005-2009 that have the balance shaft issues. The earlier years are actually better. She said some of the 2005 manufactured later have the issue whereas the earlier manufacture do not. Now we have conflicting information from those who actually work on these cars with this issue and what MB says.