M272 Balance Shaft, Timing Chain Repair

The M272 engine, used in some Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is known for having issues with the balance shaft and timing chain. Here’s some information about repairing these components:

Balance shaft:

The balance shaft in the M272 engine is prone to failure due to a design flaw. The shaft is supported by two bearings that can wear out prematurely, causing the shaft to become unbalanced and leading to excessive engine vibrations. The balance shaft and bearings need to be replaced to repair this issue.

Timing chain:

The timing chain in the M272 engine is also prone to wear and stretch, which can cause engine performance issues and potentially catastrophic engine damage if the chain breaks. The timing chain, chain guides, and tensioner need to be replaced to repair this issue.

Both of these repairs are complex and require a significant amount of time and labor. Having these repairs performed by a qualified mechanic with experience working on Mercedes-Benz vehicles is important. Additionally, it’s a good idea to replace other components, such as the oil pump and camshaft adjusters, while the engine is apart to prevent future issues.

It’s also worth noting that Mercedes-Benz issued a voluntary recall for certain vehicles equipped with the M272 engine to address these issues. If your vehicle is affected, it’s important to have the recall performed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mercedes Benz Engine Balance Shaft Sprocket Gear Issues M272

The earliest production M272 Mercedes-Benz engines show premature wear of the balance shaft gears. Repairing the balance shaft gear requires the removal of the engine. This is a very expensive repair ranging between $3800 to $5000.  If you have a Mercedes Benz with the M272 engine, make sure it has been serial number higher than  2729..30 468993. If the engine serial number is lower, you have an engine with weak balance shaft gears.

There have been a couple of class action lawsuits against Mercedes-Benz. The most recent settlement was in 2015, and according to the agreement, Mercedes-Benz may compensate you up to 70% of the repair cost. You can access the settlement here.

How to repair the M272 Engine sprocket

The early M272 was equipped with sprocket gears that wore prematurely and caused the engine to malfunction. The M273 had defective idle gears. Signs of this problem are the illumination of the “Check engine light,” misfire, and the engine stopping running.

Mercedes-Benz Engine Timing Camshaft Sprocket Buy on Amazon

How to repair Mercedes-Benz engine gear sprocket

M272 Balance Shaft Repair Tips, Part 1

M272 Balance Shaft Repair Tips, Part 2

What Scanner Can I Use to Troubleshoot Mercedes-Benz Engine Problems?

If you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, a YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can help you troubleshoot the issues. This advanced diagnostic tool can read and interpret the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system, providing detailed information about any problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, or other critical systems.

The YOUCANIC scanner can also perform diagnostic tests on various systems, including the ABS, airbag, and steering systems, to help pinpoint the root cause of any issues. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money on costly repairs.