M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket and Timing Chain Problems

Early M272 engines can suffer premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket. As the sprocket teeth wear, camshaft timing can drift relative to the crankshaft, causing a check engine light, rough running, and Mercedes fault codes 1200 or 1208. A stretched timing chain can cause similar faults, but it is a less common cause when the sprocket is not worn. Confirm the engine serial number, scan the engine control module, check the timing values, and inspect the sprocket before ordering parts.

Balance shaft:

The balance shaft in the M272 engine is prone to failure. It is supported by two bearings that can wear out prematurely, making the shaft unbalanced and leading to excessive engine vibrations. To repair this issue, the balance shaft and bearings need to be replaced.

Timing chain:

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

Both of these repairs are complex and require a significant amount of time and labor. It’s important to have these repairs performed by a qualified mechanic with experience working on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. 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 of M272 Mercedes-Benz engines shows premature wear of the balance shaft gears. Repairing the balance shaft gear requires removing the engine, which is very expensive, ranging between $3800 and $5000. If you have a Mercedes-Benz with the M272 engine, make sure it has a serial number higher than 2729. 30 468993. Engines through serial number 2729..30 468993 fall within the affected production range, but the serial number alone does not prove the sprocket has failed.

There have been a couple of class action lawsuits against Mercedes-Benz. A class action settlement was approved in 2015 and provided limited reimbursement and extended repair coverage. The claim deadline and coverage periods have expired.

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 stops 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.