Any year safe m272 engine
Discussion
Never had a Mercedes and I am trying to learn about my intended purchase of a SLK 350 or maybe 280. The engines seem to have a reputation for timing chain problems, the sprockets seem to wear? However I read that after 2007 Mercedes had cured this problem.
So my questions are.
Has the timing chain problem gone after 2007
Is the timing chain a preventative maintenance, that is to say, change it and tensioners before a problem occurs say at 80k miles?
Lastly any other top tips for the buying of an SLK V6 and is the 200 184 with a pulley change, over 200 bhp I believe, a viable option?
Thanks
So my questions are.
Has the timing chain problem gone after 2007
Is the timing chain a preventative maintenance, that is to say, change it and tensioners before a problem occurs say at 80k miles?
Lastly any other top tips for the buying of an SLK V6 and is the 200 184 with a pulley change, over 200 bhp I believe, a viable option?
Thanks
The problem with some of these engines is the balance shaft, not the timing chains. Given this, Google is your friend and there is a list of engine numbers that are affected.
Basically upto around 2006 are the affected engines, if the internet is correct.... So, this is worth a look into.
My MBZ indie (MBS Mercedes, Southampton) have a proven fix for this.
The other factor is that the unaffected engines typically fall into the post-April 2006 high tax zone. Then, around 2008/09 the r171 had a facelift and the engine had a significant update, with many internals replaced and power raised from 272hp to 305hp. These fall into the lower tax zone but the purchase cost is higher. So, might be worth running a quick TCO, if budget is important to you.
I've not driven a 4-pot SLK r171 but I'd imagine it would be a rather underwhelming experience, both viscerally and aurally.
FWIW, I'd do the research, buy a 350 with eyes wide open, find an unaffected one and go for it!
Basically upto around 2006 are the affected engines, if the internet is correct.... So, this is worth a look into.
My MBZ indie (MBS Mercedes, Southampton) have a proven fix for this.
The other factor is that the unaffected engines typically fall into the post-April 2006 high tax zone. Then, around 2008/09 the r171 had a facelift and the engine had a significant update, with many internals replaced and power raised from 272hp to 305hp. These fall into the lower tax zone but the purchase cost is higher. So, might be worth running a quick TCO, if budget is important to you.
I've not driven a 4-pot SLK r171 but I'd imagine it would be a rather underwhelming experience, both viscerally and aurally.
FWIW, I'd do the research, buy a 350 with eyes wide open, find an unaffected one and go for it!
M272 issue is down to balance shaft gear wearing.
Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
AREA said:
M272 issue is down to balance shaft gear wearing.
Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
Thank you, does that equate to a year. If I am looking at a car which is miles away how do I match to your engine numbers?Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
rongagin said:
AREA said:
M272 issue is down to balance shaft gear wearing.
Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
Thank you, does that equate to a year. If I am looking at a car which is miles away how do I match to your engine numbers?Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.
Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
rongagin said:
timbo999 said:
The R172 SLK 350 is a bloody lovely car with a brilliant engine... just don't buy a red (Fire Opal) one!
Haha why?I’m the OP, in the end I went for a 2009 facelift 350. It ticked a lot of boxes like 305bhp, lower tax (over £200 cheaper) and supposedly 650 changes/upgrades according to MB. The issues like the timing chain shaft ‘should’ not be a problem.
I am on a couple of slk forums and the r171 especially it seems of 2005/2006 years suffer badly with subframe rusting. This part is £700+ and takes another £300-500 to fit. So check very carefully, they rust right through and literally can split in two. Later cars or earlier seems better.
I am on a couple of slk forums and the r171 especially it seems of 2005/2006 years suffer badly with subframe rusting. This part is £700+ and takes another £300-500 to fit. So check very carefully, they rust right through and literally can split in two. Later cars or earlier seems better.
rongagin said:
I’m the OP, in the end I went for a 2009 facelift 350. It ticked a lot of boxes like 305bhp, lower tax (over £200 cheaper) and supposedly 650 changes/upgrades according to MB. The issues like the timing chain shaft ‘should’ not be a problem.
I am on a couple of slk forums and the r171 especially it seems of 2005/2006 years suffer badly with subframe rusting. This part is £700+ and takes another £300-500 to fit. So check very carefully, they rust right through and literally can split in two. Later cars or earlier seems better.
Which subframeI am on a couple of slk forums and the r171 especially it seems of 2005/2006 years suffer badly with subframe rusting. This part is £700+ and takes another £300-500 to fit. So check very carefully, they rust right through and literally can split in two. Later cars or earlier seems better.
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