Engine & Performance
Balance Shaft & Idler Gear
Early M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines left the factory with a gear that was not hard enough. It wears, the timing drifts, and the car sets a correlation code.
Signs you need this
- Camshaft position sensor correlation codes, often P0016 or P0017
- Metal debris visible in the oil filter media
- Rough running, poor throttle response or a no-start
- Repeat faults after a previous chain-only repair
How we approach it
It is the single most misdiagnosed Mercedes engine fault we see. The affected engines fall inside a known serial number range, and the giveaway is a camshaft correlation fault with metal glitter in the oil filter. On the M272 the balance shaft gear sits behind the timing cover, which means the engine comes out; on the M273 the idler gear is more accessible. Either way the correct fix is the updated hardened gear, not a chain and a hope. We check your engine number first and tell you plainly whether you are affected.
What the job includes
- 01Engine serial number verification against the affected range
- 02Oil filter cut-open inspection for gear debris
- 03Correlation measurement before and after repair
- 04Updated hardened balance shaft or idler gear installation
- 05Timing chain, guides and tensioner replaced at the same time
- 06Full reseal of disturbed surfaces and fresh oil service
Common questions
Is my engine affected?
Give us your VIN and we will check the engine serial against the known range in minutes, at no charge. Many owners worry about a repair their car cannot need.
Is it worth doing on a high-mileage car?
That depends on the rest of the car, and we will give you a straight answer rather than an estimate. If the body, transmission and interior are sound, a repaired M272 will run for another 150,000 miles.
Let us take a look at it.
Call and describe what the car is doing. We will give you an honest assessment before any work begins.
7492 Slater Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm
Related services
Engine Rebuild
Complete rebuilds to factory tolerances for M272, M273, M156, M271, M274 and more.
Timing Chain & Tensioner
Stretched chains, worn guides and failed tensioners — caught before they cost you an engine.
Camshaft Adjusters & Solenoids
Rattle on start-up and variable valve timing faults from worn adjusters and clogged magnets.