What the Hell was Mercedes thinking? Major Engine Problem You Should Look Out For. 

If anyone has an idea for a future video in this series, post up or email. Legitstreetcars@gmail.com. I can get my hands on a lot of different cars so this could be fun. Must be something interesting like a major design flaw, something really expensive or very common. Can't wait to hear from you.

my dad has been working for mercedes for over 30 years and has been telling me about this is balance shaft issue for a while now. Its great to see a video like this from a professional mercedes mechanic. you can get great deals on these cars now because most people get scared when they see the $10k estimate and give the car away for free basically. $500 in parts and a couple of days of work aint bad at all for what you get.

Something like this should be a recall to fix all the affected engines. That is definitely a manufacturers defect. How was their not a class action lawsuit?

From one Mercedes tech to another I send my support. It's amazing you are helping owners with their over priced repairs.

I bought a 2011 ML350 4matic as my first car just over a 1.5 years ago and good lord it was the best purchase I've ever made. $18,000 and 85k miles on it, dark grey with new wheels, brakes, and fluids. I've already put over 15,000 miles on it. The performance and ride comfort is unparalleled. It feels like a tank, and rides like a cloud. Only sometimes I wish I had the V8 550, but then the engine hits 3500rpm and I forget such silly thoughts. It looks so sleek and beautiful, most people ask me if it is a 2015 or 2016 model! They're blown away when I tell them to go back another decade. I feel safe driving it in any environment, and confident taking it to the middle of nowhere, knowing it'll get me back home without breaking a sweat. This car works perfectly for my everyday driving to school and work, but it thrives as a roadtrip king. I can eat up mile after mile in my ML without noticing, and it only gets better mileage as well. A few weeks ago I went on a 650 mile roadtrip roundtrip, and averaged 22mpg and only going through 1.5 tanks of gas.The space is perfect for me, I've taken it on a few camping trips and I'm able to load everything and everyone I need very easily, and it's nice knowing that in the future I can add a trailer to it or some nice roof racks as well. I won't lie, I've even been tempted by the ram bars because little kid me saw the First Gen in Jurassic Park like that, but I want to keep the clean look instead. If you are looking for one, get a facelifted model that fixes most issues. So far I have had only one unexpected issue with the brakelights. Apparently the wiring harness on them is weak and known to fail on many MLs, but the fix was only $50 from the shop. Since the engineering is so smart too I was still able to drive around, as it used the functioning tail lights as a backup brake light. Look up how the repairs look on youtube and you can spot if it has been done to an ML you want to purchase, as it will likely need changing at this point in time. In addition, I had my service A, transmission service, and spark plugs done since I've owned the car. Service A from my SoCal dealership was quoted $250 and the transmission service I was quoted at $626. This was when I scouted for a local mechanic who quoted me at only $300 for transmission, $100 for my oil and filter. $75 for transfer case fluid as well. The sparks I changed myself from watching YT videos, and only cost about $100 after buying all parts and tools. It did eat up 6 hours of my time though, but was well worth it. Soon I look at replacing my front rotors, tires, brakes, and replacing the air filters and swapping differential fluids. All costly, but I was aware this will need to be done in time. And it will be well worth it to keep my beast on the road for many years to come.

Hey Alex, thanks for this video. I'm the second owner of a 2006 W203 C350 with the M272 engine, and its serial number is well within the danger zone for this balance shaft issue. The thing is, I'm at 182,000 miles without any indication of there being a problem. I'm in contact with the first owner, and he doesn't remember ever getting the balance shaft fixed, so I must've gotten really lucky! When I first got the car, I did a lot of repair work on common engine issues the first owner neglected, like replacing the recalled camshaft adjuster magnets you mentioned (exhaust camshaft position timing over-retarded codes), replacing the broken plastic intake manifold actuator rod with an aluminum URO kit (intake manifold runner control stuck open code), and replacing a faulty MAF (fuel trim codes). Now my car runs so well, and it's been thousands of miles since I last had a check engine light (gone after doing my repairs).

I appreciate you Alex....for passing on all of your wisdom to us.....and all of the free info...you work your ass off and it shows....been a subscriber since about 12k subs.....always looking forward to your next video....salute to you bro!🤘

Thank you for creating this channel, it is awesome. You should do a video about the 722.9 transmission, especially the early ones!

New viewer and I'm hooked on these informative videos. It is so nice to have someone highlight very expensive potential catastrophe failures on these MB vehicles. Alex's presentation is so straightforward and very easy to follow. All business and I walk away feeling so much more informed. My newest favorite channel. Keep up the great work.

Love your videos Alex, very informative with honest no bullshit content. I’ve been in the business over 25yrs, I’m a tech also and always learning and your content has helped me fix/modify cars and I thank you for that brother 👊🏼

Had a 2006 E-350 with the balance shaft issue. Took a dealer 3 weeks to do the job and about $6300. Lasted 2 months and needed a new engine! Was told by a local mechanic the dealer never should have done the balance shaft job, as there was already bits of metal floating in the engine, which ultimately caused the engine failure. My second and last Mercedes

You could have a whole series on the BMW E65/E66 and common issues that they presented in the earlier years.. valve stem seals, alternator bracket, carbon build up in the secondary air system, etc

Mercedes M111 and M271 engines often have oil leaks at the camshaft adjustment magnets. The oil will spread though the wiring harness and destroy the ECU and various sensors. There is an adapter from Mercedes that goes between the magnet and the wiring with stops the oil from spreading.

If it came in with the P1200/1208 code we used to drain the oil and stick a flexible magnet in the drain hole and if we fished out any metal pieces, Bam. Confirmed You need a balance shaft. I've done a handful of these a few years ago

The balance shaft was only the tip of the iceberg for my r350. Total engine failure at 120K. Had codes showing magenets, replaced those, code went away, 500 km later engine blown. Took apart the intake manifold, all flaps broken. Oh and the timing jumped. Found pieces of piston and valve in the oil pan. Sourced a low mileage 2011 v6 from a GLK, then guess what after running well for 3 months, transmission broke!!!! Early 722.9s had a bushing instead of bearing for the pump. Bushing spun and sheared the 2 drive teeth for the pump. I'm rebuilding the transmission now Rear air suspension failed as one side of the car sank. Converted to springs. I should have bought a Toyota Venza. I've owned Audis, BMWs and lots of Japanese and my Mercedes R350 has been the worst vehicle I've owned. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!!

When I was younger I was all about BMW and Mercedes ( I am German). Now let me say you the following: The MB cars, especially the early ML models are extremely delicately, electronic and mechanical issues are common. You will spend a fortune on it. still love those cars though. But unless I can’t afford to buy a new one with dealership warranty I would go with Toyota or other Japanese cars which are a lot cheaper to fix and maintain.

Would have been nice to see the work being done on the solenoids. I like watching the wrenching as much as the rest of ya show. 👍👌

Having owned and given up a 2006 ML 350 I enjoyed seeing the problems now easily solved. Will forward this to the current owner. Would like you to do a series on the SLK R171 generation looking at problems and solutions. Had a transmission computer failure at 34K on a 280 which I found unusual even though the car was 6 years at the time. Since I intend to keep it as a classic would really like to see more in-depth material on the R171. Thanks

Was going to buy a 07 cls tomorrow until i saw this video😳 Got the vin ran it car was built july of 06. Checked the engine # and yup it could potentially have this problem. Thanks for saving me $7k!

For the shake of completion, you don't need to simply discard a card with an engine in the potential list of affected ones. Only a small percentage of engines that are theoretically affected actually have the bad balance shaft gear. Fortunately there is a good test for this, consisting on removing 3 or 4 valve timing sensors (at the front of the engine, removed by simply unscrewing one screw at each one), and moving the crankshaft to a 305º position using a ratchet. You should see a circular mark through the holes, and it should be perfectly centered in each hole. If one of the banks is centered (both intake and exhaust) but the other is not, suspect for a stretched timing chain or degraded balance shaft, and that engine will definitely fail. Otherwise, if the car has, say 60k miles on it or higher, and the marks are perfectly aligned, you have nothing to worry about. This is, BTW, standard Mercedes procedure.

My 06 E55 been really good to me overall at 170 000 miles. I enjoy your channel!

Your videos are done well. I owned a European repair shop during the early 70's thru the late 90's I watched the these cars get ruined over government regulations, pollution controls, and the new "no maintenance" logic. Most lack of maintenance is related to the annual maintenance cost being included on window stickers starting in the early 90's. I have driven a MB, BMW and Volvo cars over 500k reliable miles. But I don't subscribe to "no maintenance" or if it's not broken don't fix it!!

Fast wearing teeth and chain (3:18) makes nice steel particles that move thru the oil galleries and wear accelerates exponentially; the bearings must love it...

I've had Toyota and Honda and both had expensive manufacting problems (RAV4: air conditioning, ridiculouslly high oil consumption, water mysteriously getting in the fuel and causing the #4 cylinder to misfire and causing the valve to break off, radio failure, speaker failure, spare tire holder. Honda Fit: horrible radio computer and it's many glitches, confused transmission that can get dangerously stuck, poorly desinged undercarriage, touch screen failures from hell, tire pressure monitors, vtec solenoid that go out for no reason, ) Mercedes GLS 450 however is engineered extremely well, especially if you take care of it. To each their own I guess.

The first production year OM651 had some serious injector problem. All the injectors were sold for spare parts so the engine assembly line couldn't make new engines. Of course they fixed the problem quickly. Also a video about suspension and other stuff would be nice. For example a video about how to inspect track arms, ball joints etc.

this absolutely one of the top car repair RU-vid channels.

Just had my steering fluid pump replaced by Temecula, CA., Mercedes dealer...$400 for the pump....$1500 for LABOR..........I guess they're paying their mechanics $700 per hour...WHAT A FRIGGING RIP OFF.

Fan for a couple of years. Turned this episode of Legit Street cars for something to watch while I was in the kitchen cooking. Crazy how the channel has evolved and how much more comfortable Alex is behind the camera and has a much more diverse fleet of cars

Don’t early 2000’s Honda’s have horrible transmissions? (The 5AT)

Thanks for the MB links. I have 2009 SL550 with 14.2k miles on it. Went to the dealership and requested a VMI sheet via VIN. They gave it to me with no issues. My engine # is 2739..30-230143. So my car has the updated balance shaft instead of the inferior balance shaft. Whew!!! what a relief.👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

Of all the vehicles that I've owned and worked on over the years, I've found cars that range between $18K and $24K seem to be the most reliable and cheapest to fix in the long run.

I honestly don't understand why people so in love with the car that not reliable. I always love Toyota which is I don't have any problem with it , they are normal wear and tear.

Food for thought: Mercedes-Benz knows exactly what it's doing, In that older generations were designed with the tion that the cars should last for decades and were very reliable. As times changed they realized that cars lasting for a long time, meant customers wouldn't purchase newer models, effectively reducing sales. So they designed cars with inherent flaws, expensive labor hours set ups and even more expensive parts. They realized that customers would pay, and dispute complaining, and each year or model was made with certain specs that would stand out to the specific market, they are flashy, with attractive features, but underneath that all, they don't build them for longevity, they're built for short term ownership then they are to be traded in at the end of the lease or or As a trade in for a new model after 3 years.

If the gear has slipped the chain, it usually comes up code P0016, P0017 for passenger side. It's possible to check alignment by removing the camshaft sensors, crank motor to 310 degrees, look in holes of sensors at alignment stamps. If they aren't visible crank another full turn clockwise to 310 degrees. The stamps are a circle of numbers and the circle should be dead center of both sensor holes. If off at all, timing chain has slipped a tooth.

Happiness is knowing that you E350's engine was made way outside the effected range.

I drive an E39 530i and had an engine rebuild due to excessive cylinder wear which led to burning a lot of oil. I understand that depending on how these cars are driven in their early life the cylinders can warp or something similar and cause problems later. It's a common problem with both E39 and E60 models. Could be worth checking out. Thanks for your videos, they are superb.👍

Would love to see common problems on old and even new AMG models.

Your subscriber praise was SO refreshing. Absolutely made my day! Love your work; so much better than large commercial productions!

'06 E350 Wagon, 174k miles.. still running great. Edit: Car hit the shit.. Muffler fell off, something started to smoke under hood (guessing alternator), car rolls in park, oil is pitch black.. project car now🙄

family had a 07 E350 with 54k.....super super clean....balance shaft issue came up....sold it shortly thereafter to a Mercedes mechanic

You definitely got it right on Honda and Toyota.

Quickly becoming one of the best channels on RU-vid.

Suggestion for new episode: hydro-locking C63 engine due to air intake design flaws.

Your channel is about the most informative and enjoyable auto channels on RU-vid. Keep up the good work!

He is 100% right about Toyota, they are absolutely bulletproof!!

We’ve had a CLK550 Coupe in the family since new. Four years in and about 35,000 Miles the death wobbles started. We did all the coils and sparks and it fixed it, now we’re at 170k and every time we get the wobbles we just do a major tune up

Another annoying issue is the plastic part in the intake manifold that has to be replaced with a metal piece (don't buy an entire new intake manifold!!)

Hello Dear, I have Mercedes Benz w212 Engine A272 , V6 model 2012 I had a problem with cylinder number 2. The engine head was opened and the problem was solved by replacing one of the valves that was broken. When the engine was reassembled, the problem with cylinder number 2 disappeared and the camshaft problem appeared. The mechaic told me that his work was perfect and reopened the camshaft and told me that the balance was 100% correct and that there were no symptoms on the car, whether a delay in starting or any sounds coming from the engine, but there is an engine signal light and also a slight weakness in the engine torque. Is it possible to know the reason? Note that the mechanic told me that it is not a sensor problem

I don’t own a Mercedes but I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work.

Since you are showing an old car and since you mentioned Honda, I'll share this one. Honda has been filling its CVTs on Jazz/Fit models with the wrong type of transmission oil for a few years after their release. There have been quite a few cases of Jazz/Fit owners who had broken transmissions (CVT) and had to completely replace it. This models also suffers from ignition coils ending up dead regularly. It has 8 in total and the 4 that are next to the exhaust die easily.

Haha even Honda has some duds...1999-2004 odyssey transmissions come to mind

Hyundai had to buy back my 2016 Tuscon with the 1.5 turbo engine and dual clutch transmission. After multiple program updates and replacing the control motors the SUV would still just go out of gear going down the road. Up hill in the mountain and no transmission was fun! They blamed me till the car display finally came up with message on transmission failure. Talk to many others with same problem. They still sell this transmission but I see in 2019 they are giving it up. Got every penneyI paid cash and all taxes, insurance. Actually love the ride and handling if it only had a different tranny!

Love my Lexus ls430 2001 Has 278000 miles. With original starter and alternator. I also have a Lexus ls460l 2007 and it is a Awesome car!! Only buy Lexus or Toyota vehicles!!!

Before you go buy those solenoids, swap the matching left and right solenoids to see that the code moves. I replaced solenoids only to find that the internal oil value and cam timing mechanism in one cylinder bank was the problem. That cost $4,500 to have repaired. My local shop wouldn't touch a 10 year old SUV, said it was basically worthless. Yeah, Expect about $600 per month in repairs to keep one of these on the road.

Honda automatic transmissions, and the 8th gen civic engine block cracking. Toyota burning oil.

True information , I worked on a couple of ml models with the same problems when they came out. Tricky job but very nice to do when you love your job.....especially when you fire the beast up and it roars again.

I drive a Lexus and never have to deal with any of these nonsense.

I think I need to make a comment about what you said about the "repair cost being greater than the what the car is worth. This is a pretty common mantra most often about Mercedes cars and I want to make a couple of observations. Certainly there are times when fixing something is simply not worth the cost and effort. But rarely does that exceed what the car is worth all things being equal. It all depends on how the words "value" and "worth" are defined. If the car is perfectly satisfactory and suitable for the owner's needs, then it is probably always worth fixing as opposed to replacing the car, assuming the replacement is with one of EXACTLY the same specifications and quality, assuming that the subject car doesn't have a dozen other serious problems that need to be addressed soon also. Whether the car will be worth fixing as opposed to the repair being more than the car's value will depend on how much it will cost to replace that car, including ALL costs in addition to purchase price, excise taxes, interest on the loan (or loss of interest if cash already held is used) and increased insurance cost. This is especially so if the car needing repair is subject to a loan already. There is significant difference between what Kelly Blue Book (for example) says a car is WORTH, and what VALUE it has to the owner of the vehicle when it is running and on dependably on the road. (This is actually a pitch for aggressive maintenance, of course.)

I understand warranty was extended in the US to cover the balance shaft. However, in the UK Mercedes refused to extend the warranty although this issue was only on certain engine range.

Lexus = Peace of mind, money stays in your pocket.

My thumbs up for you, keep it up good work ...... sound like many high ends" luxury vehicles carry common problems in the engine after three years or before. This vehicle causes a lot of money to buy in the first place however they do not last. Therefore buyers to be aware of them. Reinvest money in generate income assets? such as rental properties, open a small business..... is the best way to go .....

All your videos are so good idk what it is

I still see people driving the C230 and C280's around from the mid 2000's with this engine. They seem to be lasting 200,000 miles plus.

Having done automotive training videos, I really like your style and information. Actually considering one of these cars and remember fixing one in my shop a few years ago with the same issue. Keep up the good work. I have subscribed. Rich

Alex, a few serious design flaws that cause catastrophic failures are: 1. Porche 996 911 IMS bearing failure. Major design flaw! 2. As mentioned, BMW N62 Coolant Crossover Pipe leak

S55 AMG buying guide

Just when you thought this channel could not get any more useful, it does. Finally an automotive RU-vidr who focuses on the technical aspects of cars!! As for suggestions how about 1. the problems with the Porsche M96 engine and the IMS. cover the fact that early M97’s up 08 were also a problem but worse because you can not get the bigger ims out of the engine case. (I also think flat 6 innovation is local to you in IL) 2. The issues with the 722 trans and the leaking sleeve that fills the computers with trans fluid. BMW also suffer with mechatronic sleeve leaks. 3. How about BMW N65 V8 valve stem oil seals AGA does a kit of tools to make the repair affordable. 4. The dangers of carbon buildup on direct injection engines, BMW N54’s were notoriously bad but mini’s and VW’s may have problems. 5. Mini Had a water pump issue I got a letter about a warranty extension on the 4 cylinder Cooper engine (my car is a 2010.)

Planned obsolescence in these modern cars.

I have repaired the balanceshaft problem in mine ML350. It is actually for a experienced guy like me quite easy. But, yes engine needs to come out ;) However, in Sweden they want about 7500-8000 dollars for this job in dealership shops. I did it my self and changed all fluids, and also in tranny for about 800 dollars.

Sweet video keep doing what you are doing

Greetings from Caracas, Venezuela. You just saved me from buying a 2006 C230 (75000 miles) with a M272 that's within the range of the affected engines. 90% of the people are poor here now (thank you socialism) so I prefer to donate the cost of the repair to charity than blow it on a shit balance shaft, honestly.

Don’t be a poor man that can’t work on his own shit, owning cars that belonged to a wealthy man. These cars will only make your wallet more empty.. I had a young helper at work that bought a used Jaguar because he thought it was “pimpin’ “. It’s been sitting at the transmission shop for close to six months.

2000-2005 civics are known for auto transmission issues due to a internal screen and lack of proper fluid changes. There also known for head gasket issues in the base model engines. I have had the head gasket done but have kept the transmision alive by keeping the fluid changed regularly. Also have had issues with the camshaft sensor connection.

I owned a 2006 cls350 The socalled ‚kettenrad‘ broke at 80.000 KM (!) and costed me 2k € (price was 6.500€ but mercedes payed the 4500€ part) Besides that everything on this car broke Electric windos system, transmission (2€ parts caused it!!!!) and many many more It was totally embarrassing having a break down in the middle of the city intersection Absolutely hilarious Glad i sold this mercedes shitbox Beautiful, elegant and smooth cars but the quality is pure shit We had 6 or 7 mercedes in our family and we wont buy any new mercedes Just lease mercedes, dont buy them..

Toyota 3L and 5L engines LOVED head gaskets

Love this channel , helped me fix my problems on my w211 and hopefuly my future w221 , keep doing what you do , thanks!

Please, everybody, for your sake take my advice stemming from my experience.. Stay THE HELL away from EVERY mercedes V12 ever made. Those cars are a never ending reoccurring fever dream of problems and issues no matter how much they've been babied.

Much appreciated man I have a 2008 C230 with the 2.5L M272 that I bought brand new and I had no idea of this problem! Will definitely be contacting my dealing and looking into this more

Is their an issue with the timing chain on the 07 08 09 s550 and update in 2010 thanks love your videos keep it up

Love this mercedes shape had 2 now! Your right once small problems fixed and oil changed all time last ages

No excuse for such poor reliability on such an expensive car. the complexity of these engines is staggering..as others have said, if you want to drive a M-B, lease for 3 years and then get rid of it.

Graham Stephan's and you both have fantastic videos. You are poised for recognized greatness.

...why the hell would a v6 need a balance shaft? most other v6's don't use them, hell, even my 4 liter doesn't, sounds like cut corners.

The extended warranty is worth every penny. Two balance shafts in the four years I owned my 2006 ML350. Besides the airmatic suspension my 2011 GL450 has been flawless in the over 100K I've had it and again it's with the extended warranty.

No I disagree even Honda has their problem the transmission Cost 3 grand to fix

My clk350 had this balance shaft issue but, thank god I accidentally brought an after market warranty plan which cover my engine for two years.

honda/acura 1998-2002 auto transmission TL, accord, odyssey WILL FAIL!

Spray everything with 303 Aerospace Plastic/vinyl protectant every oil change. A catch can is also recommended to keep the inside of the intake clean. My 2008 C300 has 300k on it and never have I replaced the intake manifold. Solid cars.

Oh, man. The balance shaft issue! I loved seeing those. Mercedes has always done really stupid stuff. Their older V6 engines, with the aluminum intake with the runner flaps, I've seen several where the runner plastic flap shaft wore through the (aluminum) intake manifold, causing an obviously serious and expensive to repair vacuum leak. It was in cars like the E320. Here's a fun German problem - the 06 up BMW magnesium/aluminum I6 engine uses all aluminum bolts except the bolts that actually seal the combustion chambers to the block. The head bolt just behind the oil filter will spontaneously break, as will others, but this one causes a massive oil leak since the oil passages between the block, oil filter, and oil cooler pass through that area. It's not THAT hard a fix. You can usually just spin the bolt out by drilling a dimple into it and turning it out with a small screwdriver. But it's an idiotic problem that shouldn't have happened. 06 Volkswagen with the 2.0 direct injected gasoline engine, the high pressure oil pump lobe on the intake cam would fail - new cam, follower, and sometimes pump. Interesting thing is the lobes on those cams, the normal ones for the valves, are pressed on and you can knock them off with a soft mallet and a few mild blows. 05 and 06 Volkswagen with 1.9 TDI had the wrong steel in the camshafts or they weren't tempered right, and the cams would go flat. Bad time for VW camshafts. Touaregs, you have to pull the driver seat assembly to change the battery. Ridiculous design. Also, you have to drop the engine and transmission out of the car to change the starter. First generation Boxsters have an anti-theft module under a cover in the floor under the driver's seat. Yes, a module that if it gets wet will disable the car and cost you too much money, is in the lowest point of the floor of a convertible. Brilliant design. The "V6" in early Cayennes is actually an updated VR6.

I have an 89 Volvo 240 and it’s been bulletproof. No issues. Just runs and runs

This reminds me of the cam phasers problem on the Ford 5.4.

My previous 2006 MB C280 had this issue. Fixed by the dealership under warranty. They also changed all the cam plugs due to oil leaks and the oil cooler as well. It was a great driving car and when it worked it worked well but looking back this car had a major engine problem being the balancer shaft sprocket, the transmission conductor plate and connector failed and the transfer case (since it was a 4MATIC) had to be replaced. These all occurred at different time points and basically the 3 main major mechanical components all suffered a failure to some extent. Kinda pathetic from Mercedes Benz if I'm honest.

i have a 2006 E350 with 180k miles and it runs like a clock i changed sparks plugs,brakes,flashed the coolant, change 2 filters,flushed brake fluid and runs pretty good. am lucky i haven't had any problems

excuse me while I go buy a Honda or Toyota...

If you're looking for a used ML, the 2009-2011 is the sweet spot. The balance shaft issues were addressed by 2008. 2009-2011 models seem to be very reliable. stay away from diesel/bluetech!

mercedes and bmw diesel engines getting rid of their intake swirl flaps (into the cylinders) m113 m112 destroing their crankpulleys and accesory belt and maybe damaging all accessories. VAG major timing chain issues on 1.2 1.2TSi. Mercedes OM651 timing chain issues Mercedes OM651 piezo injector issues VAG 2,5l TDi camshaft problems VAG Multitronic every other nissan engine oil starvation issues The thing if these problems come up while under warranty or the car is under five years it's not a real problem because the manufacturers pay for the repairs. It really screws you when the cars are between 5 and 10 years old, you are buying them used and you didn't do enough research. With MBs it's often problematic when you are buying now 80s and 90s cars. some of the stuff was so ahead of the time, that it's real pain when something goes bad. Because no other than a (good) mercedes dealership or a specialist can fix it. (if you can't do it yourself of coarse) (FBS3 keys and steering lock, early 4-Matic, early DBW(m104, m119, m120), early ETS and ASR, hydropneumtic suspension, early abc, early airmatic, distronic...) Some of these problems are now solved because there is either an aftermarket or there are used parts readily available.

I brought a C230k in 2003 brand new. All these years, I spend more money to fix it than buying it. I also brought a Odyssey in 98 brand new, I have no problem with it. It never been to the dealer for repairs.

I have a M272 2.5 C230 and my engine is out of the range of the balance shaft issue. I read up on it and made sure I bought one outside of it.

Stopped watching when he said Honda and Toyota don't have any major flaws / expensive repairs. Camry excess oil consumption: $2500, Prius $4000 - Class action suit in progress. And as for Honda? Well transmissions of course. Average fix cost $3000. Amazing Reliability of these cars is a total myth, certainly in this day and age

The older Mercedes Diesels 1977-85 are the best cars Mercedes ever made, I've got 5 of them, all of them are 100% reliable, best part no emissions and I can work on them myself....love them.