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.

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.

I no longer own a Mercedes vehicle, but for many years I owned a lot of the old classic sedans like the W108. I found this video, and frankly all your videos, to be immensely interesting and engaging. Keep up the great work! I especially like your perspective on the relative costs and feasability of self-repair vs. full-priced Dealer repairs.

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?

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 👊🏼

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

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!🤘

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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. 👍👌

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.

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

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

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).

This is a legit car channel! Definitely looking forward to your success going forward

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.👍

If I remember right there's a filter for the air compressor for the air suspension on these, and if it gets clogged up it can cause the compressor to fail prematurely. It lives above the wheel on the passenger side, behind the wheel well cover. Same thing with the GLs.

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...

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

Just discovered your channel and I'm really enjoying seeing your dealership experiences and common problems on MB's. I am a tech at an Infiniti dealership and have run across a few costly problems with certain models too. Their full size SUV, the QX56/QX80 (the name changed from QX56 to QX80 in 2014) had been redesigned for the 2011 model year and a lot of the problems that plagued the 2004-2010 models had been updated and fixed. However, two major issues with this new 5.6L direct injected V8 are VERY expensive to fix. The first issue this new model experienced were timing chain issues. The timing chain design was flawed because over time, the bank 2 chain would stretch and cause the chain to rub on the oil jet causing a whining noise and would throw the vehicle into limp mode. Most vehicles at this point were still under the factory power train warranty so it wasn't a big issue... New, updated timing chains, oil jet and its all good. I actually did a few of these jobs under customer pay but in July of 2016, Infiniti recalled every 2011-2013 QX56 and M56 (M sedan model with the V8 option) model for timing chain replacement. We were doing 2 chain replacements per week, and they're not easy on your body. They started to trail off and we only see one every once in a while. The recall expires in February of 2017. So they're almost finished. Cost for customer pay timing chain replacement? $5000! (20.0 labor hours). The second expensive issue for the QX56 model are Catalyst Efficiency codes (P0420 and P0430). Simply put, each converter runs $2500 per side (8 hours labor each side) for a total of $5000 for two converters installed! Crazy stuff! Keep up the videos, good content!

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

Came across your channel recently, binge watching. Keep up the great work.

I love this series,cant wait for more!!!

Thanks for introducing me to FCP Euro!

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.

Wish I found this video early. Now dealing with that problem! Thanks for sharing the video

Your channel is great. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

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

I wanna get an old SL500 or SL55, can you do a video on those?

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

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

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.

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

As usual, you and your videos are outstanding. A suggestion would be to continue your series on how to evaluate a used car prior to purchase. A review of a manufactures list of items that are checked/replaced as part of a Certified Used Vehicle would be helpful when an individual evaluates a Non Certified used car. The potential buyer would then have a guide on how to approach a used vehicle. Thank you for all of your efforts!

Great job. That is important information.

All your videos are so good idk what it is

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!!!!!

Love your channel alex all the way from Amman-Jordan ✌🏻✌🏻 cheers

thank you for detailed presentations.

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

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!

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.👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

Sweet video keep doing what you are doing

You should look at the inherent problems with the ML320CDI, oil cooler seal leaks, which cause all kind of problems with the “Swirl” motor, turbo etc. as well as the transmission issues with the modulator which causes further transmission problems.

Merry Christmas Alex to you and your family! Have a safe and happy New Years! Thanks for all the great vids!!

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

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

I love your videos!!! I am currently in possession of my third mercedes benz. I owned a 2003 E320 that was excellent. I was getting up to 33mpg in that car. I now own an 07 E350. I have had the issues you spoke of in this video and i plan to check the codes. Interestingly enough i watched a video on the alternator voltage regulator that needed replaced. My Benz is fine but my 1999 Porsche 911 has that exact problem... Not charging enough. Have the new regulator to put in already but i doubt i can do it while still in the car.

This was one thing I was looking out for when I was Mercedes shopping. It was a pain really, it got to the point I didn’t even want to cross reference the VIN anymore and just eliminated the affected year or so all together from my search. Then I ended up with a model with the SBC brakes which was also a costly repair if it needs it but I felt a bit better about that one personally. I lucked out on that one though, they just sent me a letter saying the SBC brakes are warranted for 20 or 25 years(can’t recall which). I doubt I’ll still be driving it when it’s anywhere near that so I’m good.

$6500 repair at 44.5k 06 E350, MBUSA did end up covering 15% so my out of pocket was $5400!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, I'm a mechanic, been one for about 40 years. I just finished an '06 Mercedes ml350, v6, 3.5 that came to my shop from another shop 130 miles south of me. That shop had given a quote on the same bulletin listed here. They quoted $4700 for the repairs. I've been doing this too many years to go on another shops diagnosis. Especially with the other shoddy repairs they had already made. They towed it that distance. Anyway, I pulled the codes with my Snap On Modis Edge. There were a bunch of codes, all sorts of misfires, none relating to those listed in the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) except for a p0017. And for it to meet the criteria it would also need a p0016. And my data showed the exhaust camshaft sensor flat lining. I'd already quoted almost half of they other to replace the balance shaft, so I tore into it the work. I jump ahead though and went to the cam gears. They lined up perfect. So investigating I went to the next test. Oh, I'd replaced the cam sensor and fixed the p0017 code but then it jumped to p0016 code. Second test is to pull the 2 cam sensors on the right cam gear cover, then turn the crank to 305 mark. there are 2 circle marking on the pulse wheels bolted to the front of the cam gears. they are kinda like little clocks with numbers making circles. They both have to line up perfectly with the holes for the 2 cam sensors. If they don't align, it's the balance shaft problem. But the one I had DID align, meaning there was no problem with the balance shaft gear. I wasn't going to pull the engine if I didn't have to. So the next step, I used a borescope to look at the gears. Pulled the valve covers and with rare patience, I looked at the gears on my laptop. No damage to the teeth on the gear, both rows were fine. Turned out to be a stretched timing chain, or that was my deduction. Also not that both those codes with put the car in limp mode, which is to limp it to the closet shop. Replaced the chain which is to connect new to old chain.rotate until the new replaces the old and reconnect. Don't try this at home. Fixed the problem. All the engine numbers and dates fell right into the one for the balance shaft. Problem is, every single search made on the engine came to balance shaft, like it was impossible for it to be anything else. 300 miles on it now with no signs of those code or limp mode. And that shop it came from replaced every coil and plug trying to fix the misfire codes which have since returned and when replacing the power steering pump for leak they didn't replace a seal and didn't bolt it on right, missing bolts which caused the belt to track on only part of an idler pulley. Oh, good video. Thanks.

Nice video, thanks. FCP Euro guys rock! I've used them for years. 100% happy customer here.

Very informative video, man. I have the same problem with my M272 CGI engine. Oil consumption gets up to 1 liter per 1000 km. Sleeves are all scratched because of poor balance shaft

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

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.

I love this series. Watched every video.

Cool. Examing E class upgrade, now knowing this- research time!

'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🙄

Balance shaft is required because it’s cheaper to manufacture one engine design, in this case a V8 but for the V6 just with 2 cylinders less. V8s have a 90 degree V, but for a V6 it should be 60 degrees. At 90 degrees, the engine is out of balance and requires balance shafts to run smoothly. 90 degree V6s are made because they are cheaper to manufacture when you’re also making a V8. When you buy a Benz you’re thinking your buying a highly engineered car and not an engine designed by bean counters trying to save costs at the price engineering design.

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

Brilliant! Thank you.

I own a 2007 E350 which has the same engine. I am the second owner and the car now has 137k miles and believe it or not it's been super reliable "fingers crossed" and I drive it pretty much everyday and I drive it hard. I am not sure if my car is an early 2007 model or not. Great and informative video as always.

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

My 93 Civic DX is travel use and I would say it’s a great commuter!! it reallyy took me from point A to point B with no problem :)

Your reviews and expertise is top notch,is there anyway that you can do some mechanical problems videos on on my 1996 S420 or the like,thank you.

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

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!!)

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.)

Thanks it a great information. Thanks again

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!!!

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

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 .....

So just discovered your channel and it’s awesome

It's long been known that the automotive industry started from! 2000 a. to produce and do it full crap ! and what time it goes on worse! Keep those words In mind !

You definitely got it right on Honda and Toyota.

all your videos are great great great,,,,i was factory rep for honda for ala and ga many years ago,,,,many thanks

FCP Euro kicks ass. I recently used them and they got my parts to me within a day. Great prices and service.

S55 AMG buying guide

...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.

This was probably the most stressful part about car shopping for another MB after my old 2000 C-Class was totaled out, searching for a 2007 C-Class that was out of the affected range of the balance shaft issue

Love you videos bro keep it up!

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.

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

@ Michael Schneider Thats good too hear. Im starting to do some maintenance on mines today. Happy about my purchase.

my clk 280 sport v6. 2008. when starting the idle hunts up and down for a min before settling, I've noticed the air filter box is broken by the screws holding it together, would this be the reason it takes a min to settle,

Planned obsolescence in these modern cars.

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..

How do you feel about BlueDriver obd2 for Mercedes-Benz trouble codes and monitor?