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2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: M272/M273 balance shaft gear wear

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specific things to inspect and negotiate

What goes wrong

The 3.5 V6 (M272) and 5.5 V8 (M273) built in this window used a soft balance-shaft/idler gear that wears and throws timing codes, the fix is engine-out. A class action covered specific build ranges, long since closed. Later builds got the hardened gear.

Federal record for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
280 owner complaints on file , most-reported: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (69) · POWER TRAIN (53) · AIR BAGS (50).
0 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $4,000-$6,000, engine-out repair. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Scan for P0016/P0017 correlation codes before money moves, that scan IS the purchase decision on these years. No codes + smooth idle = likely a good build or already fixed.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this C-Class →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6