2008 ML350 - question about balance shaft

[DonB]

I'm considering buying a 2008 ML350; is there a way to tell if the balance shaft (soft gear) problem applies to this one? One thread said it was 2006-2007, but another said 2008 also.

If it does apply to this one, is there a way to tell if it's been fixed already? Thanks for the help,

Don

[mbdoc]

Only if it was done under warranty.

Of course production date or engine number will show if the engine was made before the
balance shaft started modified production.

[DonB]

I have the VIN, can we tell the production date from it?

4JGBB86E78A327131

Do you know when the fixed part went into production?

[DonB]

From the DTB, the affected models are:

Equipped with M272 Engine Up to Serial No. 2729..30 468993 or M273 Engine Up to Serial No. 2739..30 088611

; the last six numbers of the VIN are the production sequence number

Vin - 4JGBB86E78A327131
sequence number - 327131
Affected serial number - 468993

Is the serial number the same as the sequence number? If so, this was built before the fix was started?


Link to DTB:
http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aktion/Attachment.html?attachmentId=681441

[ILUVMILS]

The VIN and the engine number are two different things!!!

The engine number for DonB's ML is well past the affected engine number listed in the DTB. No worries there.

The ML has had dealer services at 11, 23, 36, 49, 58, 71, and 82K. Various fluid services, filters, etc. have also been done. no transmission service though. Maybe the PO had it done at an indy???

Not a neglected vehicle by any means. definitely worth checking out.

[DonB]

Thanks! How did you get the engine number from the VIN?

[mbdoc]

From the data card, available on the EPC..

[DonB]

OK, we'll take a look tomorrow. You mentioned something about the transmission, was there an issue with it, or just a fluid change was missing on the service records?

[DonB]

We took it for a drive; wow, it's a really nice car, so we're probably going to buy it. We saw a note from the previous dealer that said "run-rough AT", but shifting felt perfect, should I be concerned? Here's the description, any suggestions or warning?

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC
Mileage 91,028
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission 7 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Drive Type All wheel drive
Price $21,995

[DonB]

We bought the car....she loves it.

[mbdoc]

Make sure to change the fluids in the drive train, both differentials, transfer case, & trans!

[Darktech]

I know of no 2008's with the balance shaft issue.