Certain Mercedes-Benz models 2005- 2007 M272 V6 and M273 V8’s have faced or are facing issues regarding the balance sprocket in which drives the camshaft and crankshaft of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz had made a decision to make certain engine components out of soft metals, when such metals are not adequate in handling the stress of the engine. In particular, in many cases, the balance sprocket was …
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class engine problems
severe 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING VIOLENTLY. THE JERKING WOULD INTENSIFY WHENEVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE TACHOMETER GAUGE DISPLAYED BETWEEN 50-70 IN THE RED ZONE WHENEVER SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES,THE VEHICLE WAS ABL…
Driving the vehicle on several occasions on Interstate 66 and the vehicle spontaneously went into limp mode. Now we find out it's a balance shaft issue and is a known problem from Mercedes in the M272 engines for our 2006 E350 4-matic. They evidently used balance shafts with materials that were too soft, resulting in premature wearing of the balance shafts with all of the M272 engines produced dur…
GEARING MECHANISM SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING THUS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. WAS UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, RESTARTED AND THEN CAR MOVED FORWARD WITH A VERY JERKY MOTION SITUATION POSED A DANGEROUS HAZARD TO PASSENGERS AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. *TR
CHECK ENGINE CAME ON I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY BALANCE SHAFT GEAR AND I RECEIVED A $5000 (FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS) ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE TRIED TO REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT EXHAUST BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, HE THEN DETERMINED THE SAME PROBLEM FAULTY BALANCE SHAFT GEAR... MY CAR IS ONLY 74000 MILES NOW, SO MUCH FOR A …
BALANCE SHIFT WORNED
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON SO I TOOK IT TO THE MB DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A BALANCE SENSOR LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGINE AND IT COST $7000.00 TO FIX CAUSE THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAS TO BE TAKEN OUT, MY CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR MB CARS AS WELL. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR …
I HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, NOBODY "MECHANIC" KNOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE CODES: 1-P0016 2-P0017 3-P2195 4-P2198 5-P0171 6-P0174
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 52 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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