Thinking about an SL350...is this wise?

[Little Mac]

I have been toying with the idea of buying a used Merc SL350 (either 2007/08 old model or 2009/10 new(er) model) for trips into central Europe, but concerned about various comments on forums particularly re. M272 engine reliability. Can anyone advise whether the main problem (balance shaft gears?) was fixed in a particular year and what build years I should be avoiding? Was the M272 engine still used in facelift 2009/10 cars for example?

[Monkeylegend]

A quick google says the balance shaft issue affected some engines in cars built between 2004 - 2008 with engine serial number below 2729 30468993.

A lot will have been sorted by now and any specialist should be able to confirm this for you if there is no paperwork available.

I would be more worried about ABC suspension, avoid this if you don't want sleepless nights and big bills. Some 350's have this but most are standard springs/shocks.

The other thing to be aware of is the SBC pump which has a set number of operations, (400k?) programmed in before it tells you it needs replacing. They can be reset by a specialist, but could land you with a £1k ish bill. The post 2006 cars might not have this.

The other thing to check is the boot seals which can and do leak resulting in failure of the roof operating mechanism. Look for signs of water ingress under the boot carpets and around the left hand side boot floor where the roof mechanism sits. The seals will cost £1k plus to replace, although there are alternative remedies

Find a good one though and you won't regret it.

Edited by Monkeylegend on Wednesday 17th August 21:38

[Little Mac]

Thanks for this - some good pointers. I will make a note of the seriel numbers and check each time I go to see a car👏👏👏