Any year safe m272 engine

[rongagin]

Never had a Mercedes and I am trying to learn about my intended purchase of a SLK 350 or maybe 280. The engines seem to have a reputation for timing chain problems, the sprockets seem to wear? However I read that after 2007 Mercedes had cured this problem.
So my questions are.
Has the timing chain problem gone after 2007
Is the timing chain a preventative maintenance, that is to say, change it and tensioners before a problem occurs say at 80k miles?
Lastly any other top tips for the buying of an SLK V6 and is the 200 184 with a pulley change, over 200 bhp I believe, a viable option?
Thanks

[rongagin]

Thank you for the response.
Looks like the 2009 model is the best of both worlds, higher power with lower tax. Hopefully with a more reliable engine?
Higher cost but I presume higher value come resale?

[rongagin]

timbo999 said:

The R172 SLK 350 is a bloody lovely car with a brilliant engine... just don't buy a red (Fire Opal) one!

Haha why?

[rongagin]

AREA said:

M272 issue is down to balance shaft gear wearing.

Quickly looking through my notes on this, from engine number 2729..30 468993 part was improved.


Useful article here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...

Thank you, does that equate to a year. If I am looking at a car which is miles away how do I match to your engine numbers?

[rongagin]

Thank you

[rongagin]

I’m the OP, in the end I went for a 2009 facelift 350. It ticked a lot of boxes like 305bhp, lower tax (over £200 cheaper) and supposedly 650 changes/upgrades according to MB. The issues like the timing chain shaft ‘should’ not be a problem.
I am on a couple of slk forums and the r171 especially it seems of 2005/2006 years suffer badly with subframe rusting. This part is £700+ and takes another £300-500 to fit. So check very carefully, they rust right through and literally can split in two. Later cars or earlier seems better.

[rongagin]

mikal83 said:

Which subframe

The rear subframe which is fairly substantial but can rust very badly.