Mercedes Benz CLK 350 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz CLK 350 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M272 3.5-litre V6 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
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From £1,500 to £3,100
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £1,600 · Common codes: M272 E35, M272.960, M272.964
From £1,200
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,600
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz CLK 350 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz CLK 350 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes CLK 350 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes CLK 350 arrived with the C209 facelift in 2005, powered by the M272 E35 3.5-litre V6 - the most powerful non-AMG V6 ever fitted to the CLK. Producing 272 hp and 350 Nm of torque, it could sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, making it the definitive grand tourer of the CLK range.
Variant HistoryMercedes CLK 350 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes CLK 350 arrived with the C209 facelift in 2005, powered by the M272 E35 3.5-litre V6 - the most powerful non-AMG V6 ever fitted to the CLK. Producing 272 hp and 350 Nm of torque, it could sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, making it the definitive grand tourer of the CLK range.
Mercedes CLK 350
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size3.5L (3,498 cc)
Power Output272 hp @ 6,000 rpmEngine History Timeline
M272 E35 launched in CLK 350 (C209/A209) 272 hp, 350 Nm, 7G-TRONIC transmission
2007 - Early M272 engines affected by balance shaft sprocket defect
Production engine update balance shaft issue resolved from mid-2007
2009 - CLK 350 available in coupé (C209) and cabriolet (A209) body styles
CLK production ends; M272 engine continues in other Mercedes models
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size3.5L (3,498 cc)Power Output272 hp @ 6,000 rpmTorque350 Nm @ 2,400-5,000 rpm0-62 mph6.4 secondsYears Produced2005-2009Every M272 E35 engine fitted to the Mercedes CLK 350 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - including the infamous balance shaft issue.
Mercedes CLK 350 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes CLK 350 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.5L V6 Petrol (2005-2009)
Power Output272 hp @ 6,000 rpmTorque350 Nm @ 2,400-5,000 rpmDisplacement3,498 ccBore x Stroke92.9 x 86.0 mmCompression Ratio10.7:1Valve Train24-valve, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC with variable camshaft adjustmentFuel SystemMicroprocessor-controlled injection with hot-film air-mass sensorYears Fitted2005-2009
Compatible Trim Levels
- CLK 350
- CLK 350 Sport
- CLK 350 Elegance
- CLK 350 Avantgarde
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,600-£2,600
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,900-£3,100
Common Failure
The M272 V6 is infamous for balance shaft sprocket wear due to a soft metal used in early production units (2005-2007). Fault codes P0016 and P0017 indicate camshaft/crankshaft correlation errors. Engine rattle on startup, rough idling and stalling are common symptoms. 2007-onwards facelift engines have hardened sprockets and are generally safe.
The Mercedes CLK 350 is powered by the M272 3.5-litre V6 - a smooth and powerful engine that defined the CLK's grand touring character. However, early production units (2005-2007) suffer from a well-documented balance shaft sprocket defect that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Later models are more reliable but can still experience swirl flap linkage failure and crankshaft position sensor issues. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
The M272's Defining Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes CLK 350 (M272 E35, 2005-2007)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
A manufacturing defect in the balance shaft sprocket - the material is too soft and wears prematurely. As the sprocket teeth wear, the timing chain becomes slack, causing incorrect camshaft timing. All early M272 engines are potentially affected, with engines built after August 2007 considered safe.
Why It Happens
A manufacturing defect in the balance shaft sprocket - the material is too soft and wears prematurely. As the sprocket teeth wear, the timing chain becomes slack, causing incorrect camshaft timing. All early M272 engines are potentially affected, with engines built after August 2007 considered safe.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,000-£3,500
What it involves
Replacement of balance shaft sprocket with hardened unit, timing chain, tensioners, guides. Engine-out job on many models.
Suitability
60k-100k miles if caught before catastrophic failure
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,000-£8,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,000-£5,500
What it involves
Complete replacement engine with upgraded balance shaft components, bench tested, supply & fit, 12-month warranty
Suitability
100k+ miles or if timing has jumped and valve damage has occurred
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Full Timing Chain & Balance Shaft Replacement Minor | £3,500-£5,000 | £2,000-£3,500 | Replacement of balance shaft sprocket with hardened unit, timing chain, tensioners, guides. Engine-out job on many models. | 60k-100k miles if caught before catastrophic failure | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £5,000-£8,000 | £3,000-£5,500 | Complete replacement engine with upgraded balance shaft components, bench tested, supply & fit, 12-month warranty | 100k+ miles or if timing has jumped and valve damage has occurred | 1 - 2 days |
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
The balance shaft issue is the single most significant problem affecting the CLK 350. If you're buying a pre-2008 CLK 350, check the engine serial number to confirm if it's in the affected range. If you own one and have P0016/P0017 codes, don't delay - specialist repair at £2,000-£2,500 is significantly cheaper than a full engine replacement. For cars with high mileage or other issues, a rebuilt unit with hardened sprockets offers peace of mind.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes CLK 350
Engine failure on a CLK 350 doesn't have to mean the end of the car. Whether you're dealing with balance shaft failure, swirl flap linkage issues, or crankshaft position sensor problems, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes CLK 350 specialists. Every rebuilt engine includes upgraded components designed to prevent the original failure from recurring, backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Compare prices today and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare rebuilt M272 Mercedes CLK 350 engine prices
12-Month Minimum
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Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
Mercedes CLK 350 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes CLK 350 engine replacement cost in the UK-
A Mercedes CLK 350 replacement engine typically costs between £1,200 for a used unit and £3,100 for a fully rebuilt M272 engine. Specialist fitting adds £400-£800.
- Used M272 engines: £1,200-£2,200 depending on mileage and condition
- Reconditioned units: £1,600-£2,600 supply only
- Rebuilt units: £1,900-£3,100 with 12-month warranty
- Specialist fitting adds £400-£800; dealer labour is significantly higher
- 12-month warranty included on all rebuilt units through EnginesMarket
Question 2Is the Mercedes CLK 350 engine reliable- What problems should I watch for-
The M272 V6 is a smooth and powerful engine, but early production units (2005-2007) suffer from a well-documented balance shaft sprocket defect. Later models (2007-onwards) are more reliable.
- Balance shaft sprocket wear affects 2005-2007 models - check engine serial number
- Fault codes P0016/P0017 indicate timing correlation issues
- Swirl flap linkage failure can cause loss of power below 1,800 rpm
- Crankshaft position sensor failure causes stalling when hot
- 2007+ facelift engines have hardened sprockets and are generally safe
Question 3What is the M272 balance shaft problem on the Mercedes CLK 350-
The M272 V6 engine has a balance shaft sprocket made from soft metal that wears prematurely. As the sprocket teeth wear, the timing chain becomes slack, causing incorrect camshaft timing.
- Affects CLK 350 (2005-2007, M272 engines below serial #468933)
- Symptoms: check engine light with P0016/P0017 codes, rattling on startup
- Repair requires specialist disassembly - engine-out job on many models
- 2007+ facelift engines have hardened sprockets and are safe
Question 4What causes loss of power on my Mercedes CLK 350 with no warning lights-
Common culprits include snapped intake manifold swirl flap linkage rods or failed crankshaft position sensors.
- Plastic intake manifold linkage rods snap - £45 repair kit fixes it
- Cam sensors can fail without storing permanent codes
- Check VIN online to confirm if your engine is in the affected balance shaft range
- Loss of power below 1,800 rpm is a classic swirl flap symptom
Question 5How long do Mercedes CLK 350 engines last-
Well-maintained M272 V6 engines regularly exceed 150,000-200,000 miles. If the balance shaft has been replaced with a hardened sprocket, the engine is effectively bulletproof.
- M272: 150k-200k+ miles with regular servicing
- Balance shaft replacement with hardened sprocket extends life indefinitely
- Regular oil changes every 10,000 miles are critical for longevity
Question 6Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes CLK 350-
On a CLK 350 worth £3,300-£5,000, specialist engine replacement at £1,900-£3,100 is worthwhile if the body and interior are in excellent condition. However, if the car has rust, electrical issues, or poor bodywork, consider scrapping it.
- A clean, well-maintained CLK 350 is worth saving
- Rebuilt M272 with hardened sprockets costs £1,900-£3,100 supply only
- Compare against £5,000-£8,000 main dealer new engine quotes
- If the car has other major issues, replacement may not be cost-effective
Question 7What is the 7G-TRONIC conductor plate problem on the CLK 350-
The 7G-TRONIC transmission in the CLK 350 can suffer from conductor plate failure, causing the gearbox to enter limp mode.
- Symptoms: gearbox stuck in gear, harsh shifting, transmission warning light
- Often mistaken for engine failure
- Specialist conductor plate replacement costs £550-£850
- Far cheaper than any engine work - don't replace the engine until the gearbox has been diagnosed
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes CLK 350Engine PricesToday
200+ CLK 350 engines supplied through our network
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