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.
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3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine
Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.
Variant History
Mercedes 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.
2007 - Early M272 engines affected by balance shaft sprocket defect
2007
Production engine update: balance shaft issue resolved from mid-2007
2006
2009 - CLK 350 available in coupé (C209) and cabriolet (A209) body styles
2010
CLK production ends; M272 engine continues in other Mercedes models
Every 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 Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement
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.
Common failure points and repair options
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Balance Shaft Sprocket Failure
Affected
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.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Full Timing Chain & Balance Shaft Replacement
£3,500-£5,000
£2,000-£3,500
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine
£5,000-£8,000
£3,000-£5,500
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.
The plastic linkage rods in the intake manifold swirl flap system break, causing the flaps to stick. This results in loss of power, hesitation below 1,800 rpm, and increased fuel consumption. The engine management light may illuminate with codes related to intake manifold runner control.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Swirl Flap Linkage Repair
£300-£500
£150-£300
Intermediate - Intake Manifold Replacement
£800-£1,500
£500-£900
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine
£5,000-£8,000
£3,000-£5,500
Our recommendation
Loss of power and hesitation below 1,800 rpm are classic symptoms of swirl flap linkage failure. A £150-£300 repair kit with metal linkage rods is the definitive fix. If the flaps themselves are damaged, a replacement intake manifold at £500-£900 is required. Catch it early - flap debris in the cylinders can cause catastrophic engine damage.
The crankshaft position sensor can fail due to heat cycling, causing internal wiring to break. Symptoms include the engine stalling when hot and difficulty restarting after 5-15 minutes. No fault codes are often stored.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
£300-£500
£150-£300
Intermediate - Full Engine Electrical Inspection
£500-£800
£300-£500
Our recommendation
If your CLK 350 stalls when hot and won't restart for 5-15 minutes, start with the crankshaft position sensor - it's a £150-£300 specialist fix. The M272 engine is otherwise robust, and with proper maintenance, can exceed 150,000 miles.
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.
Everything Mercedes Benz CLK 350 owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.
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
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
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
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
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
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes CLK 350 engine replacement is free, quick and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above to get matched with vetted UK specialists who stock the exact M272 E35 engine for your CLK 350 - whether you need a used unit, a reconditioned engine or a fully rebuilt motor with a 12-month warranty and upgraded balance shaft components. Get back on the road with confidence, without the main dealer premium.
200+200+ CLK 350 engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt CLK 350 engine