I've got a 98 E300 in the shop with 285k miles that I'll be pulling the cam cover to inspect the timing chain/guides as I can. From what I have seen (including the earlier w124 606) the chain tensioner is the one that will show the most wear on this application. On the 617 engine it has been my experience that it is the oil pump chain tensioner that will show the most wear.

I have yet to see one run to failure. If I see anything interesting on the 285k mile E300 I'll put some pictures up. Unfortunately, you can't change them out without pulling the head.

Are ya'll saying that the vacuum pump for the 99 E300 is a better design than the 95? There is a good bit of price difference. Is the vacuum pump on the 99 E300 designed to NOT dump metal into the engine upon failure?

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Jim