Hey, read the whole thread. 253k all those issues and still tanking along, amazing. Gives me hope. I have a 13GLK with 136k, and even after new adjusters and tensioners (with check valves already behind them) I've still got the rattle at startup, from chain stretch I surmise. However idle at startup is much improved with the new adjusters.

Did you really have to pull the heads to swap chains? And did you ever find a video or instructions for the entire procedure? I saw a video on YouTube with the front of the motor, covers taken off all the way down to the crankshaft. Made it look like it was possible without taking the heads off.

She still going good? How many miles did you go with the rattle? I know the slap will eventually screw the adjusters. It's a shame there's not a ratcheting tensioner in there to save from this much work.