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Old 10-17-2003, 05:41 PM
suginami suginami is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
Posts: 8,538
While I can't comment on M102 and other engines, M103 and M104 engines have a ratcheting tensioner, which is another reason for timing chain durability. It uses oil pressure as do others, but as the chain loosens the plunger "ratchets" to keep the chain tight, even after the engine is shut down. Since there is no looseness during that cold start up, it does not hang up on "stuff" causing things to break, like timing chain guide rails.
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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
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