Does anyone know how long a timing chain is supposed to last on a mercedes A class. cos mine has just snaped and mercedes want to charge me for the repair, but I don't think it should be down to me to foot the bill, my car is only 4 years old and has done 70,000 miles. Surely this is not acceptable for a Mercedes engine. Anyone with some information would be apreciated.
Thanks.

More people will answer your question if you post it on the TECH FORUM portion of this site.

In the UK what is MB's warranty, two years? more?

Does your service manual have a recommended replace or check interval for the timing chain?

If it is a chain, in most cars somewhere between 100 & 150K miles.

If it uses a belt and not a chain, 60K is possible.

Had the car been given regular oil changes and service?

Whatever, four years and 70K miles is too soon. Can you shop dealers for a price compromise?

Hi Ethan.
Thanks for the reply so soon. Yes the car has had regular servicing at Mercedes and was due for the next service about the next 200 miles. It is covered under their Mobilolife warrenty, they came and took the car and told me it will be repaired free of charge, but since they have found out the extent of the damage they are now saying that it's not down to them to fix it. but if the timing chain has a lifetime garentee, surely then it would be down to Mercedes to fix it. I am haveing terrible trouble getting anything done about the car at the moment, My next step is to try and get some information from Mercedes about the timing chain in writting, and send it off to Trading Standards here in the UK. I'm in such a state about it, cos I still have 4 years to pay on the car yet. But if you can give me some info on where I can get the info I need it would be much apreciated.
Thanks again
Bev.

I am located in the United States so i'm not familiar with your course of action.

Go to sites like www.benzworld org in their FORUM section. May have good info.

or

www.telegraph.co.uk in the MOTORING section read or write to "Honest John's Agony column'

what is the recommended service interval for the timing chain as stated in the owners or service manual?