Recently got an OEM chain from a Stealer, it cost 220 dollars (UK equivalent... ) and came in a nice grey M.B. 'original equipment' box sealed with holographic tabs.- It was marked IWIS on nearly all its links....

What are you guys paying for OEM chains there in the 'States...?

For reference, I compared it to the original IWIS chain from the engine I'm re-building and to a 'replacement' cheap chain I got off fleabay...

The original IWIS from the engine, had rivetting around the full circumference of all the chain-pins. The central links -the one in the middle of the chain--was of a 'non-interference' (very slightly loose) on the pins.
The edges/sides of the links were of a 'stamped/rough' finish, and the faces of a 'blued' appearance.

The 'replacement' chain from fleabay, made by the American Co, MORSE (cost like, 12 bux--old stock) was of very similar construction, but had the rivetting of the pins just on each side, like you see everywhere. The centre-link was like the old IWIS, and not an 'interference' fit, slightly loose, the links are of a very dark grey/black colour...

The brand-new IWIS is completely different...Only thing that was the same is the style of rivetting to the 'replacement' MORSE chain....

It is of a white shiny steel, with the central links of an interference fit--none move in relation to the pins they are on-Solid!--
Even the 'joint-link', both link-plates are of the interference type, and are the only links that are 'blued'

(I took the chain to my friendly M.B. tech, to join it up, He replaced the central-link with the more usual 'Silver' non-interference M.B. chain-link part.)

The sides/edges of the chain links are smooth, almost to the point of being polished (guess they should allow the chain-guides/'D' rail to wear less....)

All chains have the same diameter pins, rollers of same construction etc....

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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

IWIS

Everything else is an imitator and/or junk.

Take a magnifying glass and look at the differences in quality of construction.

'Looks like $123.00 USD

Attached Thumbnails

   

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Yup, I agree.....

You do not need a magnifying-glass to tell the chain is much better than the 'replacement' AND the original old IWIS chain!--Much better made than both....

Is that 125 dollars you usually pay for a chain from M.B.USA...?

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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

I think I paid about $125ish for my 603's chain, from the dealer.

I don't mess around with internal engine parts, I just go straight to the dealer. I don't really care if I spend a bit more, because a rebuild will cost me all of $6k. It would really suck saving $50 an an aftermarket T chain, only to have it trash my $6k engine.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I completely agree.....

But why on earth is the same chain Double the price here in the UK....

I mean, Shipping from Germany to the UK, Cant be more expensive than shipping to the US!

__________________
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

The Germans did bomb the living crap out of you guys not so long ago....with Mercedes powered planes....not feeling the love?

The US dollar is worthless now to, your pound is worth what two of ours? It should be the other way around.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

In the UK compared to the USA...Somebody is getting "Hosed"
(And it ain't the Yanks)

Of course the Penalty Phase of the equation:

LOOK at all the Super Mercedes models y'all get "Over There"...
In the USA all we get is the Dross that Montvale allows.

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Aye, Youre right....

The 'man-in-the-street' is getting 'hosed' by the fat-cat scrotes in Westminster....

BTW, We never got a Turbo 617 in anything, A continual source of irritation to me

All those 'super Mercedes' you speak of, are way too expensive for the likes of me!

__________________
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

check this current thread
are the timing chaing brands equal?

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83 300D 328k mi (623) Light Ivory - daily driver
82 300D 166k mi (881) Thisle Green - fixer upper
82 300D 282k mi (473) Champagne - parts

The US is a big country we need the turbo to get around.

I have looked through Mercedes Enthusiast, which is published over on your island somewhere. You guys have some pretty neat cars in the for sale section.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200