Interesting, I dididn't know that was a separate part, that definitely looks much cheaper.

Do you have any pictures you can share? This is not typical...As others have suggested, getting the covers off to look at the guides would be important. Definately worth fixing imo. I wonder if the chain was done in the past using some cheap aftermarket product...I've had so much trouble with the stuff made in China for our cars by those firms that put Germany on their logo by the box says PR China...

I have bought FEBI/Bilstein replacement parts, I hope they're not cheap..... What's the opinion on their quality?

__________________
Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.

Okay, gentleman...I have found the cause of the failure and you wouldn't BELIEVE IT!!!

The high pressure fuel pump is also driven by the timing chain and it appears that the bolts backed out of the gear and it was wobbling for quite some time. This caused the tensioner to ratchet out and is what probably broke the chain rail that rode up the chain and blew a hole into the valve cover.... IT'S a MIRACLE that this engine did not jump time and that catastrophic engine failure was averted!..... See picture of the fuel pump below!

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.