Hi, I have a 1998 ML320 that just hit the 200K miles mark and was wondering if the timing chain or chain rails should be replaced? The timing chain and rails are all original, so I don't know if I'm driving on borrowed time before it breaks.

I also wondered what particular mileage should the chain or rails be changed.

Thanks!

Don't know about the timing chain, but if you have the original harmonic balancer on your truck it probably should be replaced. See the second thread from the top under Tech Help, Sticky: Crankshaft Balancer Failure! Must read.............. when that sucker goes your in big trouble.

Blenny,

I dont have an answer for your question, I am sure someone will post.

You are the first one I have seen with this much MILEAGE. WoW.
Could you tell us, what have you changed so far? I have the same engine and would like to know what I am looking ahead as maint.

Thanks

Hey Merc1, let's see the car has been mostly routine service:
The car has been extremely reliable.
The car does not leak a drop of engine or transmission fluid... it's just so unbelievable for this mileage. The car drives almost like a new car still!

The items that I encountered so far are:
Lots of brake pads and rotors
Usual maintenance plugs, cabin filter, air and fuel filter, etc....
Water pump replacement due to leaking
Updated crankshaft pulley
Window switches
Fuel pump failure
Dash light bulbs due to dim dash

That's about the major stuff that I encountered with this vehicle so far. I'm shooting for the 300K mark, so wish me luck!

Blenny.Was the updated Crankshaft pulley something you did yourself, or was there a problem that dealer fixed under warranty.

As to the timing chain, you might want to have it checked for stretch. The amount of timing change thanks to cam timing chain stretch is something that can be done with the cam covers off, and most dealers charge little to do it.

How is the oil change history on your engine? Given a nice supply of synthetic oil and regular changes, I've seen MB timing chains go well over 200K-miles without any attention at all.

Of course, if it's bothering you, you could just go ahead and change it. 200,000 miles out of a timing chain is reasonable life.

One other question: Is it showing any signs of stretch? Cold start rattle?

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Thanks Blenny,

GOOD LUCK, I hope your car last a long time.

Its is good to see this much mileage and not too much trouble.

You mentioned lots of brake pads and rotor.. Hmmm car being only 5 years old with this much mileage, I would think most of the mileage is highway.

By the way at what mileage you changed the water Pump?
also, what was the signal of Fuel pump going bad and at what mileage an cost?

Also, crankshaft balancer, changed as a preventative or did it break and damaging other parts, common problem.

Thanks A Million.