1997 E420 Timing Chain

[NeedHelpMore]

Hi,

I just talked to my dealership and they want to check the timing chain to the tune of $200. If it is bad it will cost $1,200. My car has 98,000 easy miles.

They Recommend:
Changing timing chain $1,200
Changing ball joints $360
90K service $425
Repalce broken window regualtor $400

It is there because the rear windo w stopped working (regulator).

Are broken timing chains common in my model and at this mileage?

I am not sure what to do??

Thanks,

Christine

[deanyel]

I'd say you're being taken for a ride - timing chains on 119 motors are very strong - generally considered a 200k item, if you're really conservative maybe 150k. And the $1200 is way out of line too - maybe $150-$200 for parts and a couple hours of labor, at least to thread the new one. The window regulator is probably about $100, so $400 sounds too high there too. I'd say it's time to look for an independent shop.

PS - this presumes that your timing chain is not making noise - i.e. clattering on cold start up.

I have a 95 E420. Had the same expensive and bad advice from a Mercedes dealer a year or two ago. I think they remove a lot of engine compartment stuff and do it the long way. I now have an excellent independent mechanic who said that you'll know when a chain needs replacing when there is a rattle sound when you first start the car each day, or upon startup right after an oil change. He said that he opens up the chain area, connects the new chain to the old, advances the chain (not sure how) through the path until the old one is out of the engine, then connects the two ends of the new chain. He said that a new tensioner should be installed too. Said the part are approx. $250 and $200 of labor.

[California Beach]

what is the recommended replacement interval for one on a W210? (not trying to hi jack your thread NeedHelpMore, I think the answer will help you too)

[NeedHelpMore]

First, thanks for the replies. I really appreciate your time.

At this point in time, my engine runs like a charm. No clacks or rattles.

Sorry to be dense, but can my model and year have different engines? If so, how do I know which one I have?

I have heard that some of the MB engines do break their timing chains so it is very confusing. AND -The dealer keeps saying (last three visits) that they need to change it before it breaks.

I really didn't want to get the timing chain done if it was not absolutely necessary. But I know I don't want to wait for it to break.

They said they need to take the valve covers of to check it and that is why it would cost me $200 just to check.

Last, I am not sure if I am posting this back to the thread I started or somewhere else. Hopefully I will see it in the right place!

[suginami]

Originally posted by NeedHelpMore
...., but can my model and year have different engines? If so, how do I know which one I have?

I have heard that some of the MB engines do break their timing chains so it is very confusing. AND -The dealer keeps saying (last three visits) that they need to change it before it breaks.

I really didn't want to get the timing chain done if it was not absolutely necessary. But I know I don't want to wait for it to break.

They said they need to take the valve covers of to check it and that is why it would cost me $200 just to check.

Your 1997 E420 is an M119 engine. There was no V8 offered in 1996, which was the first year of this body style. 1998 saw the debut of the E430, which uses a completely different engine, an M112 or M113.

Other cars that used the same 4.2 liter M119 engine are:
1992-1993 400E (badge says 400E but the engine is 4.2 liters).
1994-1995 E420
1992-1993 400SE(L) / 1994-1999 S420

Your engine was also sold in a 5.0 liter variant in the:
1992-1993 500E / 1994 E500
1992-1993 500SEL / 1994-1999 S500

[Gilly]

Just RUN from this place, this is all such BS.
This is a very tough engine. Irregardless of what has been said here, it would be ridiculous to replace that chain even at 200,000 miles. The chain can be checked for chain stretch, if I had the valvecover off at some point well over 200,000 miles it could easily be checked. Until that point I wouldn't bother even checking it. If the engine makes a rattling noise on startup it's due to the chain tightener, which is easy to replace, not due to the chain.

Mercedesshop, there is NO recommended interval for the replacement of the chain, it is not a maintenance item at all.

The prices the gave for the window regulator (the original problem) is quite high, unless you are in an area where the cost of living (and therefore the labor rate) is very high.

Also the ball joints on a 210 chassis like yours are a piece of cake, they could both be done in well under an hour, I've seen guys actually do the job in well under 1/2 hour, but of course they can charge more than that. So "too high" on those too.

The 90K service seems a tad high, not too terrible.

Can you take it somewhere where they specialize in MB for a second estimate?

Gilly

[engatwork]

NHM - listen closely to Gilly and you will be fine.

If I were unable to do the work myself I would recommend finding a good independent. What area of the world are you in? You can check out the "Good Shop" postings and maybe there is one already listed in your area.

[NeedHelpMore]

Thanks again for the words of knowledge and advice.

I also did look inthe good shops section of the website and found recommendations for some shops in the area.

Hope you all have good fortunes!

NMH

[craiggotgame]

You can get all the parts for the window regulator here off fastlane, Along with how to replace it by searching old posts. Thats what I did on mine, cost less that $100. Its not that hard just takes a little time on a weekend.