Hello,

I just bought a '97 S500 Coupe with 100k miles, all services have been done and the next due is at 105,000 miles. Should I be thinking about a timing chain and tensioner? Any other mileage related things that should be done that the service schedule hasn't hit yet?

I'm taking the car from a warm climate (AZ) to Wisconsin and was going to change the car over to synthetic if it hasn't been already. Should I use the 0w40 like my ML uses?

I really thank you for your help and responses.

Matthew

No - no need to worry about the chain and tensioner.

Matthew;
Don't forget to change the antifreeze and brake fluid, these are very important. Use only Mercedes brand antifreeze and brake fluid. This can be a little more expensive but it is better for the car in the long run, because the Mercedes brake fluid is formulated to match the brake components/seals.
Use your service booklet as a guide.

Amen on the anti-freeze and brake fluid changes.

I am the Pied Piper on these two maintenance items as they are frequently overlooked.

Why?

Because they are the only maintenance items that occur in time intervals instead of mileage intervals.

They are not called for at the 30,000 mile, 60,000 mile, 90,000 mile or even the 100,000 mileage mark. There is no 100,000 mile interval service, by the way. Your last major service was required at 90,000 miles.

Brake fluid is required to be replaced at 2 year intervals.

Radiator fluid is required to be replaced at 3 year intervals.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Hello,

Thanks everyone for the comments. I've already got a service appointment for Tuesday to do the antifreeze and brake fluid.

Much appreciation for the input.

Matthew

Matthew,
Welcome to the Forum. I'd be cautious in accepting any advice concerning not worrying about the chain and tensioner. The only way to know how much chain stretch you may have is to check it. A shot in the dark from someone who has not examined your engine is just that.
I've measured mine at 100K and it has some stretch that is clearly measureable. Addtionally, although the chain in the M119 engine is reportedly pretty reliable, the chain guides (made of some sort of plastic/composite) get brittle, can break, and can fall into the chain sprockets... dislodging the chain and destroying the engine.
Folks that don't believe the M119 can fail can look at this ad from eBay last week for a 1999 M119 with a bad chain. Went unsold for $500 starting bid because its probably worthless. This motor had 124K on it when it failed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7953400608&category=33615

Go price a replacement for your engine, measure that against the cost of getting it checked, and then make your decision. If you're going in for service anyway, why not get it checked?

Good luck with your coupe. Nice car.

__________________
KenP

1996 S500 W140 Coupe