I have really been looking lately for Mercedes- mainly on the internet. I have been asking about timing chain replacements. Asking if they knew when the chains were last changed. MANY owners of some of the cars I have been inquiring about keep saying that they have chains and do not require normal replacements like cars with timing belts and do not need changing until the engine starts making a rapping noise. I think I have read otherwise here. Perhaps they are hiding something? Should I steer clear of cars where the owner states this?

I have inquired about 15 different Mercedes from 1981-1991 over the past two weeks and NONE have any idea when the chains were last changed.

Wondering- How many of you here have no idea when your chain was last changed?

I would guess the vast majority of us are on the original chain, i.e. have never had a replacement. There is no replacement interval - often a 200k or 300k mile item. But the question is very much a function of what engine you're talking about.

Depends on the engine.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I'm ready to do mine at 109,000 miles only for insurance. It is starting to rap on startup until the tensioner fills up. It is cheep insurance compared to the amount of damage that would occure if it were to let go. I already did the chain rails since I had the head off. I figure 100K miles is enough for these things but they probably will last forever (but not the rails). If its a single row 380, I would bite the bullet and change it to a double row (about $600.00 in parts).

John Roncallo

I had a 72 280se 4.5 many years ago...probably had to do the chain at about 105k.....

it rattled at startup....drove it that way for a couple of months...a tech pointed out the issue to me..and i had it done...

I was very young then... I think I paid 300 dollars to have it done...this was probably 1987...we have all learned so much since then....

if you hear rattling...get it done...if you don't, I would say you are in good shape....

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Thanks for the replies. The ones I am most considering are a 91' 300SE with 180K (inline 6-cyl), 90' 300TE wagon with 220K (inline 6-cyl) and a 87' 420SEL with 250K with the 4.2L V8.