can anyone tell me...are there any obvious symptoms that you can listen/look for to let you know your timing chain is going out.?..i know you dont want to be driving full blast on a highway, if it breaks...i have no idea if my 1988 300se 188k has had the chain replaced , but i would assume it would have been by now..whats the normal life span of the timing chain..?..thanks

At 188K I wouldn't think about changing it, it's fine... seriously. Maybe have the cam timing set due to the elongation/stretch via those woodruff keys and be on your way.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

From what I've read on here, M103's really don't have timing chain issues. It's short, unlike the V8's, and the stretch is well controlled by the tensioner.

Do a search.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=450171

Just how often should a timing chain be replaced?

Enjoy

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Thanks Warren....thats A Good Search Tip....seems The 103 Engine Timing Chain Is Capable Of Really Hanging In....i Wonder Why MB Stopped Making That In-line 6 103 Engine , I Think Its A Great Engine..

I think something to do with chassis constraints... an inline motor is long versus a typical Bent 6. My chum's 300E is a nice ride, I've driven it a few times and am pleased with its performance.

Too bad his car has the valve guide/seal issue going on I believe as it's an '87. It's a very clean vehicle.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

There's no need to change the chain on a M103 - just leave it in there for life. It doesn't whip around in different directions like the V or DOHC engines. But if you ever do have to open it up, you should check the color of the guides. As they get discolored they also get brittle and can cause just as much damage as the chain if they break.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280