I recently purchases an exceptionally clean '91 300CE coupe (M104 engine) for my wife with 148K on it. I was hoping to hear from anyone who has the same engine as to the life of the chain and at what point one should consider replacing the guides, tensioner or chain itself. At this point the car is running fine and there is no chain rattle or noise of any kind...can someone offer me some history and advise on this.

thanks, Antonino

If you change the oil regularly, the chain could be fine to well over 200K.
I had mine changed at 205K just for precaution, but it probably wasn't really necessary.

However, at that mileage, assuming some of these things haven't already been replaced, you will be starting to have issues like tensioner, radiator, alternator brushes, maybe A/C compressor, water pump, head gasket leak, etc. etc. etc.

Not trying to scare you, but that has been my experience on two different
300E's both bought at around 100K.

Steve
92 300E Sportline 231K

Steve, thanks for your post...Yes, I know that with milage comes the replacement of some parts. I have always loved this model and the previous owner had $2700. worth of work (documented with receipts) done to the car last year so I will not have to do all of that. I have already done the alternator. Thanks again...as for oil changes, I have always done oil and filter on all of my cars at 3000 mi. My last Benz was a 66 200 that went
249K prior to my selling it and the last owner put another 25K on the car before taking it to the bone yard due to rust.

Antonino