Hello All!

I just bought a 1993 Mercedes 190 E 2.3 and it is a really awesome car. It was in nice shape and I got it for a great price. It has 108k on the clock. Anyhow, I used to have an 84 and the timing chain went on it which was very sad.

This 93 that I just got is displaying some "signs" of a bad timing chain. However, I can't be sure. I hear some noise like a rattle when I'm at Idle, but when I start out it immediately stops. It also quiets and basically stops when in neutral. This is tells me the timing chain may be starting to go bad, but perhaps I'm wrong.

Is there any way to be sure of this without taking the engine apart? What are the normal signs of a bad chain. I'm sure the repair isn't something I'd want to tackle without the help of a Mercedes mechanic.

Let me know your thoughts on the chain. I was hoping the chains in the 93s were made a little better than my 84....

Thanks!!!

I'm afraid I can't answer all of your questions but I thought I'd chime in since I own a '92 190E 2.3. 108,000 miles seems to be pretty early for a timing chain to be going on an M102 motor. It's a double row chain and it's pretty short, so it doesn't stretch as quickly as some of the longer chains, especially the single row chains. The timing chain tensioner could also be the culprit for this noise if it is worn. As always, a lot depends on how well the previous owner performed the required maintenance.

That makes sense. Thanks for responding. HE claimed the oil was changed regularly and what not. The motor is quiet and has plenty of power and sounds nice. Only when it's at idle in drive do I hear the rattle. As soon as I accelerate, it's gone.

I guess adjusting or replacing the tensioner is just as much work as replacing the entire chain?

Have someone hold foot on brake w/engine at idle..this will cause the rattle while you take a long screwdriver or bar and insert it into the side of the top rubber bushing mount of the belt shock eyelet.. Twist the bar and see if the rattle ceases...very common and overlooked rattle fault on that chassis.
Easy fix is to sandwich an O ring between the damper eyelet and the mount to keep the bushing from rattling against the mount.

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1993-Mercedes--benz-190e--.3-Cooling--System&yearid=1993%40%401993&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%4063%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%40X&modelid=6132%3AMBC%7C1485%3AED%7C10000009%3ASM%7C846%40%40190E+2%2E3&catid=240909%40%40Cooling+System&subcatid=241025@@Acc%2E+Belt+Tension+Damper&mode=PA

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A Dalton

I agree....I had the exact same issue on my '93 2.3. Replaced the shock and no more rattle.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

They all did it.................the glue dries up that holds the rubber bush onto the eyelet..

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A Dalton