300E--Timing Chain/Water Pump

Recently purchased a 300E with 124,000 miles an the original timing chain. Any recommendations on replacing it. And how about the water pump, how often should it be replaced.

[DanielW]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Seriously, I believe most of the 300E's never have to have a timing chain IF the oil has been changed regularly, and the water pumps usually give warning by leaking a little before really going completely out. So just watch for coolant leaks where you park and keep a listen for unusal sounds on starting and idling. This motor should be real quiet and smooth at idle assuming motor mounts are good and engine is tuned correctly.

Mine has 185,000 and I just recently had to replace the serpentine belt and the water pump. There has been no signs that I should be concerned with the timing chain, but I did have to replace a rubber bushing in the belt tensioner shock absorber. Now everything is back to QUIET again.

Just enjoy driving your car, and change the antifreeze every 2 years(MB brand) ... that will help the water pump to last a little longer than it might if antifreeze is not changed.

Luck to you,
DanielW

[joe p]

103's rarely need chains, sometime you'll break the upper guide when doing a headgasket or valvejob but, otherwise that setup is about bulletproof.

The only time I recomend 103 chains and guides is if I'm there for another reason such as a topend rebuild and resealing the lower cover.

Waterpumps are a pain to replace but, they last a good long while if you run decent coolant and change it like you should. The bearing bracket for the belt idler is a more common failure than the chain. (just dont forget the o-ring on the lower drivers corner when replaceing!)



Joe

If it ain't broke don't fix it definitely applies here.

The 103 has a ratcheting tensioner and these systems are known to be as bullet proof as a timing system can be.

Enjoy,