Question for Thomaspin

I have reviewed your great write up on the M116 timing chain replacement. I was wondering if you knew if the replacement on the M119 is as easy as you made it look in your write up for the M116. My M119 has about 130k miles on it and I would like to replace the chain, rails and tensioner.

I have researched the threads and have not seen any more helpful than yours. Have I missed any? Any suggestions? I have read that some say to have a shop do it.

I feel pretty confident that I can do it but I have not worked on any MB's before. I do not have any shop manuals for it either since it is a '97 S420 and the manuals have not been released by MB USA. I have been a DIYer for many years working on my cars. I have learned a lot from my dad who was a mechanic for over 50 years, but MB's are new to me. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

[engatwork]

Being a 30 yr diy'er with the past three working on MB's I would say go for it. Take your time and plan on tearing into alot of the front of that engine. You want to consider what all parts you want to change while you are in there. Cooling fan clutch - I would figure that it is getting about time to change it at 130k - stuff like that.

Not sure about the newer ones but you get an opportunity to see the real engineering in MB's in the W123/126's.

Thank you Thomaspin and Jim for the advise. I will be going for it.
I looked at Alldata and they show a tool that I wonder if I can buy for threading the chain by yourself.

Thanks again.

Tom

[engatwork]

Tom, I am the type that if I need a particular type of tool I will usually purchase it.

You need to keep in mind too that Thomas and I are 616/617 diesel nuts. This job is a piece of cake on these engines.