Thank you both for the responses. I would normally check both the tensioner and chain condition myself and repair whatever is necessary. I'm not in a position to do this now so I am anticipating what a repair shop would suggest.

Could the rattle also be caused by wear on the timing chain guide that the tensioner pushes against? Or would a worn guide cause noise beyond just the rattle at start-up?

Jim Herold

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Jim Herold--Current: 1987 190E 16V, 1999 ML 430--Past: 1971 280 SL, 1972 250