Uh, no 103 I've seen has any lifters .... just rocker arms to the valves. Now the 603 Diesel does have lifters

Chain failures on inline motors are near nonexistent. I have around 2deg on my 256k mile M103.

Timing chain guides are a PITA on the M103. Lower timing cover has to come off. If they're not broken, don't spend the time to pull the bottom end apart unless you have oil leaks all over. Or need them... 300K+

Rocker sound is probably from lack of oil pressure at startup.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]