That push pull effect wouldn't be that bad if the tensioner could hold the chain tight under all conditions. Unfortunately it doesn't. The tensioner has a spring but it isn't strong enough to fight against the valve springs pushing the cam forward. It relies on oil pressure to hold the chain tight. The tensioner doesn't ratchet forward like most other mercedes engines. That alone would help tremendously. The reason they don't, I think is that the chain is too long and it's length changes too much between hot and cold. So the best thing you can do is keep the engine full of clean fresh oil. M116 and M117s are more sensitive to this than any other MB engine.

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90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff