I had my car in for the 105K service and decided to change the timing chain. There were no indications that it was needed other than some things I had read that indicated a conservative approach would be to change around 100K miles... From what I understand, the recommended interval is somewhere around 140K.. but anyway....

Some chain guides had damage and one had broken off completely. I doubt if my car has EVER missed an oil change so the tensioner was OK. There was no other damage. The vacuum hoses were very brittle so I changed them also. Note that the car has always been in Houston, Texas heat. Cars in more moderate temperatures probably would not exhibit that kind-of of heat-related wear.

I think it would be prudent to have your 500E (119's) checked around the 100K interval just to have peace of mind.

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Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)