Chainged a few gasser chains and they all came with the clip type master link from mercedes.. Have not changed any on my diesels yet but pretty sure will be changing one this spring. Surprised me a little earlier when reference was made to peening over pins when connecting master link. Since the vintage of my gas cars were all earlier than the 123s I think the gentleman on a previous post perhaps has a point. Peening master link might be superior or mercedes would be all c clip master links by now. Regular oil changes help get the maximum time out of a timing chain as they are really sensitive to the lubricants cleanliness. Perhaps the chains are the most oil qualty sensitive component in the block. I would of course take the time to check oil pump chain out as well if primary chain really badly worn especially if not certain of the milage on car as on this site have read of more than one or two failures of the oil pump chain leading to disaster. The oil pump chain may be reasonable in cost compared to primary chain. Maybe someone with more knowledge than myself could comment on the best way to check an oil pump chain? The chain side sag test means removal for checking probably. Maybe it's as simple as measuring distance in centre with chain stretched while still on sprockets? Or perhaps someone knows if there is a recommended proceedure to do.. A lot of us including myself do not posses the hardcover engine manual if it's in there. Edit: sorry Old Dies your post went up when I was pounding out mine.