Does anyone have any history on the timing chain life for this model?

Have 100K and read at newsgroup of failures at 150K. Is this a fact? Is replacement expensive?

Some early production models had sub-standard chains installed & they did fail at 100K. After July 1994 production the chain was modified & the life of these chains should be around 200K miles.
Fairly easy job on this engine. Cost of parts & labor should be less than $500 even at dealer.
Don't wait too long if your car was made before July 1994!!

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many thanks for your reply,

How can I tell production date??

I was amazed at 12+ degrees of stretch on my OM603 engine with 272K. As I'm beginning to realize, they sure didn't build thes 60x engines like the 61x's!!!

Service manager at dealer says unless chain stretched, no need to service( replace).
Production date 4/94..
Is there a bulletin of data sheet for this problem?

I think chain "stretch" is a misnomer. Elongation would be a better description. The elongation is caused by the pins wearing on one side and the holes becoming oblong thus making the chain longer. The chain does not stretch like a rubber band, it becomes elongated by wear.

P E H