what happens when a timing belt breaks? does it cause a total shutdown of the car or are there problems before the break? thanks.

Mercedes doesn't have a timing belt, they use a chain. You may be referring to the serpentine belt that drives the accessories like the Alternator, Water Pump etc.

Steve

If you are refering to the serpentine belt, the first sign of its failure would be the 'no charge' light would instantly illuminate due to the alternater losing its drive, at the same time the steering would lose its 'power assistance' and become very heavy, if you continued to drive the car, the engine temperature would increase due to the water pump not being driven and excessive engine temperature would eventually cause damage to the engine.

Nothing, Mercedes doesn't use them.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I think when the timing chain/belt breaks on any car.... it is a very violent and horrible process..... I don't know about any symptoms or sounds you might hear before...

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2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)

It is not a "violent and horrible process" on ANY car. Some engines are such that if it breaks the valves will not contact the pistons, thus do no harm except leave you beside the road. Once the belt is properly replaced the engine will be on its way again. This is called a non-interference engine.

Most engines nowdays, and all MB engines to my knowledge, are interference engines, meaning that if the valves are not properly timed they will contact the piston tops.

The irony of the whole thing is that among the timing BELT equipped engines, the non interference engines are usually the ones that provide a very quick and simple replacement of the belt. Go figure.

Have a great day,