Im in the middle of doing a head gasket on my 89 300e 3.0l & was wondering if I should replace my timing chain,gears & slides.Is there something I should look for?I know my one slider has to be replaced since its cracking,God forbid a piece of it breaks off.It has 130,000 miles.I also noticed a kind of crackling noise while idling,maybe the chain????Thanks guys this is the first Mercedes I have owned.Thanks again,
Frank

I would leave the chain and sprockets alone. Just replace all the guides and don't forget the oil pump chain guide too.

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Jim

Have a 85 500 sel, 127000 miles, should I also replace guides now.
Am in the process of rebuilding the front/rear suspension.

Thanks
John1

I am parting out a 1985-500SEL Euro and I am also parting out the engine.....if you need any low mileage parts I might have them...Jim

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James A. Harris

I agree with Jim, but only in cases where you are already inside the engine. I would not take apart a 103 engine to replace cam timing components for preventive maintenance purposes. The cam timing components have proven themselves to be probably the most trouble free of all the modern MB engines.

Have a great day,