Right before I bought my 1984 380SL the timing chain broke on it and the PO had about $6000 worth of work done on it which included:

New double row chain
new chain guides
all new valves and seals

and being an alloy engine the block had to be heli coiled. This was all done by a Mercedes-Benz dealer (name withheld)

The car had 115,000 miles on it at that point(4 years ago), it now has 130,000. Last week I had to have a transmission leak repaired and when I picked it up the indy repair guy (who has been very fair and competent in the past) told me that when he started the car he could hear the timing chain SLAP When I started it sure enough there was a weird noise that goes away after the car starts to idle.

My 2 questions are:

1. Is it REALLY possible for OEM MB parts like a tensioner and guides and the chain to go bad after only 15,000?

AND

2. If they are bad how do I get MB to fork over what I consider to be their share of the bill?

The car hasn't been abused since I've owned it and I change the oil every 2,500 miles with Mobil 1

HELP!

__________________
Old age and treachery will allways overcome youth and skill!

1993 S500
1984 380SL