mercedes w126 300se timing chain question
 

can anyone tell me...are there any obvious symptoms that you can listen/look for to let you know your timing chain is going out.?..i know you dont want to be driving full blast on a highway, if it breaks...i have no idea if my 1988 300se 188k has had the chain replaced , but i would assume it would have been by now..whats the normal life span of the timing chain..?..thanks

At 188K I wouldn't think about changing it, it's fine... seriously. Maybe have the cam timing set due to the elongation/stretch via those woodruff keys and be on your way.

From what I've read on here, M103's really don't have timing chain issues. It's short, unlike the V8's, and the stretch is well controlled by the tensioner.

Do a search.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=450171

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=77372&highlight=m103+chain

Enjoy

Thanks Warren....thats A Good Search Tip....seems The 103 Engine Timing Chain Is Capable Of Really Hanging In....i Wonder Why MB Stopped Making That In-line 6 103 Engine , I Think Its A Great Engine..

I think something to do with chassis constraints... an inline motor is long versus a typical Bent 6. My chum's 300E is a nice ride, I've driven it a few times and am pleased with its performance.

Too bad his car has the valve guide/seal issue going on I believe as it's an '87. It's a very clean vehicle. :(

There's no need to change the chain on a M103 - just leave it in there for life. It doesn't whip around in different directions like the V or DOHC engines. But if you ever do have to open it up, you should check the color of the guides. As they get discolored they also get brittle and can cause just as much damage as the chain if they break.