Have been told that timing chains do not need replaced until rapping noise begins?

[86560SEL]

I have really been looking lately for Mercedes- mainly on the internet. I have been asking about timing chain replacements. Asking if they knew when the chains were last changed. MANY owners of some of the cars I have been inquiring about keep saying that they have chains and do not require normal replacements like cars with timing belts and do not need changing until the engine starts making a rapping noise. I think I have read otherwise here. Perhaps they are hiding something? Should I steer clear of cars where the owner states this?

I have inquired about 15 different Mercedes from 1981-1991 over the past two weeks and NONE have any idea when the chains were last changed.

Wondering- How many of you here have no idea when your chain was last changed?

[deanyel]

I would guess the vast majority of us are on the original chain, i.e. have never had a replacement. There is no replacement interval - often a 200k or 300k mile item. But the question is very much a function of what engine you're talking about.

[Hatterasguy]

Depends on the engine.

[Roncallo]

I'm ready to do mine at 109,000 miles only for insurance. It is starting to rap on startup until the tensioner fills up. It is cheep insurance compared to the amount of damage that would occure if it were to let go. I already did the chain rails since I had the head off. I figure 100K miles is enough for these things but they probably will last forever (but not the rails). If its a single row 380, I would bite the bullet and change it to a double row (about $600.00 in parts).

John Roncallo

[lee polowczuk]

I had a 72 280se 4.5 many years ago...probably had to do the chain at about 105k.....

it rattled at startup....drove it that way for a couple of months...a tech pointed out the issue to me..and i had it done...

I was very young then... I think I paid 300 dollars to have it done...this was probably 1987...we have all learned so much since then....

if you hear rattling...get it done...if you don't, I would say you are in good shape....

[86560SEL]

Thanks for the replies. The ones I am most considering are a 91' 300SE with 180K (inline 6-cyl), 90' 300TE wagon with 220K (inline 6-cyl) and a 87' 420SEL with 250K with the 4.2L V8.

[gilwave]

my 1989 560SEL had it done at 114k, I was told it may need to be done every 125,000 miles.

-gil

Your 300 cars both have 103 engines. These engines for sure have the most bulletproof timing chain systems of all the MB engines. I would not worry about the chains on them until the engine has to come apart for some other reason.

The V8 on the other hand is a horse of a different color. It has probably the most trouble prone timing chain system. It should be inspected closely about every 50,000 miles. The plastic guides harden and break which will jam up the chain. When that happens, bent valves are immenent. It will not make noise before this happens because it can't run after this happens.

To summarize; timing chain maintenance on the 300's involves nothing more than adequately frequent oil changes, while timing chain maintenance on the V8 should be taken very seriously.

Good luck,

[86560SEL]

Thanks Larry! So, the 300 models would be the better choice, especially considering they have lower miles? I can get the 91' 300SE (which is in VGC) for $2700. Seems to be in perfect order.

The 90' 300TE wagon can be bought for around $2000. It has some cosmetic issues- which does not concern me, but the owner said that the temperature guage will sometimes go past 1/2 way, but goes down when he turns on the heat (when it was needed). Never has went to the danger zone, but I am concerned. Water pump was replaced with no change. I was thinking perhaps cooling fans not operating properly, or a clogged radiator, like another member alluded to on my transmission thread concerning this car, but that issue with the tranny seems to be normal. Thanks again!

[86560SEL]

I should also mention that the 87' 420SEL is about $500 cheaper- which may offset the timing chain replacement. I am thinking since this car has 249K and appears to be in very well maintained order, it may be safe to assume it has been changed. Probably would be best to have it changed to be safe.

I really like the 91' 300SE, but the 420SEL is much more closer (300SE is 6 hours away and the 420SEL is 1 hour away) and the seller of the 300SE is a bit demanding- saying that he must be paid immedietly, but will hold the car for as long as needed.

The owner of the 87' 420 is just the opposite. Someone was supposed to buy the car three weeks ago, but still have not come up with the money. He said he was going to give them until the 10th to get the money and if they do not get it by then, he will sell it to me. Kinda makes me sad, because I have the cash in hand- ready to buy and they may not even come up with the money. Sure is nice of them to hold it for them though- especially for three weeks.

[gilwave]

I have a 1988 420SEL with 118k on the clock, white with blue leather interior that I'll be posting soon - waiting on a nice A/C hose I bought on eBay. It belongs to my neighbor, who is ignorant in the ways of eBay.

Interior and engine are in great shape, as is the trans. Exterior has some rust (Northest Jersey car) as to be expected, otherwise the car is in very good shape.

Taking pictures next week when the weather gets nice.

-g

[benzboy87]

My parents have an '88 300SE and I have a '90 420SEL. I have traveled in their car many times - last year we took mine on vacation. I was amazed at how much difference there was in the 5 extra inches of leg room in the backseat. My point is - if you travel with adults in the backseat then get the 420 for the extra legroom and the extra power. I have heard many SE owners say they wish they had gotten the SEL.

I have always wanted a wagon though!

[gilwave]

That extra legroom makes a BIG difference in rear seat comfort. I had a 300SD before my 560SEL and it was just a tad tight for my family of 5. No complaints now!

-g

[lee polowczuk]

just remember that an "S" in a MB nameplate stands for 'Spensive when it comes to repairs.

[Hatterasguy]

Inted heck with the Lambo's now changing the timing belt on a Ferrari! That is a major and expensive job!

If spending $1k on a timing chain bothers you that much then maybe MB's are not the right car for you. Off the top of my head:
M103's seem to have weak valve stem seals and burn oil.
Did they blow the head gaskets or were those the M104's?
At this point in the game how solid is the trans? $1,500
A 250k mile W126 will need some front end work if it hasn't been done.


Interior and paint work is the most expensive thats what I would shop for.