I have a 1985 190 2.3 8v. what is the suggested timing chain replacement interval. mine has 185000 miles on it and i do not have maintance records. the reason I ask is I am getting some rattle at rpm just before the shift. do I need to replace the chain or just the tensioner? thanks for any imput.
joe

Your engine has a single row timing chain which would normally be changed around 100-120k miles , if you don't know whether yours has been changed I think now might be a good time.
The chain ,tensioner and guides should be changed at the same time. If this is the original chain I would think you would need a cam sprocket and crankshaft sprocket if the chain is badly stretched, as the teeth will be badly worn and the new chain will wear rapidly if they are not changed.
You will be able to tell if the sprockets are worn as the teeth will have a hooked profile on one edge instead of being symettrical in profile.
Hope this helps , Geo.

I just replaced mine at 169,000 along with the guides. Just bought the car and had a feeling it had never been done. 1990 420 SEL.

Siduri19 > Where did you get your parts? I'm soon going to do my newly aquired '87 420SEL and I'm parts hunting

I had it done at my mercedes mechanic. You can order parts on line from Phil at this forum. He's very knowledgeable and you can get the parts delivered pretty quick.

380 is a screwed up engine with its weight-reduced single row chain. When I bought mine (with a broken chain) it had 100k on it. This is not something to fool with. If you are doing the work on your own, then get the dual gears (5 of them) and a dual chain, and new guides (they are cheap). For the gears check out your junkyard for any SL,SE,SEC or SEL engine (420,500,560). If you need "verbal" help send an email...

Sorry, I just noticed it is not a 380, so please disregard..

__________________
1983 560SL Megasquirted (originally 380SL)

My former Mercedes:
1985 300SD ~190k
1990 560SEL
2000 C220 CDI
1983 380SEC 102k dual-chain conversion
2000 C280 70k (sold)
1987 300DT (W124 - sold)
1972 220D (sold)
1971 220D (sold)