How long can a chain and sprocket on a 126
 

How long can a chain and rail last on a 1990 300SE ? Until when would you change it? 189,000 still same stuff, is it SAFE?

Don't know, but I have 267K on my 380SE (V8) and I have no idea when (or if) it was last changed. Have no plans to ever change it..... car is not worth it. I plan on driving mine here in town until it locks up. :rolleyes:

If you paid alot for your car and it has an otherwise very strong engine, I would change if in doubt. I do not care on mine because I only paid $1000 for it and it has 267K and I think the engine is worn out anyway, because of the lifter tapping/rod knocking sound- due to worn camshaft on passenger side.

The topic has been covered in earlier threads. The M103 engine does not have a history of chain problems. Only the M116 and M117 (V8s) are prone to bent valves on the left bank.

You only paid $1000 for your 560. It may be a rustbucket but it also has only 267k. The bottom end is indestructable on these. Keep up on the oil changes and at LEAST spend the $30 on rails and a weekend to replace them. Don't condemn your engine to death because of $30 in parts and 2-4 hours of labor (4 if you're taking breaks every 15 minutes for a beer or to watch the game like I do on jobs this easy).

If your 560 ISNT rusty, then for the love of god, change that chain too. Take care of the engine and 300k WILL pass by with ease.

Thanks. Actually, its a 1985 380SE (3.8L V8), that is a 100% rust free southern car, no dents and excellent interior (MB-Tex), but has severely dull paint on the top, hood and trunk. My username was from years ago when I joined here. The only thing I had to do to it when I bought it was mew mufflers, radiator cap (seal was leaking) and it still needs rear brakes- which I have, just need to install.

I am not sure if the "bottom ends" are as indestructible on the 3.8L as it is on the 5.0L. ????

I would not mind spending $30, or even $100 for those little "rails", but its the 2-4 hours of labor that would stop me. I have no patients and I would probably never get it back right anyway. :rolleyes:

The main reason I have not spent alot of $ on it is because of the lifter tapping/knocking noise @ 1500-1800 rpms, due to worn camshaft (so I am told). Knocking has not gotten any worse, but knowing my luck, I would spend $$$ on chains/rails, etc. and it would konk out. I figure I have already got my monies worth out of it. I really do not need it, with a new car in the works, but I really like it and would like to keep it is a second car.

Too bad that MB did not put some sort of "sensor" on these cars to warn of worn chains/rails/guides/tensioners.

They're about $15 in parts at the most. Good time to do the valve cover gaskets also. Heck, cams are cheap too...

I would really hate to see a car die because of some cheap parts. :(