I don't know what to do about this one. I'm at 144k miles, and while I am unsure of the initial-owner maintenence (was a Starmark car, 1 PO) I have run Mobil 1 of 15w50 and now 5w40 (dealer) changed every 5k since 60k miles. The only thing I'm concerned about that could affect it's life is hard driving. My car gets vigorous exercise on the highway. I'm a bit trigger-happy when passing, etc, so it sees 5-3 kickdowns and redline probably 2-3 times a day. I wonder how negatively that would impact its lifespan.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Have your mechanic check the chain for stretch. Easy job, and you'll have a good idea of how worn it is. Personally, if I were you, I'd probably plan on changing it in the next year or so, just for insurance against a possible expensive repair. I'm betting, given the oil change history since 100K-kms, that the chain is in good shape.

I had to replace the valve cover gasket on my engine at 190K, and my tech checked the chain then, and found no wear, but I'll change it out at 250K regardless. Then I know the tensioner is new too.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

(I have run Mobil 1 of 15w50 and now 5w40 (dealer) changed every 5k since 60k miles)

IMO, if you change oil every 5K then you don't need to use Mobil 1 , especially with MB engine where oil reservoir is 7.5 qts. I've used Mobil 1 because I am too lazy to get under my car so I've changed oil every 10K... for several yrs now, and no problem at all . Save your money