Would this be a symptom of the oil tube failure or something else. Only happens on cold startup. Not when restarted warm.

Many thanks! Car has 180kmi

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

I had the oiler tube problem, and it causes ticking noises on whichever side of the engine the tube has failed, and it is always there, easily heard while idling. I don't know what your problem is, but I'm sure it's not caused by the tubes.

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1996 C280 289K Traded
1997 E420 167K Traded
2001 S430 240K Traded
2010 E550 4matic 80K
2000 GMC Jimmy 198K Gone to Boneyard
2003 Camry LE 196K
2011 Mazda3 i Sport 31K

I had this problem oil filter put in wrong and filter collapsed

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt

Most likely issue is the timing chain tensioner, since it happens only on cold start & then goes away.

Don't hesitate as the timing chain may be stretched! Not good if it jumps OR breaks.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thanks a bunch. I ordered the parts to change the tensioner. I will limit my driving of the car until I take care of this!

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

MB DOC he the man

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt

Hard to tell without hearing but, a connecting rod bearing at the upper limits of wear will make noise on a cold start until oil pressure comes up.

APB: Here's a link to my experiences with changing the timing chain on my E420. You need to pin the exhaust cam sprocket with a 6mm drill bit or you may have difficulty reinstalling the new tensioner. (Once the old tensioner comes out, it will allow the exhaust cam to rotate under spring pressure and tighten the chain.)

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/304246-e420-m119-timing-chain-tensioner.html

I also changed the upper timing chain guides since they were cheap and very easy to replace (stuff paper towels around the chain to keep the broken plastic out of the oil pan).

The only other thing I would add is to make sure you get factory valve cover gaskets and not the crappy Victor Reinz brand that have a tendency to fall off the back of the cover as you are trying to install them. They also leaked on my car and a friend's 500E, who did his at the same time I did mine and used the same Victor Reinz gaskets. He replaced his with factory gaskets and the leaking was solved.

I have also read where guys over on the 500E board ********* have had the same trouble with Victor Reinz valve cover gaskets. The extra cost of factory gaskets is well worth it.

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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

many thanks! Looks like I have what I need... I assume I can install the tensioner with the gasket and not worry about adding some silicone?

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

I don't think I used any silicon sealant on this gasket. Just check the specified torque setting for the bolts. Good luck.

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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles