noisy 1994 C180 Euro engine

[Hocky]

The front of this engine seems to be a bit too noisy, mechanically. The back and middle seems to be running ok. Could this be the timing chain going or is it normal? Seems to be a bit too much for it to be normal. Guess I will have to check out on other cars first, friend's and also at car dealers if they have this model. Even with the hood down, the noise is noticeable. My Toyota cars make a different noise, more like a higher note like rubber belt going fast. Let me know if this has been found by other owners of the previous C class from 1994 to 1998. Could it be the chain guides? The belt , tensioner and water pumps are brand new.

[blackmercedes]

The M111 is not quiet like a Japanese engine. It has a noisy double row timing chain instead of a belt. The emissions system can also make noise.

Is this a new noise?

How many miles?

Diagnosing noises over the net is hard. Get thee to a mechanic.

[Hocky]

Mileage is 191,000kms and the noise seems to be a regular affair since I bought it same time last year at 188,000kms. I do think its the timing chain, but have to compare with similar cars of the same age if I can come across any at car yards. The wires of the harness near the engine are brittle and some cracked. I have pushed them as far away from the hot engine and used some heat insulators to save them for a few more years! If the chain is going, what expenses do I have to face? Gasket, chain, guides, valve components, oil change again, filter change again??? The car has had a full service last month.

[blackmercedes]

My dealer charges 3.0 hours plus parts for the M111 timing chain and tensioner change. Total bill is around $600CDN P/L/Taxes.

For a timing chain change, I personally would only have the dealer do it. If it fails, the engine can be badly damaged. A small indie may not have the resources to cover that cost. Most indies need to charge close to what a dealer does for this job anyway.

Surprised at this low mileage. Perhaps the car has a poor oil change history. Listen to a smiliar car, and you could have the chain checked for stretched. Simple job. Most M111's I've seen needing timing chains have 250,000+ kilometers...

btw, you shouldn't need to redo your service to change the chain. You could just wait a few thousand kilometers, and you'll need a new oil/filter then anyway...