SgtRock

I have a 2009 E350 and am approaching 100k miles. My mechanic says I will need a new timing chain and tensioner soon. I have done some research and am finding conflicting information. Some say inspect at 100k. Change at 150k, some say it depends on how well the car was maintained. Some say you never have to change it. I have keep up with my services and I am not experiencing any unusual engine noise. When should I have this work done and what should I expect to pay? Also does my engine have a single or double row timing chain?

SgtRock

Anyone? Surely someone has had this work done.

arto_wa

Why does it need a new timing chain/tensioner if it is not noisy?

They should last a long time and outlast most of the other engine parts if the engine oil is changed at proper intervals.

cmriv

In a 2009? LMAO. Fire your mechanic ASAP.... Never has anything past 2008 needed any major timing related repairs..... Burnt valves or head issues possibly, but timing, highly not likely. I have a 2009 as well, 122k miles no engine issues..... sooooo

there are exceptions for retards who don't change oil and stuff like that but no, save your money.

cmriv

so do you drive a 2007 or 2009, cause your profile vehicle is a 2007 but your stating in thread title 2009?

ps2cho

Are you sure he's not talking about belt and belt tensioner?

bo reason to replace chain unless there is a specific problem with it and oil changes were not done.

SgtRock

I had a 2007 now a 2009 E350 Sport.

cetialpha5

If it's the serpentine belt that drives the alternator, a/c, etc, then yes, you should change it. I ended up changing mine on my 2008 at 70k when I did the thermostat as a pulley has to come off anyway. Best price I found was this kit on rockauto.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....443226&jsn=415

If it's the timing chain, then yes, you should find another mechanic. On most cars, the timing chain doesn't tend to fail and I believe someone above actually works at an MB dealership and seems to back that up. It's why most car companies have gone away from timing belts, those have been expensive to replace and most people have learned their lesson and prefer cars that have chains instead of belts.

SgtRock

Not the Serpentine belt. I changed that already. Timing chain is what I was asking about.

cetialpha5

Why does your mechanic say it needs to be changed? It's not a normal maintenance item. If you're not getting any error codes and not having any problems, leave it alone.

NVR ENUF

My mechanic told me the same thing and that its about a $1500 job. Said that they need to be changed between 150k-175k miles. I'm at 147k, so your saying I'll get error codes first or abnormal sounds before considering changing?

cetialpha5

Yeah, if you're not getting any error codes, I wouldn't change it. If you search the forums, not too many threads about people ever changing it or it going bad. I wouldn't change it for preventative maintenance.

kajtek1

My mechanic (dealer) told me I need new brakes.
I just measured them at 6 mm or about 70%

NVR ENUF

Thanks! I didn't know the vehicle would give me a warning sign first. I just know if the timing belt or chain ever went out, you're pretty much screwed!

kajtek1

That usually apply to diesel engines, where high compression makes valves and piston overlap.
On gasoline engines it depends. We had Volvo from 1980's where timing belt broke twice on the road (they would last 30k at the time) and took me about 1hr working in the ditch to get the car back on the road.