dogface

That is good info ref oil change by mbtech208, thanks.

My 1991 420SEL runs pretty good.
Has 105k on it.

As a preventative measure I would like to replace the timing chain. The numbers for doing this are staggering. I can get MB parts for a great price and a shop I spoke with says that we are looking at 24+ hours of labor. It seems the dealer says same time.

Both are good people and I am not disputing their estimates. They have said that there is a "quick" change that can be done using an unconnected chain and a crimping tool. It's not an unusual procedure. But at that point the guides and related are not replaced.

I am curious about 2 things:

1) is anyone familiar with this "quick" change technique?

2) am I over-reacting to wanting to change the timing chain in the first place?

I run synthetic oil.

Thanks for your time.

d/f

Mark Pedersen

24 hours seems extreme. My mechanic told me about $ 500 for timing chain when I get to 100k miles.

T-Machine

There is a quick way. Baum Tools sells the device that lets you hook up a new chain to the old one and with the Sparkplugs removed, lets you pull in the new chain by slowly turning the engine by hand. The chain rails to be replaced are the upper ones( 3 pieces ). Those are the ones that get slapped if the chain where loose. Also replace the Tensioner. Complete labor should not be more than 5 hours.

Nic

I had the timing chain completely replaced with a new MB one about three months ago. The cost was AUD$600 which is about US$350. The labour was three hours, whoever is telling you twenty four is trying to put one over on you. Find an auto-shop that specializes in Mercedes but isn't a dealer. For most minor services these places are perfect and the prices are much more realistic than MB dealers.

dtkw

I had mine changed at 97K miles. I found a generic MB service guy who only work on MB. He takes care of his customers' as his own. I changed it earlier so there is one less thing I have to think about.


1986 560SEL

Rockman59

a shop I spoke with says that we are looking at 24+ hours of labor. It seems the dealer says same time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That's ridiculous......you should be able to get the entire job done including chain, rails, and related parts for no more $900 and number is probably high. I had mine done 2 years ago for $750 and that was not a "shortcut" method. And you are not over reacting to the chain change. 100k and/or 10 years seems to be the standard for a new chain. Research shows too that changing oil often (3000 miles) increases the life of the chain and related pieces. Many chains last almost forever but the pieces that go with it fail and cause the problem. The chain will stretch a bit over time and miles but they rarely break.

Jowl

My mechanic did the whole job for $625, parts and labor. Labor was $300. $103 for the chain and $195 for the tensioner. If you are in NY, I'd be happy to recommend him.

bcmbcmbcm

Just whatever you do REPLACE THE UPPER RAILS

be happy you don't have an older 380 like me, I had to change pulleys to to convert it to the double row style like you have!

1985mb

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I am in NY and would like to hear of your recommended mechanic. Please!

1985 380SE

Hattaresguy

$500-$1kmax is what the job should run you. Replace the chain, upper rails, and tensioner.

Make sure that they only use OE MB tensioners, the aftermarket ones are known to leak down and cause the chain to rattle on start up.

1985mb

Do you know of good independent mechanics in the NY or tri-state area?

golfboy

You're getting ripped at 24 hours.
That being said, don't forget to replace the guides and tensoner.

Hattaresguy

No I do pretty much everything myself, what I can't (hasn't happend yet) I'd farm out to the dealer.

Their is a shop in Milford that knows how to do it, owner seems nice. Probably a bit of a drive for you.

MB dealers in New London CT and New Haven CT are also first rate.

yakuza560

I had my timing chain and tensioner (as well as guide rails) changed at 155K miles (currently have 195k and still great) - IMO, since you're going into it, you may as well do the rest as well (tensioner & guide rails).

As for using synthetic oil, I don't think you'd need to invest in a pricier oil - the engine tolerances are not as tight as the newer M-B's that benefit from it. The only thing synthetic will do for the 126's is just burn - it's too thin of a viscosity (regardless of the oil weight) for the engine. I use Kendall (20w-50).

cayabee

I own a 90' 560 sel for the last 13 years, and 170K miles on it. I have not yet changed the timing chain. I change oil on a regular base. The car still run as smooth and good as before. I know I am taking my chance if it snaps on the highway. My only problem is oil leak, quite a bit. Anyone recommend a reasonable mechanics for head and rear gasket work.