M111 Timing chain and Cam Gears
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
2001 w203 C180
M111 Timing chain and Cam Gears
Hi Guys
I wish i were more mechanically minded...
I was supposed to change the timing chain 2 weeks ago... but didn't due to me needing a vehicle to use.
The reason for the change in timing chain and tensioners etc is due to a noise i get on cold startup which lasts for about 3 seconds. The mileage on my car is 305,000kms (High, i know). The performance, fuel consumption are fine.
Anyway the mechanic tells me that i have to change the cam gears as well. He says this is a common problem on the W203. He did not do an inspection on the cam gears as yet. He says it could have possibly already jumped teeth? The price on the cam gears is (according to him) is R6,000 each ($763 each)!
My questions are:
1. Are the cam gears a common problem on the w203?
2. What is the lifespan of the cam gears?
3. Should i be changing the cam gears just because im changing the timing chain?
4. If the timing chain did jump teeth, will i notice a change in performance?
I wish i were more mechanically minded...
I was supposed to change the timing chain 2 weeks ago... but didn't due to me needing a vehicle to use.
The reason for the change in timing chain and tensioners etc is due to a noise i get on cold startup which lasts for about 3 seconds. The mileage on my car is 305,000kms (High, i know). The performance, fuel consumption are fine.
Anyway the mechanic tells me that i have to change the cam gears as well. He says this is a common problem on the W203. He did not do an inspection on the cam gears as yet. He says it could have possibly already jumped teeth? The price on the cam gears is (according to him) is R6,000 each ($763 each)!
My questions are:
1. Are the cam gears a common problem on the w203?
2. What is the lifespan of the cam gears?
3. Should i be changing the cam gears just because im changing the timing chain?
4. If the timing chain did jump teeth, will i notice a change in performance?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 131
From: Cape town
not a merc
You say its a M111 engine, they dont normally need gears, it has a double chain.
You need to inspect it first.
If the engine oil was changed often and with good quality oil the gears should be fine.
a stretched chain does cause the gears to wear more too.
and if it has jumped a tooth you will notice a change in performance yes.
I would guess a chain and a new tensioner would fix it, But one need to open up and take a look first.
Here in south Africa I would install am aftermarket chain and tensioner, much cheaper and just as good
You need to inspect it first.
If the engine oil was changed often and with good quality oil the gears should be fine.
a stretched chain does cause the gears to wear more too.
and if it has jumped a tooth you will notice a change in performance yes.
I would guess a chain and a new tensioner would fix it, But one need to open up and take a look first.
Here in south Africa I would install am aftermarket chain and tensioner, much cheaper and just as good
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Psychic Mechanic...
I see....your cam gears are worn....
they are very expensive...I know this because I am psychic!
ah....and an old friend will come to visit.
A man in black hat will pass you on the street.
You will receive money from a stranger....
and you will PAY ME a whole lotta money foo!
All M111 sound like sheet on startup.
Still one born every day.
I see....your cam gears are worn....
they are very expensive...I know this because I am psychic!
ah....and an old friend will come to visit.
A man in black hat will pass you on the street.
You will receive money from a stranger....
and you will PAY ME a whole lotta money foo!
All M111 sound like sheet on startup.
Still one born every day.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; May 10, 2012 at 12:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
2001 w203 C180
You say its a M111 engine, they dont normally need gears, it has a double chain.
You need to inspect it first.
If the engine oil was changed often and with good quality oil the gears should be fine.
a stretched chain does cause the gears to wear more too.
and if it has jumped a tooth you will notice a change in performance yes.
I would guess a chain and a new tensioner would fix it, But one need to open up and take a look first.
Here in south Africa I would install am aftermarket chain and tensioner, much cheaper and just as good
You need to inspect it first.
If the engine oil was changed often and with good quality oil the gears should be fine.
a stretched chain does cause the gears to wear more too.
and if it has jumped a tooth you will notice a change in performance yes.
I would guess a chain and a new tensioner would fix it, But one need to open up and take a look first.
Here in south Africa I would install am aftermarket chain and tensioner, much cheaper and just as good
I did enquire about the aftermarket parts, not sure if you familar with Goldwagen? Anyway they were not much cheaper than Mercedes. So i decided to just get the parts from Mercedes.
Thanks for the feedback!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
2001 w203 C180
Psychic Mechanic...
I see....your cam gears are worn....
they are very expensive...I know this because I am psychic!
ah....and an old friend will come to visit.
A man in black hat will pass you on the street.
You will receive money from a stranger....
and you will PAY ME a whole lotta money foo!
All M111 sound like sheet on startup.
Still one born every day.
I see....your cam gears are worn....
they are very expensive...I know this because I am psychic!
ah....and an old friend will come to visit.
A man in black hat will pass you on the street.
You will receive money from a stranger....
and you will PAY ME a whole lotta money foo!
All M111 sound like sheet on startup.
Still one born every day.
I know what you mean.. but really this is the timing chain noise that im hearing.
