So I had to buy my girlfriend a car (Long story) and decided to get a 2005 C230 K. The car was offered to me at the mb dealer my car usually goes to and is in very good condition with all services done at that dealership. The car has 120 K miles which I didn't think as a problem until I came across posts about the single chain stretching, jumping teeth and destroying the head.

From what I’ve read at this point I’m at the lifetime limit for the original chain, but as we know forums tend to concentrate the problems, so what do you guys think?
The car currently has no rattle at startup but since this is the girlfriend’s car I really can’t rely on her noticing.

Thanks for your input!

 

I've had my 2005 C230 since it had just under 100k miles. It's now at 125k and I am gathering all of the parts and tools to do the chain myself. Dealership's want around $1500 and independent shops just over $1000. All OEM parts alone are about $300 if you shop around. I thought I heard the startup noise once a month ago but have not heard it since. I am an aircraft mechanic and want everything safe and reliable so I am doing this as routine maintenance.

 

Ohh, the 05 is really a great car so dont feel like you made a bad purchase. My service advisor I use told me he wouldn't suggest replacing the chain unless I had a check engine light. We all know that would be way too late with the m271 engine.

 

Yeah I guess I can't risk it, I already started shopping around as well. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't me overeacting to a few isolated posts.

At the moment I have this list:
Iwis W0133-1786813 Timing Chain = $60
MB head gasket = $43
MB tensioner = $66
Cylinder head retainer = $95? Still looking...
Riveting tool = No idea, still looking...
Assembly link = $15? Still looking...

Does anyone know if a generic Riveting tool would work?
Please help me out if I'm missing something or any input about what I got so far.

Thnx in advance!

 

u only have to remove the cam cover to expose the chain

easy enough just connect the new chain to the old and crank it around then line up the tick marks

 

Another M271 timing chain thread? Really?
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/438298-there-way-check-timing-chain-tearing-engine-apart.html
Entire rebuild including timing chain.

 

Then it would be too late! Oh...you said that. Ha!

 

Could you elaborate on this method? Any thread about it?
I'm guessing this would eliminate the need for the retainer?

I have never changed a chain before so I need all the help I can get

 

Yeah I went through that thread but wanted to get some more input before diving in.

It's my first time changing a chain and I can't risk messing up this job.