C200 timing chain
11-13-2017 | 12:50 AM
#1
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C200
C200 timing chain/belt
My 2010 C200 has done 220k km and I have had the timing belt replaced at around 120k as per my MB mechanics recommendation.
I've just had a B service done after which the engine light came on and I immediately returned to the MB mechanic who ran the diagnostics and said everything was ok but couldn't clear the engine warning light. Now 3 days later, and only a few hundred more km, the car broke down and the diagnosis is that the timing chain has broken resulting in the need to also replace a couple of gears that were subsequently stripped meaning a few grand in costs.
The MB mechanic assures me that this is a known problem for this engine and happens regularly - I think he's feeding me a line, yes a belt may break with wear but not a chain, this should last the life of an engine, be checked periodically for tension, and if it was about to go would make a lot of noise increasingly, along with an engine warning alert I would expect.
Am I correct assuming that if there was a looming problem like this that the MB diagnostic tool would pick it up ?
I've just had a B service done after which the engine light came on and I immediately returned to the MB mechanic who ran the diagnostics and said everything was ok but couldn't clear the engine warning light. Now 3 days later, and only a few hundred more km, the car broke down and the diagnosis is that the timing chain has broken resulting in the need to also replace a couple of gears that were subsequently stripped meaning a few grand in costs.
The MB mechanic assures me that this is a known problem for this engine and happens regularly - I think he's feeding me a line, yes a belt may break with wear but not a chain, this should last the life of an engine, be checked periodically for tension, and if it was about to go would make a lot of noise increasingly, along with an engine warning alert I would expect.
Am I correct assuming that if there was a looming problem like this that the MB diagnostic tool would pick it up ?
Last edited by DJMMM; 11-13-2017 at 03:48 AM. Reason: used incorrect term initially
11-13-2017 | 04:38 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,143
Likes: 215
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Sadly this is not a lie. The M271 engine is known for having timing chains fail and destroy the cam sprockets. They can also jump teeth. See this thread. They are known to fail as one starts the car. My understanding is also that unfortunately there are no warning signs until the fateful day.
While you're in the wrong forum (you're driving a W204; this is a W203 forum), the M271 is used on both platforms, and it sounds like MB never bothered updating the chain all these years. Yes, we're all driving ticking time bombs.
While you're in the wrong forum (you're driving a W204; this is a W203 forum), the M271 is used on both platforms, and it sounds like MB never bothered updating the chain all these years. Yes, we're all driving ticking time bombs.
