Timing belt or timing chain?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
2010 C300 4Matic
Timing belt or timing chain?
Does the W204 have a timing belt or timing chain? If it's a timing chain, does that need to be changed with the water pump down the road, or will it last the life of the car?
All my previous cars had timing belts and I hated changing them because it costs so much $$$.
All my previous cars had timing belts and I hated changing them because it costs so much $$$.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 5
From: Virginia
2012 E350 - Cabrio; 2017 GLS 450
They are chains, and it is my understanding that they don't need to be changed unless they fail. Of course if the chain fails, you are going to have bigger issues...
That's my understanding...
That's my understanding...
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque
2003 E320
Your car has a timing chain and it should be replaced when worn, not when it fails. This is usually well over 100,000 miles on a Mercedes engine (with the exception of one V8 engine in the early 80s). It has nothing to do with the water pump.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
You would think something would have replaced timing chains and most certainly belts by now. I remember insalling timing gear drives in motors some time ago. It was not on cars with overhead cams, but surely someone could come up with a way to make it work. Gears and spinning rods maybe? 
