Chain Vs. Belt
Chain Vs. Belt
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I am told by a few MB local dealers that the timing chain in MB cars should last for the life of the car. If it starts to go, it will start to make noises as warning. My friend has a '96 Maxima which also has a timing chain, his car has almost 280K miles (highway miles) and he does not have any problem with the timing chain)
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209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
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From: Naples, FL
BMW X3. R33 skyline
also our engines are non interfearence engines soo just keep driving till the chain breaks and other then being stuck on the side of the road, no harm done.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
There are timing belts in Mercedes engines
The E320 with the straight six configurations have timing chains. Ditto with the earlier V-8 engines (to 1991 at least). I am unsure of the latest V-8 engines.
My 1999 V-8 (E-55) has a belt, not a chain and the same with the supercharged variety. Unsure of the E-63.
My 1999 V-8 (E-55) has a belt, not a chain and the same with the supercharged variety. Unsure of the E-63.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Your local MB dealer wants to make a lot of money
I am told by a few MB local dealers that the timing chain in MB cars should last for the life of the car. If it starts to go, it will start to make noises as warning. My friend has a '96 Maxima which also has a timing chain, his car has almost 280K miles (highway miles) and he does not have any problem with the timing chain)
If the timing chain breaks (it is a double chain in the V-8) all hell will break loose and you will be looking at a new engine. Period. Your friendly local MB mechanic will collect much more than $3,000.00 from you.
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From: Naples, FL
BMW X3. R33 skyline
The Mercedes Benz timing chain is a MUST DO service item. It is due at 100,000 miles or 120,000 miles. It is expensive, dealers charge $3,000.00 or so parts and labor but it is a MUST DO job.
If the timing chain breaks (it is a double chain in the V-8) all hell will break loose and you will be looking at a new engine. Period. Your friendly local MB mechanic will collect much more than $3,000.00 from you.
If the timing chain breaks (it is a double chain in the V-8) all hell will break loose and you will be looking at a new engine. Period. Your friendly local MB mechanic will collect much more than $3,000.00 from you.
and i can't think of one mb chain interfearence motor
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
You are right
The serpentine belt drives the various pulleys like the alternator, the water pump, the power steering pump and the supercharger if any. If this breaks the engine will not function for long but this malfunction is not catastrophic.
The twin timing chain is the best design but timing belts are quieter and most important of all easier to make and CHEAPER TO MAKE FOR THE CAR MAKERS.
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From: Naples, FL
BMW X3. R33 skyline
in an interference engine, the pistons and valves occupy the same space but at different times. When the timing belt breaks, they occupy the same space at the same time.
In a non-interference engine, the pistons and valves don't occupy the same space at any time.
In a non-interference engine, the pistons and valves don't occupy the same space at any time.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
To the best of my knowledge all MB engines have timing chains, no belts for this function. The chain is designed to last the life of the engine and is a change item only at engine overhaul. Timing belts as used in most asian vehicles and some american and lesser European vehicles are less expensive and a change is usually required somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. there is also a calender time change suggested as they do get brittle after a period of time. The only advantage other than cost of the belts is that they are somewhat quieter than chains but in a practical sense you really can't hear either of them. Some engines do not have either but use gears instead, one of these is the straight six used in many earlier Ford F Series and those gears are made from a fiber material. Primary function of the chain/belt/gear is to turn the cam shaft (s) and keep them in synch (in time) with the crank shaft. Some people confuse the timing belt with the mono (serp) belt which drives the alternator, A/C compressor, water recirc pump and power steering. This belt is external and visable where the timing belt/chain is under the timing cover and cannot be seen without removing this cover.
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
Zack,
Are you sure that the M112/M113 MB engines are non-interference? I certainly hope this is the case, but a non-interference design is a major departure from the norm for Mercedes. All the other MB engines that I'm familiar with are interference: the M104, M116, M117, M119.
Are you sure that the M112/M113 MB engines are non-interference? I certainly hope this is the case, but a non-interference design is a major departure from the norm for Mercedes. All the other MB engines that I'm familiar with are interference: the M104, M116, M117, M119.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Other than pulling the timing cover and visually inspecting it there is non. No one really does this as the chain as I stated before is an overhaul item. However is some engines the chains will streach and make some noise but by the time that happens its very close to an overhaul for that engine.
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W212 & W210
My 96 W210 with the straight 6 M104 engine has 196K on it now on its original timing chain.
When I inquired about the timing chain at the dealer, they mentioned that it should be inspected and changed if necessary when and if I have to do an overhaul.
When I inquired about the timing chain at the dealer, they mentioned that it should be inspected and changed if necessary when and if I have to do an overhaul.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Other than pulling the timing cover and visually inspecting it there is non. No one really does this as the chain as I stated before is an overhaul item. However is some engines the chains will streach and make some noise but by the time that happens its very close to an overhaul for that engine.
When I had the timing chain replaced in my 560 SEL last year the MB mechanic in the dealership changed the "followers" or "fingers" that are plastic and a wear and tear item. As they are inexpensive and labor very dear I agreed. They advised 100,000 to 120,000 miles for replacement or save for a new engine.
I feel that the engine is more responsive after the job.
