gnma

Hi,

I love cars and their specs. Just curious, does the E500 use a timing belt, timing chain, or something else?? Tks.

tashakes

Chain

There, I was first .....

JCsE350

Hmmm..........Second!

Diesel Benz

One doesn't have to be the first every time (my opinion this time at least)

Actually I am not aware of an MB that had used a timing belt. I know some BMWs used it but they went back to the chain.

There are some older MB engines that still had problems with the chain, I believe those were single roller chain while current ones are dual row chains.

gnma

Tks folks!

Davel

and a double row chain at that, most say check at 100k miles and replace at 150k....

gnma

interference engine?

lkchris

Real cars have chains.

Never a Mercedes with a belt (not counting some really small engine we don't see here, I suppose)

Belts are a cost-saving design feature.

Yes, the supposedly cost-saving VW diesel requires a $500 belt change every 50-60K miles. VW saves, you don't.

harkgar

You are right Ken.

Other excuses used by other makers include less noise but who cares if a double chain setup lasts twice as long? I believe the discontinued 928 GT used a belt too like the VW. I am unsure of the latest rendition of the engine in the Porsche Toureg equivalent.

GM V-8 pushrod engines use the chain setup too though I do not know if it is a single or double chain setup.

harkgar

I ordered a new three quarter ton Suburban with the snow plow package in October but it is not here yet. Some delays due to shipping from Texas.

I would be most interested in finding out if it has a single or double chain.

noyu

Agreed I used to have a 944 Turbo and I remember they recommend change the timing belt and balance shaft belt every two years or 50k km and with the water pump (since they are at it and everything was apart) it cost close to a grand to have it done at the dealership.

harkgar

Which dealer did you go to? My brother went to Downtown Fine Cars at Davenport and Avenue Road and they seemed OK to him.

There is not a lot of choice in TO.

I know the Hondas and Acuras have the same service problems as your 944.

noyu

I don't want to mention the name but the one in Scar.

I had it in at one time while the car was out of warranty fixing something else and the owner (a race car driver you should know) pointed out to me that there is a recall on a tube from the waste gate needs to be done.

So when the car it ready to be pick up he did everything that he will get paid except that one item which is a recall (no charge) and I have to go back the next day again.

Also, while I was there I have seen their mechanic driving customer's car out from the shop in cold weather (single digit temperature) and rev it hard on L........... Avenue without letting the engine warm up and that was the last time I go there.


I was told the one used to be in Newmarket is good but now in Woodbridge.

MBNUT1

Given the fact I have just done my second timing belt replacement on my A4 this will be a deciding factor in my next car purchase. I will never buy another car that uses a timing belt. As we know Mercedes uses chains though not always the best execution.

BenzVince

Chains do not need service replacement, I don't know why you would replace them, unless they are broken or rattling due to the rocker tension. That's unheard of replacing chains, I know belts do need service intervals.

sosh

The MB timing chains are designed to last till engine overhaul and should be replaced at overhaul. No need to check at 100K and replace at 150K as previously stated.

Davel

Timing Chains stretch its a fact, and if they stretch enough they can jump-off and cause serious damage in the cylinder head and the tensioner cannot compensate for that. Mercedes went from a single row to a double row chain to add more durabilaty to the chain. Thats one of the frist checks that people make when purchasing a used MB with over 100K miles on the odometer.

Davel

From the Mercedes Owners Club Forum:

Mercedes Engine Noises
Mercedes Timing Chain And Mercedes Timing Chain Tensioner

We can not stress enough the importance of changing the Mercedes timing chain, Mercedes timing chain tensioner and Mercedes timing chain guide rails every 100,000 miles. Failure of any of these components will, not might, cause considerable damage. It is our opinion that this is inexpensive maintenance to get you through the next 100,000 miles.

Davel

FYI:

100,000 + or - - all depends on the oil change intervals,
over heating history, carbon, operation RPM's, how driven
during warm-up, ...............all factor

The gas engined (those with 2-row timing chains) Mercedes-Benz
can last up to 100 -150 K miles given carefull driving and
maintenence.The Diesel motor encounter a huge amount of vibration, shock loads on the timing chain and their chain timing can be 'off' at 100K miles even under good conditions. But the very long v-8 engine chains do stretch and for optimum performance, I would say more like 100k miles.

380 SE SL motors (1980- )with the original single-row timing chains
should have all been replaced ages ago! There was a campaign in dealerships to inspect, and replace the single row chain and install a 2-row chiain with the associated double-row sprockets, guide rails -
all this to prevent stretched chain failure and bent valves.