Timing chain replacement
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I asked the same question at an independent MB Repair Shop..........manager said the timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine and, as you indicate, you'll get an error code if it's worn and needs replacement.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 75
From: s.f. bay area
s500 GL450 GL63 Z71XL Yukon 67 396 SS velle 68 Vert Camaro 69 RSSS Vert Camaro 75 Blazer
What he said! that is an expensive repair and he was gonna take your $ for no reason but to pad his wallet. If he is dishonest about that, I'm sure there are other things that he has told you that was not true.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2008 E350
Yep, its a $1500 job. I asked another mechanic and he said its always good to change out at about 150k-200k. I will take your guy's advice and wait for an error code. Has anybody here ever had to change a timing chain? Sounds like it hasn't been done. I have a Land Cruiser with nearly 250k miles and was told the timing chain never needs to be replaced but then I hear mechanics say they do go bad over time
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I know of no manufacturer that lists timing chain as a maintenance item - preventative or otherwise. It's a wear item - but think of it like an alternator. It's a wear item too - but you change it when it fails. Timing chains stretch and the guides wear (ie: go bad over time) - but the tensioner is there to keep everything in time. The biggest factor is that they typically don't break - as in snap a link. That's what makes a timing belt require a defined change interval.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Alternator brushes ARE wearable. They last long time (even 250k miles if you don't use lights a lot) but they WILL wear.
Than MB makes their maintenance books up to 150k miles. What happen after that, it is up to the owners.
Than MB makes their maintenance books up to 150k miles. What happen after that, it is up to the owners.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2018 S560, 2018 GLE43, 2021 C63S
Timing Chain Replacement
My 2012 ML350 threw me some timing codes related to the camshaft along with a longer cranking on the startup. (130k miles)
after replacing the camshaft magnet and sensor the car was still throwing codes as well as cranking longer
Now my ML is at the Mercedes service center, they told me they’ll need to open up the head valve cover, check camshaft, and replace the stretched timing chain
All in all I estimated it will cost me between $2-3k
Note: The car has some performance modifications and I am young and horse it around all day. Despite this, I love the car and never plan on getting rid of it. After all it is the first rather expensive problem ive had with it after 130k miles
2012 ML350 Bluetec 4matic 3.5L V6
after replacing the camshaft magnet and sensor the car was still throwing codes as well as cranking longer
Now my ML is at the Mercedes service center, they told me they’ll need to open up the head valve cover, check camshaft, and replace the stretched timing chain
All in all I estimated it will cost me between $2-3k
Note: The car has some performance modifications and I am young and horse it around all day. Despite this, I love the car and never plan on getting rid of it. After all it is the first rather expensive problem ive had with it after 130k miles
2012 ML350 Bluetec 4matic 3.5L V6
I know of no manufacturer that lists timing chain as a maintenance item - preventative or otherwise. It's a wear item - but think of it like an alternator. It's a wear item too - but you change it when it fails. Timing chains stretch and the guides wear (ie: go bad over time) - but the tensioner is there to keep everything in time. The biggest factor is that they typically don't break - as in snap a link. That's what makes a timing belt require a defined change interval.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
