NVR ENUF

When should the timing chain be replaced? My mechanic told me it should be around 150k miles.

kjb55

Find a new mechanic. It’s not a scheduled maintenance item. You’ll get timing error codes if the rails are excessively worn or the chain is stretched.

mcleantmw

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.

angelglo

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.

NVR ENUF

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

kjb55

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.

kajtek1

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.

TuroAMG

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

tjts1

wow that's really cheap!