Change engine chain
my mechanic suggested that the engine chain is due for replacement since I have 350,000 km on the engine. Should it be replaced for these kilometers, should I have an indication of an issue/problem before doing so, or when it’s due it must be replaced anyway, problem or no problem?
my car is a saloon E250 cdi 2009(w212).
I will appreciate any comments you may have.
Andreas




my mechanic suggested that the engine chain is due for replacement since I have 350,000 km on the engine. Should it be replaced for these kilometers, should I have an indication of an issue/problem before doing so, or when it’s due it must be replaced anyway, problem or no problem?
my car is a saloon E250 cdi 2009(w212).
I will appreciate any comments you may have.
Andreas
350 000 km / 10 years = 35 000 km/year. I would think you do a lot of highway driving.
Highway driving distance counts about 1/3 of city driving so your car engine may have only about 115 000 km on it comparing to city traffic car. Ask your mechanic about this?
In general the timing chain does not stretch or wear if engine oil changes are done correctly meaning at low enough km between changes. I do mine at every 5000 miles (8000 km). MB recommends doing it at every 10 000 miles (16 000 km) but I prefer to do it twice that often. My car does not burn any oil and after oil changes at every 5000 miles oil looks almost as new after 4000 miles after last oil change at 150 000 miles (240 000 km)..
What should fail before the timing chain is the piston rings, which would result in power loss and engine burning oil.



