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Hoping to get some input. I bought this 2012 E350 Wagon two (2) months ago expecting to have to do some work but wasn't expecting this. I'll try to give as much detail and then attach the work estimate to see what you guys think.
2012 S212 with the M276 engine. Single owner (previous to me) with 206,000 miles. Purchased new, religious service and traded in at the local MB dealer. I purchased it for $6,800 USD (I'm in Chicago).
I bought it knowing there was a rattle at startup. Did all my reading on this forum of what it could be and possible solutions. I expected about a $4,000 fix. I am not someone who can work on it myself.
Attached is the quote I got for the Timing Chain Replacement. $12,000 is a lot more than I expected. Not sure if there's others on here like me who doesn't do the work themselves? This quote is from a German specialty speed shop here in Chicago. Thoughts? Suggestions? I really appreciate any feedback!!
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
A kit from FCP Euro with all genuine Mercedes parts, minus the timing chain and cam sprockets is about $1500. The timing chain is OE. Add the sprockets for about another $2600, for a total of about $4100 for parts. $6300 for labor at $185/hour works out to be about 34 hours. I think I'd get another quote or two.
@CaliBenzDriver I've read a few other threads/comments about the oil. I'm going to go back through all those chats and find out what oil to use because as of right now I'm thinking it's likely not worth the $ to repair and just driving it until she dies.
Last edited by ChiEWagon; Aug 14, 2024 at 02:43 PM.
I would not invest that kind of money on that repair; however, from quote it seems like "standard MB procedure" w/o "nickel and dime diagnostic" of exactly what will extend the life of this engine. Do you want to repair it like new, or just extend its life for another @50k?
That list is, as @CaliBenzDriver highlighted, the appetizer of a more expensive repair.
If it were my car, and I can do the work myself, I would confirm the timing gears are 100% useless/shot/dead before replacing them with new ones (like refurbished?). Are both banks rattling? or just one banks? Perhaps, it is only the exhaust timing gears?
Diagnose the chain is stretched to the point it NEEDS to be replaced.
If you can find an independent MB for a 2nd/3rd quote, and decide going for the full repair (as @CaliBenzDriver mentioned) or just the chain tensioners, thicker oil, unplug the solenoid, and leave it at that. No complains to the independent specialist if the rattle persists since this is just gambling.
W/o a full diagnostic that the timing gears are SHOT before committing to the repair, you will be jumping blindly into a pool of unknown depth.
You stated that the vehicle was traded in to a MB dealer by original owner. Did you purchase the vehicle from the MB dealer or another party? If from the dealer was there any sort of warranty as a used car on the vehicle? If no warranty imo I would do as @CaliBenzDriver and @juanmor40 suggested. By all means get 2 or 3 more repair quotes and make your final decision based on the average outlay.
Rereading the original post, I forgot that M276 engines in the 2012 production year are very likely not to have the oil check valves, and the old chain tensioners.
Were they done already? Need the car "deep service" history, or a visual inspection to verify they are there.
Ask the MB dealer (nicely) for the VMI (if you dont have it already). If the servicing was 'religious', the VMI will be detailed and lengthy. Dealer not obligated to provide it, but they should counter a $12k quote. Very helpful if you can have a servicing 'roadmap' of where car's been and where car repair should go. VMI for past, multiple quotes for future.
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