Timing Chain Stretched!?!?!?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 421
Likes: 57
2021 V167
toyota
Say what you want and drive what you want. If I wanted to drive a plastic feeling rental car like a Toyota Sequoia I would, would have saved money purchasing it. For me I like the Diesel, and have had three MB diesels with this one only having any issues. I will take my chances and enjoy what I drive.
You say your Toyota was in the shop twice in 46k miles, for two oil changes? Maybe that has been your problem, two oil changes in 46k cant be good for even a Toyota...
Enjoy your "quality"....
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Say what you want and drive what you want. If I wanted to drive a plastic feeling rental car like a Toyota Sequoia I would, would have saved money purchasing it. For me I like the Diesel, and have had three MB diesels with this one only having any issues. I will take my chances and enjoy what I drive.
You say your Toyota was in the shop twice in 46k miles, for two oil changes? Maybe that has been your problem, two oil changes in 46k cant be good for even a Toyota...
Enjoy your "quality"....
You say your Toyota was in the shop twice in 46k miles, for two oil changes? Maybe that has been your problem, two oil changes in 46k cant be good for even a Toyota...
Enjoy your "quality"....
You quoted that wrong post.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
GL350
Funny guy you are. Read my thread back a bit. I traded the GL in for a Sequoia. Best move I ever made, not to mention with the money I "saved" NOT paying for a new timing chain/etc (on a 50,000 mile diesel engine) I can have a factory warrantied and installed supercharger on the Sequoia.
Once again....never again.
Once again....never again.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
GL350
Say what you want and drive what you want. If I wanted to drive a plastic feeling rental car like a Toyota Sequoia I would, would have saved money purchasing it. For me I like the Diesel, and have had three MB diesels with this one only having any issues. I will take my chances and enjoy what I drive.
You say your Toyota was in the shop twice in 46k miles, for two oil changes? Maybe that has been your problem, two oil changes in 46k cant be good for even a Toyota...
Enjoy your "quality"....
You say your Toyota was in the shop twice in 46k miles, for two oil changes? Maybe that has been your problem, two oil changes in 46k cant be good for even a Toyota...
Enjoy your "quality"....
Caught me, I don't change oil.....or not.
All you got is "plastic" this and "plastic" that? Here's what I got:
No breakdown this, faster car that, better towing this, less expensive that. Really got me feeling bad about my "cheap" truck now.
Honestly, I'm just sick of GL owners defending the garbage MB is producing. Show them what's up with you wallet and stop defending your bad purchases.
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
Here is my philosophy on used cars and problems. You sometimes see a used vehicle advertisement, let’s say 60k on it, and the owner says: replaced transmission, rear differential, new starter, etc…. There are two thoughts on this: 1st – wow.., what a great buy, this guy replaced a lot of things, I guess I don’t have to worry about stuff breaking now, all is now changed. 2nd – , which is my thought, no-no-no steer away from this car, it is a one off bad production vehicle, who knows why, maybe parts came from a bad badge, no one really knows but I would never buy that car… why would you have any major problems before 60k or even 100k.
Anyway …., my point is that you had a lot of unusual early mile problems, just bad luck in general. Don’t get me wrong, German cars can’t compete with Japanese when it comes to reliability, I always have mix of Japanese and German cars and I know for sure, but you just had a lemon too. Your Tundra will be trouble free for a long time…, and Yes, that dealer you worked with is a crook!
Anyway …., my point is that you had a lot of unusual early mile problems, just bad luck in general. Don’t get me wrong, German cars can’t compete with Japanese when it comes to reliability, I always have mix of Japanese and German cars and I know for sure, but you just had a lemon too. Your Tundra will be trouble free for a long time…, and Yes, that dealer you worked with is a crook!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
99 slk 230 kompressor
So has anyone come up with a solution to this infamous stretched timing chain?
Me: 2008 ML550, 51k miles. Misfire on cylinder 7 and 2. Changed out plugs and coil packs, still getting a "cam Misfire" code. They can not figure out what could be causing it except a stretched timing chain. REALLY?
could a valve seal leak, burn small amount of oil on startup cause a "cam misfire code"? I know it can foul a plug, but not sure if it would cause that code.
mechanics advice--"sell the car before it gets worse"..
I love that damn car, hopefully someone has come up with a reason or solution.
Me: 2008 ML550, 51k miles. Misfire on cylinder 7 and 2. Changed out plugs and coil packs, still getting a "cam Misfire" code. They can not figure out what could be causing it except a stretched timing chain. REALLY?
could a valve seal leak, burn small amount of oil on startup cause a "cam misfire code"? I know it can foul a plug, but not sure if it would cause that code.
mechanics advice--"sell the car before it gets worse"..
I love that damn car, hopefully someone has come up with a reason or solution.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I would chase down the exact code and do some research.
Cam timing codes are one thing and misfires are another.
Cam timing codes are one thing and misfires are another.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 550 engine is pretty stout. It's probably a cam sensor or a bad magnetic pickup. It's also possible they connected the plug wires incorrectly. Check the plug wires and that they are hooked up to the right plug. Yes, it will run if not correct but will throw some codes. Your 550 has 16 plugs and plug wires. It's easy to get one or more of of the plug wires on the wrong way. Take to a good mechanic if it is not the spark plug wires.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
99 slk 230 kompressor
The 550 engine is pretty stout. It's probably a cam sensor or a bad magnetic pickup. It's also possible they connected the plug wires incorrectly. Check the plug wires and that they are hooked up to the right plug. Yes, it will run if not correct but will throw some codes. Your 550 has 16 plugs and plug wires. It's easy to get one or more of of the plug wires on the wrong way. Take to a good mechanic if it is not the spark plug wires.
just got back from mechanic, (second shop)....after I was able to go over with him, in person, that it burns a bit of oil on startup due to valve seals getting dried out because it sat so long I think he has reassessed his opinion. Thinks maybe the fouled plug caused a multitude of errors all at once, so he replaced it (I will do the others this weekend). So far no more codes thrown in 20 miles, we will see what happens in the next couple weeks. He was even saying how good the car sounded and you would think you would hear a "rattle" if the timing chain was stretched.
BTW....How do you like the SL600? Thinking of getting my wife a sl63 for her next car.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2011 GL350
I saw this thread after searching for "timing chain stretch" on google. My 2011 GL350 (51,000 miles, has never towed anything) was slow to crank and experienced slight hesitation in acceleration a few times. I took it to the dealership and, after they drove it around for a few days, I just received a quote of $4,000 to remove and replace a stretched timing chain and replace drive belt tensioner. I am 99% certain that the dealership is hoping this is the problem and didn't actually figure out what if anything was really wrong with the car. I understand that big expensive rigs come with big expensive fixes, but I do not want to pay for an experiment. Has anyone determined if a stretched timing chain is an actual problem with these GL diesels? Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
I saw this thread after searching for "timing chain stretch" on google. My 2011 GL350 (51,000 miles, has never towed anything) was slow to crank and experienced slight hesitation in acceleration a few times. I took it to the dealership and, after they drove it around for a few days, I just received a quote of $4,000 to remove and replace a stretched timing chain and replace drive belt tensioner. I am 99% certain that the dealership is hoping this is the problem and didn't actually figure out what if anything was really wrong with the car. I understand that big expensive rigs come with big expensive fixes, but I do not want to pay for an experiment. Has anyone determined if a stretched timing chain is an actual problem with these GL diesels? Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2011 GL350
it hesitates slightly at first start of the day. A slow crank. It takes maybe 3 seconds to start instead of immediately turning over.
Thank you you for responding. I'm lost here. I'm about to sell a diesel I planned to keep for 25 years. I'm not going through this expense every 50,000 miles - IF the expense is even necessary.
Thank you you for responding. I'm lost here. I'm about to sell a diesel I planned to keep for 25 years. I'm not going through this expense every 50,000 miles - IF the expense is even necessary.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
it hesitates slightly at first start of the day. A slow crank. It takes maybe 3 seconds to start instead of immediately turning over.
Thank you you for responding. I'm lost here. I'm about to sell a diesel I planned to keep for 25 years. I'm not going through this expense every 50,000 miles - IF the expense is even necessary.
Thank you you for responding. I'm lost here. I'm about to sell a diesel I planned to keep for 25 years. I'm not going through this expense every 50,000 miles - IF the expense is even necessary.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
My strong belief is these engine are not made for the start/stop of most suburban use. 51,000 miles in 8 years is below 50% of the normal use for any car.
I would not see how running loaded (towing, or not towing) is an issue, but 2 or 3 times the number of normal cold starts per 1000 miles is hard on any engine and much harder in diesels.
I used to drive buses in college (before the era of anti-idling laws) and when we changed from gas to diesel we were told that if we were not shutting down for more than 4 hours, just let them idle.
I would not see how running loaded (towing, or not towing) is an issue, but 2 or 3 times the number of normal cold starts per 1000 miles is hard on any engine and much harder in diesels.
I used to drive buses in college (before the era of anti-idling laws) and when we changed from gas to diesel we were told that if we were not shutting down for more than 4 hours, just let them idle.
Last edited by N_Jay; Jul 26, 2017 at 08:44 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
My strong belief is these engine are not made for the start/stop of most suburban use. 51,000 miles in 8 years is below 50% of the normal use for any car.
I would not see how running loaded (toeing, or not towing) is an issue, but 2 or 3 times the number of normal cold starts per 1000 miles is hard on any engine and much harder in diesels.
I used to drive buses in college (before the era of anti-idling laws) and when we changed from gas to diesel we were told that if we were not shutting down for more than 4 hours, just let them idle.
I would not see how running loaded (toeing, or not towing) is an issue, but 2 or 3 times the number of normal cold starts per 1000 miles is hard on any engine and much harder in diesels.
I used to drive buses in college (before the era of anti-idling laws) and when we changed from gas to diesel we were told that if we were not shutting down for more than 4 hours, just let them idle.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Suburban grocery runs are usually a cold start, a not-full warm up (Less that 5 or 10 miles), a shut down for 30 to 45 min, and a "cool" start and another 5 or 10 minute drive home.
The oil never gets time to cook off the fuel blowby, and the owners run the full 10/13K mile change interval.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
It spent the first 5 years commuting 45 miles each way a day (96K miles), all recommended maintenance (plus some) and not towing. (Owned by a diesel fanatic.)
It has spent the last 4 1/2 years (44K miles) with me doing my best to not start it unless I plan on going at least 20 miles, probably 80% of those miles were trips over 150 miles, up to 800 miles a day, and about 1/3 of those trips towing. It gets recommended (10K mile) maintenance.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2011 GL350
The delay is almost like a weak battery, in that it takes 2-3 seconds for the engine to turn over / get the requisite rpms to get going (battery is new so that's not it). It doesn't sound like an electric failure (clicking) but rather a delay in the engine turning over. That's probably a bad description but it's the best I can muster. Thanks.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
The delay is almost like a weak battery, in that it takes 2-3 seconds for the engine to turn over / get the requisite rpms to get going (battery is new so that's not it). It doesn't sound like an electric failure (clicking) but rather a delay in the engine turning over. That's probably a bad description but it's the best I can muster. Thanks.
The delay on a cold star is noticeable, but perfectly normal.
You hit the start button (or switch) and a fraction to a full second or more later the engine will start turning.
Then count the chugs. Mine starts form cold on in normal temps in about 3 chugs, but with a low battery from sitting or in cold weather it can take 2 to 3 times longer.
It definitely turns slower than a gas engine. (even in normal weather with a fully charged battery.)
If that delay is the symptom you need to find a new dealer for service.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Timing chain is not a slow crank symptom. Timing chain issue will present itself with a very distinct metallic rattle at startup. You will hear it, because even my wife heard it, and she doesn't hear anything.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Oh, and also, $4000? That's hilarious; no freaking way is this a $4k job. I did it myself. If I need to do it again, I could do it in easily 1/2 the time.
https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-fo...0-blutech.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-fo...0-blutech.html
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 8
2008 gl320cdi
The ECU and glow plug controller decide how long the glow plugs need to be on before the engine even stars to crank.
The delay on a cold star is noticeable, but perfectly normal.
You hit the start button (or switch) and a fraction to a full second or more later the engine will start turning.
Then count the chugs. Mine starts form cold on in normal temps in about 3 chugs, but with a low battery from sitting or in cold weather it can take 2 to 3 times longer.
It definitely turns slower than a gas engine. (even in normal weather with a fully charged battery.)
If that delay is the symptom you need to find a new dealer for service.
The delay on a cold star is noticeable, but perfectly normal.
You hit the start button (or switch) and a fraction to a full second or more later the engine will start turning.
Then count the chugs. Mine starts form cold on in normal temps in about 3 chugs, but with a low battery from sitting or in cold weather it can take 2 to 3 times longer.
It definitely turns slower than a gas engine. (even in normal weather with a fully charged battery.)
If that delay is the symptom you need to find a new dealer for service.
starter. I just had mine changed at 150k. It def spins much faster
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
