New 126 Owner - MBWorld.org Forums

Mar 17, 2003 | 11:00 AM

jclayman

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Newbie

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 4

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From: Missouri

1991 Mercedes 560SEL

New 126 Owner

I have heard about two common problems on 560SEL's, the timing chain and the rear suspension accumulators. Would someone give me what the symptoms are for problems with these two?

I acquired a '91 560SEL. Love this car.

Mar 17, 2003 | 12:20 PM

mbtech208

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 2,332

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From: Bloomington, IN

1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

Re: New 126 Owner

Quote:

Originally posted by jclayman
I have heard about two common problems on 560SEL's, the timing chain and the rear suspension accumulators. Would someone give me what the symptoms are for problems with these two?

I acquired a '91 560SEL. Love this car.

The timing chain makes a steady grinding/growling noise from the front of the engine. 99% of the timing chain failures occur just after an oil change, when the car is started for the first time. This is because there is no oil pressure in the timing chain tensioner. Make sure you don't take your car to a Jiffy Lube for an oil change, because there is a procedure you must do after changing the oil. Before starting the car, disconnect the coil wire and crank the enigne until you see the oil pressure gauge on the dash build up pressure. Then reconnect the coil and start it normally. If you don't do this, you run the risk of shattering the chain guide rails, possibly bending the valves.

If the rear suspension accumulators fail, you'll notice an unmistakable change in ride quality. The rear suspension will be extremely stiff and bouncy, almost unbearable.

Mar 17, 2003 | 02:50 PM