Been a while since I posted
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 897
Likes: 242
From: New Jersey
‘16 Mercedes GLE450 amg,’15 Mercedes gla, coupe,’07 Mercedes w221,’12 Audi A
Been a while since I posted
Hello everyone, I wanted to provide an update on my S-Class. Approximately four months ago, I had my vehicle serviced for front and rear brake replacements, including pads and rotors. During this time, I mentioned to my mechanic that I had been experiencing a thumping noise emanating from the rear right tire. It was subsequently discovered that I had broken the rear control arm at some point while driving. After retrieving my vehicle, I parked it for a couple of weeks, opting to drive my other cars instead. However, when I eventually decided to drive the S-Class again, I encountered some issues. The idle was very choppy, and the engine light was flashing. Initially, I attributed this to the vehicle having been stationary for an extended period. I used the Mercedes Star computer to scan the vehicle and retrieved some codes, which I cleared before re-scanning. The results indicated timing codes, which was concerning given the vehicle's 196,000-mile history and the previous owner's lack of maintenance. Despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle over the past 50,000 miles, the previous 140,000 miles had been accumulated by the previous owner. I researched the code P017 and discovered that it suggested checking the cam adjuster sensor or magnet. I replaced both components, and the vehicle ran smoothly initially, but the code persisted. I drove the vehicle a few times before the timing chain eventually snapped. My mechanic has since inspected the engine and recommended replacing it. I have sourced a used engine from a 2010 S550 and am scheduled to have it installed this week. My question is, is $3,000 too much for the installation of the engine, considering they will need to remove the old engine first?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 1,265
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Call it 15-18 hours of labor by math. Reasonable it is.
Previous owner can't have been too terrible that it made it almost 200,000 miles.
Bummer. Take your lumps and enjoy a different engine with presumably less miles.
Previous owner can't have been too terrible that it made it almost 200,000 miles.
Bummer. Take your lumps and enjoy a different engine with presumably less miles.
Last edited by JohnLane; Jun 16, 2026 at 11:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 787
1983 Nissan Shltbox
You're back! Good to see ya.
You just experienced what I fear. I have chain rattle on startup. Goes away soon as oil pressure pumps up. Bought the FCP tensioner, check valve, screws kit two years ago and need to get that job done. I'm only at 50k. Sucks but that chain will skip and/or snap if I don't do it.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ercedes-278050
Expensive kit!
$3k for a straight swap ain't bad. Tons of M273's out there. Easy peasy. Make life easy and do all the maintenance stuff on it while the engine is out. That's the beauty of straight swaps. You have no choice but to replace that motor. You're in waaaaaay past the point of no return with this car! It's a labor of love. Get pics through the process! Make a swap thread!
You just experienced what I fear. I have chain rattle on startup. Goes away soon as oil pressure pumps up. Bought the FCP tensioner, check valve, screws kit two years ago and need to get that job done. I'm only at 50k. Sucks but that chain will skip and/or snap if I don't do it.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ercedes-278050
Expensive kit!
$3k for a straight swap ain't bad. Tons of M273's out there. Easy peasy. Make life easy and do all the maintenance stuff on it while the engine is out. That's the beauty of straight swaps. You have no choice but to replace that motor. You're in waaaaaay past the point of no return with this car! It's a labor of love. Get pics through the process! Make a swap thread!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 897
Likes: 242
From: New Jersey
‘16 Mercedes GLE450 amg,’15 Mercedes gla, coupe,’07 Mercedes w221,’12 Audi A
I appreciate the information and the engine has been completely reconditioned, with all gaskets (including head gaskets and hardware) and seals replaced, at an additional cost of $1,000. The timing chain and associated parts have also been replaced. While my recent acquisition of a Mercedes G63 has been a priority, I am committed to keeping this vehicle, regardless of its current market value. I will notify you when the work is finished.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 897
Likes: 242
From: New Jersey
‘16 Mercedes GLE450 amg,’15 Mercedes gla, coupe,’07 Mercedes w221,’12 Audi A
To clarify, I purchased the car with 147k miles and have spent the last 50k miles rectifying the previous owner's errors. As a result, the vehicle has finally received the proper care it warranted from the beginning. Although I own multiple vehicles, this repair was driven more by sentimental value than practical considerations. Notably, the engines are easily accessible, and the vehicle came with a warranty.
QUOTE=JohnLane;9300781]Call it 15-18 hours of labor by math. Reasonable it is.
Previous owner can't have been too terrible that it made it almost 200,000 miles.
Bummer. Take your lumps and enjoy a different engine with presumably less miles.[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=JohnLane;9300781]Call it 15-18 hours of labor by math. Reasonable it is.
Previous owner can't have been too terrible that it made it almost 200,000 miles.
Bummer. Take your lumps and enjoy a different engine with presumably less miles.[/QUOTE]
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 645
From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
I appreciate the information and the engine has been completely reconditioned, with all gaskets (including head gaskets and hardware) and seals replaced, at an additional cost of $1,000. The timing chain and associated parts have also been replaced. While my recent acquisition of a Mercedes G63 has been a priority, I am committed to keeping this vehicle, regardless of its current market value. I will notify you when the work is finished.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
