Cam Timing Question
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 19
From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Cam Timing Question
So I was puling the engine apart to check it over and replace the front timing cover coolant seals and also checked the cam timing.
The left bank timing tool slotted in perfectly - but the right bank tool was off by 1-2mm to slotting in freely (looks like being out by 2-4deg). Now the way I understand this is the cams lock into the timing wheels in a fixed manner - i,e, the only way the timing could be off is if the guides have worn or the chain has stretched (or both). Find it a bit hard to believe on a 37k mile engine though - despite it being ~20years old.
Presumably this level of out of tolerance is unacceptable otherwise why make precision timing tools?
Anyone else face a similar situation?
The left bank timing tool slotted in perfectly - but the right bank tool was off by 1-2mm to slotting in freely (looks like being out by 2-4deg). Now the way I understand this is the cams lock into the timing wheels in a fixed manner - i,e, the only way the timing could be off is if the guides have worn or the chain has stretched (or both). Find it a bit hard to believe on a 37k mile engine though - despite it being ~20years old.
Presumably this level of out of tolerance is unacceptable otherwise why make precision timing tools?
Anyone else face a similar situation?
Last edited by stevebez; Mar 20, 2026 at 09:53 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,331
Likes: 586
2005 e55 AMG
Anything is possible. I would lean towards the chain being a little stretched. If you adjust the other cam to be 1 degree out ,than the other side should be 1 degree out as well so that would tell you its a chain and over all it is really not that bad.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 19
From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Had smooth running a bit messy and over spec … thinking it was this - but pulling timing cover and change the coolant seals - will check chain and guides at same time.
