Timing chain tensioner replacement

Tony Smith

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Hi fellow MB lovers - my first time using the forum so hope someone can help.
My garage has just informed me the timing chain tensioner on my 55 plate CLK 3.5 V6 petrol convertible (love my car!) is broken and needs replacing - which sounds true due to the noise it started making when idling.
My garage has said unfortunately the engine has to come out to do the replacement and it will cost about£2,700 plus vat. I have used this garage for years and trust them but thought I would double check if the cost seems reasonable?
Thanks
Tony Smith
 

alexanderfoti

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No, steps for Engine 272.960 in 209.356 is:

1. Remove Alternator
2. Unscrew end piece of chain tensioner housing and remove o ring
3. Pull spring and filler pin out from chain tensioner housing.
4. Unscrew chain tensioner housing from timing case cover.
5. Install new tensioner, following specific installation sequence.
6. Install Alternator.
 

LostKiwi

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The only way it could be engine out is if the timing chain guides need changing (and even then I'm not sure).
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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No, steps for Engine 272.960 in 209.356 is:

1. Remove Alternator
2. Unscrew end piece of chain tensioner housing and remove o ring
3. Pull spring and filler pin out from chain tensioner housing.
4. Unscrew chain tensioner housing from timing case cover.
5. Install new tensioner, following specific installation sequence.
6. Install Alternator.
 

alexanderfoti

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The only way it could be engine out is if the timing chain guides need changing (and even then I'm not sure).

No, they come up and out of the timing case, so can be done with engine in place.
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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No, steps for Engine 272.960 in 209.356 is:

1. Remove Alternator
2. Unscrew end piece of chain tensioner housing and remove o ring
3. Pull spring and filler pin out from chain tensioner housing.
4. Unscrew chain tensioner housing from timing case cover.
5. Install new tensioner, following specific installation sequence.
6. Install Alternator.
Hi Alexanderfoti - many thanks for your response - much appreciated- I will speak to my garage immediately and ask them why the engine needs to come out!
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Hi LostKiwi
Thanks for your response - much appreciated- I will ask my garage the question!
Thanks
 

Oldspanners

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Hi fellow MB lovers - my first time using the forum so hope someone can help.
My garage has just informed me the timing chain tensioner on my 55 plate CLK 3.5 V6 petrol convertible (love my car!) is broken and needs replacing - which sounds true due to the noise it started making when idling.
My garage has said unfortunately the engine has to come out to do the replacement and it will cost about£2,700 plus vat. I have used this garage for years and trust them but thought I would double check if the cost seems reasonable?
Thanks
Tony Smith
Sounds more like they are talking about the balance shaft gear problem which occurs in these engine number ranges;
engines up to #2729..30 468933 -- this when the gear is the problem

engines up to #2729..30 759427 -- this when the adjustment solenoids are the problem

engines up to #2729..30 895140 -- this when the adjustment solenoids leak oil

The first two scenarios cause "check engine light", the third is just an oil leak.

Check your engine number.
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Sounds more like they are talking about the balance shaft gear problem which occurs in these engine number ranges;
engines up to #2729..30 468933 -- this when the gear is the problem

engines up to #2729..30 759427 -- this when the adjustment solenoids are the problem

engines up to #2729..30 895140 -- this when the adjustment solenoids leak oil

The first two scenarios cause "check engine light", the third is just an oil leak.

Check your engine number.
Hi Old Spanners - thanks for your response - car still being worked on - will let you know the outcome - and I will check the engine no
Tony
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Hi Tony - did you get any further info on the problem?
Hi X2-CLK
Thanks for your response - car still being worked on - hopefully back Monday - will let you know what problem was - and cost!!
Tony
 

X2-CLK

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Who is doing the work?

Mine is going in next week with the balance shaft drama!
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Who is doing the work?

Mine is going in next week with the balance shaft drama!

My Garage is JP Garage in Hampton Court who only work on Audi's, BMW's and Mercs' and have been looking after my various Audi's and Mercs for the past 12 years as their hourly rate is about half of a main dealer - because i'm not paying for the "tits and teeth" you get on a main dealer reception desk!!. One of their mechanics is a Merc Specialist and it's him who's doing the work. I trust them.
Good luck with the balance shaft!!
 

X2-CLK

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Sounds like they know their stuff - keep us all posted!
 

X2-CLK

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Can I just ask what the mileage is on yours?
 

X2-CLK

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Is the CEL on and how long has it been on?
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Is the CEL on and how long has it been on?

sorry to be a dumbo but not sure what "CEL" is - no warning lights on if that's what you were asking.
 

X2-CLK

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Sorry bud, CEL - Check Engine Light sometimes called an EML Engine Management Light.

If yours isn't showing then probably not the balance shaft issue as codes 1200 and 1208 trip the light.
 
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Tony Smith

Tony Smith

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Sorry bud, CEL - Check Engine Light sometimes called an EML Engine Management Light.

If yours isn't showing then probably not the balance shaft issue as codes 1200 and 1208 trip the light.

Ahhh - thanks for the info buddy - like i say no lights were on the only warning something was not quite right was just a rattle sound when the engine was idling that had become more consistent and louder over past 6 months ish.

Off to work now but promise I will update you and all other thread respondents when I get the car back - happy driving!!
 


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