2005 SLK200 timing chain problem beware.

peanut38

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Hi all, last week my SLK stripped the teeth from the top timing chain sprocket. This has resulted in a £4000 bill! The car has covered just 70k carefully driven miles and has always been serviced, although not at a Merc dealership.
I am not very happy. My mechanic, who specialised in Mercs told me that the timing chains on some models can suffer problems and that it is down to a poor design.
Merc customer services sent ,me the following reply.

Thank you for contacting the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center Maastricht N.V. regarding the issue you have had with the timing chain on your vehicle.
We are sorry to hear that you have experienced this issue; however, on review of the information you have provided to us we are unable to offer any assistance with the repair. Unfortunately Mercedes-Benz are not able to make contributions to repairs that have or are being carried out, outside of the Mercedes-Benz Network.
We appreciate that you are disappointed that the timing chain has failed as it is a non serviceable item, however, as we have not viewed the vehicle in its failed state we are unable to offer further comments on the situation.
We apologise that we are not able to assist in this situation, however, should you have any further requirements ,please do not hesitate to contact us.
 

Cole@MBS

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Its a common problem im sorry to say, lots of info about it on the web.........
 

star

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We repaired one last month, the valves had cracked the pistons too. The car was in a Merc dealer the day before it failed.
 

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television

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At least the Mercedes letter did not say "This unusual occurrence" Like they do with rust
 

racall

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With the timing gear problem on a 200 engine and the balance shaft problems on the V6,s Is there a reliable engine in the range????

What about the stright six in the R129 SL
 
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television

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With the timing gear problem on a 200 engine and the balance shaft problems on the V6,s Is there a reliable engine in the range????

What about the stright six in the R129 SL

The balance shaft was sorted 2006 and mainly in the USA and all fine since and good engine along with the 273
 

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With the timing gear problem on a 200 engine and the balance shaft problems on the V6,s Is there a reliable engine in the range????

What about the stright six in the R129 SL

Good engine, one thing that does make these fail is an ignored worn camshaft, (dull thud from top end). This will hammer the valve and the top will fall off and distroy the piston.
 

Corned

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Unfortunately Mercedes-Benz are not able to make contributions to repairs that have or are being carried out, outside of the Mercedes-Benz Network.
We appreciate that you are disappointed that the timing chain has failed as it is a non serviceable item, however, as we have not viewed the vehicle in its failed state we are unable to offer further comments on the situation.

Is there any way the car can be taken to the local MB main dealer so they can see it?
 
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peanut38

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Is there any way the car can be taken to the local MB main dealer so they can see it?

Not really. At the moment the engine is with a workshop for evaluation. My mechanic (who knows his stuff) told me the labour charge alone would've been around £4000 at a MB Dealer. I'm shocked with the price of the timing chain and sprockets £1500 is atroscious. The car is worth 10k max, i'm hoping the final bill is less than £5k.
Should have stuck with Honda,10+ years trouble free motoring. Previous car was an S2000 and before that a Civic.
Live and learn though.

Thanks for all the replies btw.
 
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peanut38

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Howdy doody. Just want to say a big thanks to M B Auto Centre in Dereham, Norfolk. Bruce did a fantastic job for me. In the end he managed to source a very low mileage engine and saved me around £1000 in doing so.
Anyone in Norfolk who wants top quality work at very reasonable prices should look him up.
 

toby1

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I think his name has cropped up before with positive reviews.

Pleased you have it sorted.
 


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