Martin Bulmer

[Martin Bulmer]

I have a 04 SLK230 with30K miles on.
I am getting a grating noise just off tick over going up or down the revs.
The local merc dealers tell me it is the variable valve timing and it will cost £500+ to put right.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Does any one know a way round it?
Are there any recon parts available?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Hello there Martin.

I am afraid the Merc dealer is properly right. Its fairly common.

It will have to be replaced to cure it. You can disconnect it which will stop the noise but you will lose performace and the emmisions may suffer.