SL500 timing chain and tensioners.

[temabu]

All,

My 1996 SL500 distribution/timing chain broke and the cost so far is around 5k for an engine rebuild.

Q is, when should this be checked? After which service/mileage does it become mandatory to check or replace.?

I'm trying to pin this on the MB garage since I have a more than full service history and I think they were negligent. They claim it is never checked and does not appear on any of their service checklists to do. It has to be specially requested by the owner. Is this also true?

Mileage when it broke was 85K miles

The excuse I got was they thought it had ruptured from statring the car when cold. My wife drives this car and we drive 1 mile through smal streets before she gets above 30mph on any day or weather.

Help or suggestions gratefully accepted.

Robert

 

[SUE.]

The timing chain should never have failed at such a low mileage no mater how you drove the car.
A timing chain should be good for over 200,000.

 

[guydewdney]

did it start making ticking noises before it went? or was it catastrophic failure? I agree with Sue - my M119 engine is on 167,000 miles and still has the original chain...

I'd get very very shirty with the dealer - but phone MBUK in milton keynes and ask them when its supposed to be replaced / checked as an anonymous call (ie dont tell them yours has snapped)

 

[jberks]

I would certainly expect some form of contribution from MB under the circumstances.

 

[LANDR0VER]

Don't think it is the garage that is at fault as this is very unusual on a car of that mileage......When a timing chain is worn it will give you plenty of warning as you can hear it making unusual noises. :-? :-?

 

[temabu]

No ticking noises - the car was in the outside lane doing 80kmh and then just no power - completely dies. Wife had to coast to the side of the road. I had driven it 2 days before and no noises.

Anyone have a direct contact (number?) at services MBUK in MK?

cheers.

 

[grober]

Make your case be firm but fair.

Dont put up with crap from the dealer! The chain snapped due to starting the car from cold!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask to speak to the mechanic who stripped the engine. Was there evidence the chain, guides or tensioner were worn or did the chain suffer a catrastrophic failure due incorrect assembly, adjustment or metal fatigue?? you need to know. Get someone knowledgeable preferably an independant mechanic to inspect the car. If indeed you have a full MB dealer service history from new and get the car serviced by them then you have a case. No 5000cc v8 should fail at 85000 miles if this mileage is genuine. How many previous owners has the car had? Did you buy it from the dealer? If it was second hand did it have an MB used car warranty originally? Continuity helps in these matters. I have found that if the car was serviced by MB all its life then MB UK will normally deal sympathetically with you if you have a genuine case. Be prepared to show them documented proof of a continuous MB service history and mileage MOTS etc. You may have to contact previous owners or the MB dealers who serviced the car. Details in the service book. They should be able to printout a detailed history if you havn't got the original receipts. Failing this get advice from one of the motoring organisations. The AA will act on your behalf if they feel your case is genuine and you are a member of course. Dont be put off by the dealer or MB UK. Let them know by your attitude you intend to pursue this for as long as it takes. Be prepared to compromise! 50% of £5000 is better than nothing but dont let them know that at the start! Looking at it from their point of view if the car hasn't a fully documented MB service history and has a dodgy mileage/ provenance why should they repair a poorly maintained mega mileage car for free!!! You have to convince them your case is a genuine one.