Timing chain query

[RickC]

If you have just bought this car apart from checking the timing chain and sprockets, I would check that the gearbox has had a complete oil and filter change (assuming it's an automatic every 40K miles) at least once and if one hasn't been done recently another is due and prudent.

Thanks and yes. It has a full and complete s/h to MB specifications

 

[RickC]

It isn't the tensioner that's the problem it's the worn sprockets and chain that put the tensioner at the limit of its travel.

Thanks. That makes sense

 

[Wighty]

Between that and the fact you service yours every second week

Its monthly buddy not bi-monthly

 

[rifiki]

No, M272 have duplex chain. M272 suffers (or at least the early ones) from balance shaft sprocket wear - also made from cheese. Plenty of detail on here and there's lots of websites where you can check your engine number to see if it's affected.

‘Made of cheese’ how many actually fail, 10% 20%?

 

[Wighty]

‘Made of cheese’ how many actually fail, 10% 20%?

I've never seen anyone quote a figure , it just seems that with the M271 after 80k miles a chain/sprocket check at least should be on your mind . There was a YouTube clip of a guy with chain and sprockets still good at 250,000 km .
Regular oil changes are the key ,but not a total solution .

 

[LostKiwi]

‘Made of cheese’ how many actually fail, 10% 20%?

Impossible to say accurately and I doubt even MB could say since many are repaired outside the dealer network but given the incidence of posts on here I would guess at 5% of M271s and fewer M272s.
I'd suspect it's also a lottery as to whether a given engine will have a problem

 

[Blobcat]

Impossible to say accurately and I doubt even MB could say since many are repaired outside the dealer network but given the incidence of posts on here I would guess at 5% of M271s and fewer M272s.
I'd suspect it's also a lottery as to whether a given engine will have a problem

Agreed, possibly as much down to usage and servicing (or lack of) than materials.

The 3.8 engine I had in the 911 was “prone” to piston slap/rattling. Very prevalent on forums and you’d be stark raving mad for buying one if you read enough posts. However if you warm it up properly (oil and water to full working temp) before you give it the berries then a more reliable and fun engine you won’t find.

My M272 is later one and the oil is so yellow as not to be visible on the dipstick after 12k in my usage. Like the 911 before it I warm it up before “having fun”. It is regularly serviced and it benefits from getting lots of long journeys.

 

[Oldspanners]

Impossible to say accurately and I doubt even MB could say since many are repaired outside the dealer network but given the incidence of posts on here I would guess at 5% of M271s and fewer M272s.
I'd suspect it's also a lottery as to whether a given engine will have a problem

In my opinion it was down to quality control or lack of it by one of the suppliers with the effected parts, the cam sprockets on the M271 and the balancer shaft and sprocket on the M272. That's what makes it such a lottery as no one knows what engines they were fitted to.
At least with the M272 the range of engine numbers that may be effected is known.

 

[Robuk22]

Quote It isn't the tensioner that's the problem it's the worn sprockets and chain that put the tensioner at the limit of its
travel. quote

This interesting read,

As we had described, the CGi motor will show signs of timing components nearing complete failure early enough to get it repaired, before leaving you completely stranded as it may keep starting and driving for days, weeks or months before complete failure (We do not recommend driving it this way though as you can never be sure). This is by creating the loud rattle noise on start up for a few seconds and is usually partnered with an engine warning light on the dash and/or other symptoms. The only reason it does still run is because even though it is noisy, the engine timing is still within its limits to run and drive, but the ECU by now should see that it’s not within its peak limit to do so correctly, therefor illuminating the engine warning light.

The Kompressor motor however, while it does give a rattle during cold start-up, it’s almost a guarantee that this will be the last time you start it, because if it doesn’t stall on you straight away after this, it most likely won’t start the next time you try. Oh and it too will be accompanied by a check engine light but unfortunately by this time it will be too late.

https://candsservice.com.au/2018/03...-timing-chain-rattle-w203-w204-timing-issues/
https://candsservice.com.au/2017/02...-class-timing-chain-w203-w204-c180-c200-c250/

 

[alexanderfoti]

Surely, this means that the tensioner should be the first one to be invetigated/changed rather than the chain.

Normally yes, but on this engine, it's rattling because the chain has worn and is now significantly longer.

 

[Robuk22]

alexanderfoti

As specialists can you comment on my (Rob22) post regarding the M271 CGI engine, does this timing chain problem give some warning prior to failure or does it just let go.

Rob.

 

[alexanderfoti]

alexanderfoti

As specialists can you comment on my (Rob22) post regarding the M271 CGI engine, does this timing chain problem give some warning prior to failure or does it just let go.

Rob.

They make an extended rattle at oil changes. They can sometimes make a 1 second rattle just after start, but it's often not heard inside the car. If you are concerned, best to remove the rocker cover and check on the condition of the gears and chain.

 

[Robuk22]

Thanks Amf Mercedes,

Is the engine toast if EML light comes on with rattle (ref to 1.8 cgi 2011+ cars.

Rob.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Thanks Amf Mercedes,

Is the engine toast if EML light comes on with rattle (ref to 1.8 cgi 2011+ cars.

Rob.

Not toast. Just replace timing chain + gear and head off and valves replace. Not cheap but not horrendously expensive, especially if the car is nice.

 

[Brian23]

Hi I have just looked at a 2011 E200 that I was thinking of buying. Are these really a good or bad car to buy? I did not hear any excessive noise on starting the car and I did have the bonnet and the door open. Also is it an easy or very difficult job to change the timing chain and sproket? Is it with in the bounds of a DIYer? I have done clutches and replaced valves on cars before, so I do have some experience of mecanics.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Hi I have just looked at a 2011 E200 that I was thinking of buying. Are these really a good or bad car to buy? I did not hear any excessive noise on starting the car and I did have the bonnet and the door open. Also is it an easy or very difficult job to change the timing chain and sproket? Is it with in the bounds of a DIYer? I have done clutches and replaced valves on cars before, so I do have some experience of mecanics.

Imo, if you can do clutches and valves, then a chain and sprocket job should be well within your capabilities. The job is easier if you do it before the chain jumps.

W212s are solid cars.

 

[Brian23]

Imo, if you can do clutches and valves, then a chain and sprocket job should be well within your capabilities. The job is easier if you do it before the chain jumps.

W212s are solid cars.

Thank you

 

[ajlsl600]

where was QC when all this happened locked in by SAP (save a penny ) methinks sort or rings of lada spec to me.

 

[Robuk22]

Engine rattle on cold start,

First vid is my car, Dec 2011 1.8 CGI with 41,000 miles and stop/start deactivated, car has been parked for about 2 months, last started 3 days prior to vid. Some owners have posted that after work has been completed they no longer use stop/start, other vids are off Youtube, note rattle for first few seconds on Youtube vids.

https://youtu.be/IoHMZYCZad8
https://youtu.be/HhLEQ5914N4
https://youtu.be/Bc19uL-d4d0
https://youtu.be/Bc19uL-d4d0
https://youtu.be/LgH8LtN317E 82,000 km

 

[alexanderfoti]

The cold start rattle videos are a good example of the noise.