Timing chain replacement on E200 W124

[flatsheep]

Hi,

This is my first post to the forums. I've often found answers to my queries without needing to post, but I can't quite find an answer, this time, to what I want.

My query is regarding timing chain replacement on a 1995 E200 W124 engine. The chain is rattling against the casing. The cars just clocked over 200k miles, and the chains been rattling for the past 40,000 miles.

I've been quoted 10.5 hours to change the chain by a garage. With parts I'm looking at about £500. The guy said that the job recommends removing the head to complete the job, is this correct? I was hoping it to be about £200 max!

Is the job a nightmare to do yourself? I've done a fair bit of self maintenance in the past on my other cars (head gaskets, turbo replacements, water pumps).

Just to reiterate, my main question is what is involved with replacing the chain and ancillary parts. And what is a good estimate of cost for a garage to do it (MB and non-MB)?

Thanks in advance

David

 

[Myros]

I haven't got my Haynes manual with me

but I'd be surprised if you HAD to remove the head to do the chain. With Mercs, you just cut the old one, join the the new onto the old, run it through and join it up to itself when it's gone around.
Of course,I may be wrong, but someone else will correct me

 

[bundy]

hi flatsheep.
the head can stay on. take it an indie who khows what he,s doing or you could end up in major trouble.the parts & labour for this job should be about £200-250 max. dont let em kid ya.
regards ted

 

[television]

I will say the same, why take off the head, just the timing cover, etc,very straight forward. Don't leave it to long, it can wear right through the cover

malcolm

 

[tom7035]

The method is described here, click on 'TECH' then 'Timing Chain/Tensioner renewal';
http://mb190.tripod.com/
Although this refers to a 190, the routine is the same.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Rather than grind through the old chain to remove it, I would try a chain link extractor. A lot less messy, simple to use and not expensive. (I know all the manuals say use a grinder but I do not see why an extractor should not be used. Used one regularly when servicing my motorcycles when I was younger.) No chance of iron filings and swarf getting into your engine and creating havoc!

Ron

 

[flatsheep]

Update

Cheers for your replies.

I managed to access the official Mercedes "Wiz" software from my fathers computer (which he bought off ebay for a fiver ). The job looks fairly straight forward. Not even a mention that head may need to be removed.

I rang up the garage (which I've used many times before and thought I'd built up trust with) and explained what I'd found out. He won't admit that he is mistaken, but will have a look if its "possible". I do trust their work, they did a lot of head work for me on another car.

The book apparently documents 3 hours to complete the job. Therefore I'm expecting the labour to be around £105.

I've got no idea of the cost of parts to replace the chain and tensioner... any idea?

Thanks again

David

 

[bundy]

the only advise i can give you is dont use spurious parts: make sure the chain is ketten iwis which is oe stuff. or just get them from the stealers.

regards ted

 

[tom7035]

Renold chains are also top quality.