Timing Chain-SLK 171

[YGS]

Hello all,

My SLK 200 (171) ‘05 recently started making a subtle rattling sound when I turn the engine on. The rattling does not go away after the first couple of seconds or when the engine warms up but continues. It is rather subtle though and you can barely notice it when in the car. When you open the bonnet is more noticeable.

I took it to an independent mechanic specializing in Mercedes and said that is probably the timing chain. I will take it back for further inspection (remove the valve cover, measure tension of chain, examine condition of sprockets etc.)

If it turns out to be the chain and the sprockets also need changing, could you recommend a OEM timing chain kit with sprockets (or separate)? Genuine parts are not an option because of the cost.

I see many OEM kits in the various sites (VAICO, FAI, Febi Bilstein etc) but have no idea which ones are good.

Given that this is a common failure with the M271 engine I imagine there is ample experience with such kits in the forum.

Thank you.

Yiannis

 

[Wighty]

Hello all,

My SLK 200 (171) ‘05 recently started making a subtle rattling sound when I turn the engine on. The rattling does not go away after the first couple of seconds or when the engine warms up but continues. It is rather subtle though and you can barely notice it when in the car. When you open the bonnet is more noticeable.

I took it to an independent mechanic specializing in Mercedes and said that is probably the timing chain. I will take it back for further inspection (remove the valve cover, measure tension of chain, examine condition of sprockets etc.)

If it turns out to be the chain and the sprockets also need changing, could you recommend a OEM timing chain kit with sprockets (or separate)? Genuine parts are not an option because of the cost.

I see many OEM kits in the various sites (VAICO, FAI, Febi Bilstein etc) but have no idea which ones are good.

Given that this is a common failure with the M271 engine I imagine there is ample experience with such kits in the forum.

Thank you.

Yiannis

Try www.M271.com for more info buddy

 

[Wighty]

You should probably stop driving the car now buddy , sometimes the chain let’s go with no warning . By hearing the rattle you have already received yours

 

[alexanderfoti]

Yes, if its rattling constantly then it will jump one day when you start it, and the job will be much more expensive.

Febi are fine, but none are OEM for MB. If you want MB quality, use MB parts...... (although you could argue the original ones were crap!).

Make sure the tensioner, gears/adjusters and chain are all changed.

 

[YGS]

Thank you both. Not driving the car until issue is further inspected-fixed.
I will check the link, thanks.

I understand what you are saying about genuine parts. However, the complete kit costs around €2000 in genuine parts. I can probably get the Febi kit for €700. Is the price difference justified?

 

[YGS]

It turns out that the chain was ever so slightly loose which caused the rattling noise. The sprockets were in great condition, no wearing etc.
However, the mechanic said that the variable timing mechanism in the outtake sprocket “had some play” and as a result timing was ever so slightly off. He said that I didn’t necessarily have to change the sprockets at this stage but I would eventually need to replace them. Given that I had to change the chain, I decided to change the sprockets too.
The mechanic suggested to go with the INA timing chain, Febi Bilstein tensioner and rail guides and HAJUS sprockets. According to the mechanic, these sprockets are from a German manufacturer and are used by the majority of Mercedes indy repair shops in my region with no complaints.
I went along with his suggestions.
The rattling noise when you start the engine is still there but goes away after 1-2 seconds, which I understand is normal.
I noticed an increase in my fuel consumption after the repair, at least according to the trip computer. Took it back to the shop, STAR diagnistics say its all normal. Maybe it is because of the throttle reset (battery was disconnected during repair). I will keep an eye and see how it goes.