Timing Chains

[andy3636]

I have an A180 , do the timing chains need to be replaced after so many miles ( and how many ) like a cambelt, or do they last the life time of the car ? , no issues noted so far at 73k miles

 

[harrye500]

Welcome to you. Chains normally designed to last the life of the car. If any noise or rattling on a cold start up then I'd be inclined to get that investigated. Note though that some A models (from around 2012 I believe on diesels) and later for petrols have Renault engines, those may have a belt. If yours is definitely a chain, then note the above and enjoy! Possibly one of our more knowledgeable chaps here will have better advice as I'm not overly familiar with the Renault engines, should yours have one!

 

[andy3636]

Welcome to you. Chains normally designed to last the life of the car. If any noise or rattling on a cold start up then I'd be inclined to get that investigated. Note though that some A models (from around 2012 I believe on diesels) and later for petrols have Renault engines, those may have a belt. If yours is definitely a chain, then note the above and enjoy! Possibly one of our more knowledgeable chaps here will have better advice as I'm not overly familiar with the Renault engines, should yours have one!

I was told it has a Renault engine , but have given the garage my reg , it’s a 2013! Petrol , and they got back to me saying it’s a chain , so even more confused

 

[Wighty]

I have an A180 , do the timing chains need to be replaced after so many miles ( and how many ) like a cambelt, or do they last the life time of the car ? , no issues noted so far at 73k miles

How many miles a year do you do ?
How long do you intend to keep the car ?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

What you generally find is that if the car has regular oil changes the chain will last longer (hopefully the life of the car) shorter oil change intervals always help I don’t go for the extended intervals and keep mine below 8k miles and as I don’t do many miles nowadays it’s down to <5k

 

[harrye500]

I was told it has a Renault engine , but have given the garage my reg , it’s a 2013! Petrol , and they got back to me saying it’s a chain , so even more confused

Looking at generally available info, a Petrol joint Renault / MB developed engine (code M282) was fitted from 2018. Before that, it was an MB engine (likely M270 / M274 engine code), with a chain. You may be able to see the chain by taking off the oil filler cap. As above from Malcolm210 and wighty, very good advice as always esp. if you are keeping it. You could also put your VIN into the following site: https://www.mbdecoder.com and that will tell you what engine code you have and then research any known issues.

 

[Blobcat]

Looking at generally available info, a Petrol joint Renault / MB developed engine (code M282) was fitted from 2018. Before that, it was an MB engine (likely M270 / M274 engine code), with a chain. You may be able to see the chain by taking off the oil filler cap. As above from Malcolm210 and wighty, very good advice as always esp. if you are keeping it. You could also put your VIN into the following site: https://www.mbdecoder.com and that will tell you what engine code you have and then research any known issues.

M282 is also a chain, simplex though so extended oil changes and stop/start can cause issues