W213 Timing chain

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ssheikh93

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Update: I actually had warranty on the vehicle I was paying for. The warranty company refused my claim as the independent engineer which they sent out stated that the fault was on going and the cause of the timing chain to snap was due to excess carbon build up so they would not pay out because of this.

Will be paying out of my pocket and immediately cancelled the warranty as this unforseen fault which occurred out of nowhere for me was not something a warranty company covers.
 

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Update: I actually had warranty on the vehicle I was paying for. The warranty company refused my claim as the independent engineer which they sent out stated that the fault was on going and the cause of the timing chain to snap was due to excess carbon build up so they would not pay out because of this.

Will be paying out of my pocket and immediately cancelled the warranty as this unforseen fault which occurred out of nowhere for me was not something a warranty company covers.
And that is precisely why aftermarket warranties aren’t worth a thing
 

mattkh

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......the independent engineer stated the cause of the timing chain to snap was due to excess carbon build up.
Carbon build up on the chain.. !
But the timing chain is nowhere in the combustion area.
 

Janchee

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Update: I actually had warranty on the vehicle I was paying for. The warranty company refused my claim as the independent engineer which they sent out stated that the fault was on going and the cause of the timing chain to snap was due to excess carbon build up so they would not pay out because of this.

Will be paying out of my pocket and immediately cancelled the warranty as this unforseen fault which occurred out of nowhere for me was not something a warranty company covers.
I would make the effort to challenge it, as they’re always going to decline to try and get out of it.
 

Janchee

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Mostly around town. Full history. Ad blue tank had gone needed replacing, nox sensor went at 70.

My stop/start stopped working long time ago I didn't even get round to wondering why. And I thought the chain would never go.
Just out of interest, how long did you leave it before Nox sensor replaced?
 
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ssheikh93

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Carbon build up on the chain.. !
But the timing chain is nowhere in the combustion area.
Not sure exactly but ultimately because of carbon build up. I have requested the engineers report.
 

Mr Greedy

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Yes the ones I’ve seen have failed soon after cam set change. I couldn’t tell you if cam wear has accelerated the chain wear but unfortunately there’s nothing the dealer could have done to damage the chain as it’s not touched when changing the cams.
Historically, the timing chain (connecting the crank shaft and camshaft) is in direct contact with the camshaft; it wraps around a sprocket on the end of the camshaft). It there a more complicated setup for these engines that for example, links the timing chain 'camshaft sprocket' with the cams?
 

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Historically, the timing chain (connecting the crank shaft and camshaft) is in direct contact with the camshaft; it wraps around a sprocket on the end of the camshaft). It there a more complicated setup for these engines that for example, links the timing chain 'camshaft sprocket' with the cams?
The cam chain drives the oil pump, fuel pump and the onto an idler gear the drives the cam sprockets.
 
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ssheikh93

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"
Your claim was not simply declined on the basis of carbon build up. The cause of the poor chain tensioner performance is a combination of general wear and the build-up of soot and varnish deposits in and around the tensioner. The tensioner did not cease to work but displayed a delay in achieving proper chain tension.



The engine damage was not the direct result of a sudden and unforeseen mechanical failure as the fracture of the timing chain and failure of the camshaft followers can be attributed to a long-term issue with a lazy timing chain tensioner, causing the timing chain to stretch and become slack and in result fracture at its weakest point."
 

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"
Your claim was not simply declined on the basis of carbon build up. The cause of the poor chain tensioner performance is a combination of general wear and the build-up of soot and varnish deposits in and around the tensioner. The tensioner did not cease to work but displayed a delay in achieving proper chain tension.



The engine damage was not the direct result of a sudden and unforeseen mechanical failure as the fracture of the timing chain and failure of the camshaft followers can be attributed to a long-term issue with a lazy timing chain tensioner, causing the timing chain to stretch and become slack and in result fracture at its weakest point."
Weasel words, makes my blood boil.

If a warranty doesn't cover a major piece of the engine that should (with regular maintenance - manufacturers servicing regime) last many many many 10's of thousands of miles then what use is it? Absolutely nothing
 

Srdl

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"
Your claim was not simply declined on the basis of carbon build up. The cause of the poor chain tensioner performance is a combination of general wear and the build-up of soot and varnish deposits in and around the tensioner. The tensioner did not cease to work but displayed a delay in achieving proper chain tension.



The engine damage was not the direct result of a sudden and unforeseen mechanical failure as the fracture of the timing chain and failure of the camshaft followers can be attributed to a long-term issue with a lazy timing chain tensioner, causing the timing chain to stretch and become slack and in result fracture at its weakest point."
That may help you if it is down to general wear and, presumably, normal build up of deposits. That just shouldn’t happen on a 92k miles, less than five year old car if it has been serviced in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. I suppose that last bit is the big issue.

I would go down the line of “not fit for purpose” and threaten to take Mercedes to the Motoring Ombudsman if they don’t make a decent contribution to the costs. In fact, have you even approached Mercedes UK yet for their view?
 

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I’d get an independent inspection and report done, lots of companies out there that specialise in this type of thing.
 
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ssheikh93

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Update: cars all fixed. Needed a new a battery too.

Dpf is very clogged. Currently looking for cheapest options to do a dpf clean.
 

steveq

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Great that your car is fixed.

What was replaced?
 

John Laidlaw

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Update: cars all fixed. Needed a new a battery too.

Dpf is very clogged. Currently looking for cheapest options to do a dpf clean.
This isn't a recommendation (see my signature), just pointing this out- I've not known anyone had a 'DPF in place' clean before but looks interesting. Anyone any experience?
 

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I have the same problem. August 2020 the rocker arms failed. Mercedes Stratford replaced the rockers, the cams and lifters. Unsurprisingly that's when more problems started. On startup there was a rattling noise for 3 to 5 seconds. After a few days of driving the engine cut out and a low oil pressure warning came up. I recovered my car to mercedes Loughton and after investigation they said the timing chain has snapped. I've now been in an ongoing battle with them for the last 3 months to get them to replace my engine under warranty. I'll keep you updated on the outcome.
Hey Mate,
just read your article regarding your timing chain failure and just like you am battling Mercedes to repair my car for the same thing. After my rocker arm, cams and other bits were replaced my timing chain snapped and caused my engine failure. I think there’s more people like you and me with this problem and would like to find out more about what happen to your car and maybe help each other with getting our cars fixed by Mercedes. Please contact me on this and I’ll forward my mobile number so that we can speak. I’m based in Brent Cross, London, UK.
 


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