Mercedes slk 230 kompressor question

[daveb47]

Found out why my son wants rid of his slk.

One of his "mates" at work has told him that the timing chains break on a regular basis and he is now convinced that as it has done over 100000 miles it is about to go.

Sounds fine,no nasty noises but he is convinced.

Anyone know anything about these engines.

[saucedoctor]

Never heard of it being an issue TBH, and I've owned quite a few 80's/90's/00's Mercs. Replacing the chain is a bit of a faff, though.

[Spiny Norman]

Yup, seems to be a known issue on these engines.

http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/500622-another-c230-kompressor-down-m271-timing-chain-failure.html

[Squire_Dawson]

Speaking generally, chains don't often snap just like that, surely?

 

If he's worried about it to the extent he's losing confidence in it, then that's not good. I'm sure I read somewhere that modern cars with timing chains need more regular oil & filter changes than the service interval suggests to keep them tip-top, or I could be talking rubbish.

 

ain't broke don't fix

[spike60]

I think the Merc 4 pot chains stretch, throwing cam timing out and bringing up the usual fault code/limp home etc malarky. I don't think it's just Mercs, Alfa's and others affected as well. Probably down to the chains not liking extended service intervals.

[hairnet]

think youd get a bit of warning theyll stretch cause rattle then youd check and see what the rattle was.......

 

if its running without noise you should be ok innit