[W124] Different Model, but still MB

[Alec Cordova]

That would be a double overhead cam M104 engine. The same family of engine,
although larger displacement, is the motor used in the 300CE from 1990 US
model year forward, until they switched to the V6, and they may have dropped
the W124 coupe in the US by that time. It uses a timing chain, not a belt.

As long as the oil has been changed with reasonable regularity, the timing
chains on these straight sixes generally do not fail. The plastic guide
rails and the tensioner for the chain may fail, which can still mess things
up pretty bad. Like just about all MB engines, this is an "interference"
engine. If the cam gets out of sync with the crank, the pistons will hit the
valves.

After 100K or 150K miles, it's probably good insurance to replace the guides
and tensioner.

Alec Cordova
Taylor, Texas
89 300CE, 196K, single overhead cam M103 engine

>  -----Original Message-----
> From: 	w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
> Sent:	Monday, December 05, 2005 5:37 PM
> To:	w124list at mbcoupes.com
> Cc:	Greg Gilbertson
> Subject:	[W124] Different Model, but still MB
>
> Sorry if this is too far off course ... but ...
>
> any knowledge of replacement of
> Timing Belt/ Chain on a  '96 MB C280 sedan.
> Friend buying one and getting conflicting advice.
>
> Thanks  Jim Havness
>  << File: ATT00023.txt >>