Check Mercedes-Benz Timing Chain Wear

Need to check the wear of your Mercedes-Benz timing chain? Learn how to check your timing chain by following the procedures below.

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Check Mercedes-Benz Timing Chain Wear

The most common Mercedes-Benz timing chain wear symptoms include poor engine performance, reduced power, the check engine light coming on, and the P0016 and P0017 fault codes.

Video

This guide applies to V6, V8, and V12 Mercedes-Benz engines found on C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, ML-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, R-Class, and other models.

What you will need

• 27mm deep socket
• Ratchet wrench
• Female Torx Socket

Warning

• The crankshaft must be turned clockwise only.

Procedure

1. Open the hood and remove the engine cover by pulling it up to access the crankshaft.
2. Remove the air intake hoses.
3. Remove the camshaft position sensors. Some models have two camshaft position sensors on the intake and two on the exhaust side. They are held in place with Torx bolts, which require E Torx Sockets to be removed.
4. Place the 27mm socket on the crankshaft bolt.
5. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the 305-degree mark on the main pulley lines up with the mark on the engine case. The 305 stamps are printed on the pulley. Keep rotating the crankshaft clockwise until the 305 stamp reaches the top.
6. Next, check the stamps on the camshaft by looking through the camshaft position sensor hole. Check all. On a good engine with no timing chain, guide rails, or sprocket wear, the stamp should all be on the center of the hole.
7. If one of the stamps is off-center, your Mercedes-Benz timing is off. The problem could be a stretched timing chain, chain sprocket, timing chain guides, weak tensioner, etc.

This guide applies to many Mercedes-Benz models, including W204, W211, W221, 906, S211, W212, W251 V251, W203, and S212.

Related Content

We hope you find the How to Check Mercedes-Benz Timing Chain Wear guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.