A160 Timing Chain - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

moonunit100 · 01-10-2007, 10:54 AM

Hi all!
Can anyone tell me if the A160 requires a routine timing chain adjustment/replacement? As it's a chain I guessing not but I want to make sure, with my luck I have to!

Thanks.

pilot737 · 01-10-2007, 09:14 PM

Hi Moonunit100,

I own and drive 2 Merc W168's, and had exactly the same question. Spoke to my local workshop manager in South Africa. I was informed that that an inspection of the chain at 120 000km would be the right thing to do. Maybe some more members can confirm this??

Regards,

Pilot737

Giuggio · 10-30-2008, 06:01 PM

Unfortunately I completely ignored the timing chain. I was sure it's part of the regular services, that I never missed at original MB garages.

Anyway, after 240000 km my A160 stopped suddently 4 days ago, and the garage told me that because of the timing chain the engine must be substituted - something that will cost about 4000 £ (British Pounds)

If I only knew about the timing chain...

Greetings

lofty · 12-01-2008, 04:31 AM

I'm not aware of any specific mileage being set for the inspection of the chain or replacement of the chain tensioner. It is logical that you would get it replaced when you have the clutch done but nothing to my knowledge is laid down in any service schedule
After 5 years of ownership and forum partisipation I have only heard of about 8 chains that have failed so compared to the number of 'A' clas the problem is small but still a massive problem if the chain breaks on your car.
Remeber also the oil pump is driven by a chain, if you get 100-120000 out of a clutch then it does make sense to replace the two chains , starter motor and clutch together these all require the engine to be removed, hopefully replacing the chain tensioner along with a new chain would be automatic. This whole operation would cost but could be worth while if you intend on keeping the car.
Bert Rowe's-A-class info.Enlarged pictures of 'A' Class engine, Starter location

Giuggio · 12-02-2008, 03:44 PM

Yes, there're some issues to take in considerations before deciding for a new engine.
As for me, I decided to get a new engine - really expensive decision - considering the scenario of a car which condition is perfect, both the body and the mechanical parts... it should last at least 10 years more.

The old engine has been sent to Germany and got 820,- £ as "discount" for the new one.

Engine suspensions, clutch, V belt, tensioner, bearing housing and several pipes/tubes have also been replaced, besides lubrificants and cooling liquids.

The new engine has a new code, 166 010 02 46/80.

But strange, it seems as the new engine doesn't accelerate so quickly as the old one, at a speed of about 100 km/h. I have to press the gas pedal completely, in order to make the car accelerate.

Is there something I should be aware of, for example to not drive at top speed for the first 6 months, or the opposite, to do drive at the 180 km/h top speed?

Thanks! :-)

djangzoz · 02-06-2009, 12:27 AM

My A160 made a huge bang at 30kph three days ago. The repairer has informed me that the timing chain has broken. Will I instruct him to replace the chain tensioner as well? Why did the chain break? Bad maintenance - the car has had all its servicing on time - or just bad luck?

Giuggio · 02-06-2009, 04:42 AM

Well, I was told that Mercedes-Benz engines has a strong chain and that it's made for running millions of kilometers...
It's just bad luck if the timing chain gets broken.

If it's true that it's the timing chain in your case, you have three possibilities:

1) The car is still under guarantee, and the problem is fixed by Mercedes-Benz without any charge for you.

2) The garage might open the engine to check if the stamps and valves are still OK (you must be lucky if they're still intact) and evaluate which parts have to be replaced. I've read about some cases where replacing the chain and the tensioner was enough.

3) Replacing the whole engine. Your damaged engine will be sent to Germany and you will get a "discount" on the new one. In my case, they also replaced the clutch, oils and liquids and other mechanical parts.

lofty · 02-07-2009, 12:26 PM

Why do these reports come batches, suddenly timing chains are a problem ! Previouly I only heard of three in total .
The timing chain should last for donkeys years, it's running in good oil. More to the point is the timing chain tensionerdoing it's job? If that is worn then the chain will slap and that will cause the chain to wear .
I heard that the early A140 had a timing chain tensioner problem so if you have one consider replacing the tensioner it's a straight forward job although you will find it easier if you remove the air filter housing .Replacement unit and two bolts bear in mind the unit is sprung loaded. All the information you require is on my site including the info for removeing the air filter housing .Information is also on my cd.

Oh and while your at it check for abrasion of the electrical looms that run to the rear of the filter housing and the ECU you won't be the first if you find problems , see my page .54.
Bert Rowe's-A-class info. Abrasion and Damage to Electrical Loom

djangzoz · 02-19-2009, 05:39 AM

Hi. well mercedes benz of Sydney rang me this morning with the quote for the timing chain repair for my 2000 A160 [131,000km]: it's over $10,000! Can't send the engine to Germany as it is on the other side of planet earth. However I have to wait for parts to come from Stuttgart - maybe up to 2 weeks. No reason for timing chain to break. And you don't service the timing chain. It's just bad luck. The car was always serviced on time. I'm getting the starter motor replaced, new chain, tensioner and checking the clutch. They charge $160 per hour and costed it at 39 hours! What a great business! My warranty ran out 6 years ago.

lofty · 03-02-2009, 03:32 AM

I just can't add anything to that except to say good luck with the car for the future. and thanks for the feed back
Owners with early A140 would be advised to get the chain tensioner replaced as I understand early A140 have a problem which will cause you problems in the long term .
This job is well within the scope of DIY two bolts only, the unit is spring loaded but you do have to remove the air filter housing for easy access. All the info is on my site.

Albert Rowe, Lofty's homepage.index.html