What is the approximate going cost for a timing chain professional replacement? Friend of mine is doing it as a favor and I do him favors. I'd just like to know cost so I make sure we keep things even.

He's the most competent 617 guy I've ever met, ran a machine shop for decades, etc. so he will be doing it right. He's also going to zip the timing up a touch and check all injectors. It's the "snail" that my deceased little brother drove, so I have to keep it forever.

Call a couple indy shops local to you. That will give you a good local price.

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1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

My MB Indy wanted $700 for parts and $700 for labor on a om615, but the process is very similar as on your car.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

I would say a spread from 800-1200 bucks is typical for the job.

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I watched my indy change the timing chain on my 1983 300SD. It took him 30 to 45 minutes to wind in the new chain. He had a helper to manually turn the crankshaft.

what about all the related bits though, like tensioner and rails. That adds up a decent amount of time past just rolling in a new chain. They should be replacing/checking all the other chain components.

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This post brought to you by Carl's Jr.

Around $1200 + parts for the dealer around here...not much less at an Indy, they've all made their prices just about the same.

Doing it yourself....under $300.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
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'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Wow, this is way pricier than expected. The Mercedes ASRA time estimator system says something like 1.8 hours for an OM603, even at ~$120/hr at the dealer + what $300 for the chain...it doesn't seem to add up.

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05 E320 CDI
99 SL500
02 530i

82 240D SOLD
83 240D Euro 4spd SOLD
86 300D Euro Auto SOLD

I had the chain and guides done on our M116 for $600-700. Parts and labor.

Not sure how comparable that is to a OM617 though.

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82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

Did you add in the time for replacing the tensioner and guides?

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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

Since your friend is skilled at pro level, and presumably trustworthy, why don't you ask him what he would charge for the job? Using his price would be the best way to maintain the relationship The scope of the work can vary quite a bit depending on what, besides the chain itself, needs replacing.

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'79 240D

Believe the tensioner has to come out (i.e. it's included). 1.7 hrs may even include pulling the radiator for the loooong 603. Dealer guys must be good, huh?

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05 E320 CDI
99 SL500
02 530i

82 240D SOLD
83 240D Euro 4spd SOLD
86 300D Euro Auto SOLD

On the 617.952 Engines I think the enough of the Crank Dampener has to come off in order to pull out the Long Timing Chain Guide Rail Pin. If so that is extra Work.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I had it done for $950 about 2 years ago from an Indy, including all parts.
I had read about the process a lot here, but decided to have him do it, per his expertise, better tools, and hearing about some mishaps when non experience folks have done it.
Unfortunately, he retired and moved.

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85' 300D No inspection, No registration fees, Cheap insurance
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious %$&^."

Correct, if the tension rail is to be replaced. Cam sprocket comes off too. Replacing the lower slide rails also requires removal of the balancer. Both are easier to do with the water pump housing out. The job snowballs quickly when it expands beyond just replacing the chain and tensioner.

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'79 240D