On the 16V with the head still on, how is the sliding/clamping rail (that piece that the chain tensioner puts tension on) removed? Theres not enough room to slide it off because the upper part is situated in the cylinder head timing chain cavity.
Do I cut the upper part of the rail, remove the pivot pin and install the new rail with a new pivot pin?

No, you must remove the oil pan & front cover...

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Done that. Everything is off except the clamping rail.

then pull out the lower pin & it should fall out.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Wish it were that easy. My question is how do you pull it out when it is recessed in the hole and not internally threaded. Theres no way to grab it nor attach anything to it.