Timing chain replacement: Mercedes-Benz eng. (111.948, 111.950, 111.978, 111.980)
Step-by-step timing chain replacement for the Mercedes-Benz eng.: 104 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.
Workshop procedure for MERCEDES-BENZ — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.
🧭 Before you start
Fits: platform codes 113, |, 114, KA, KB, 4X2, 3000, V, 200, 230
- Opens: coolant
- Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
Don't miss
- Remove the alternator but do not disconnect
📋 Procedure
Preparation and removal
- Unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer, the following procedures are recommended:
- Timing chain assembly tools:
- Remove the special tools
- Turn the engine until the chain connecting link shows
- Chain tensioner
- Remove the flange
- Remove the ignition coil cover
- Disconnect the spark plug cables
- Remove the ignition coils
- Use a timing chain assembly link
- Oil filler hose
- Remove the cylinder head cover
- Remove the spark plugs
- Drain the coolant
- Remove the thermostat housing
- Remove the cylinder head front cover
- Remove the camshaft locking pins
- Remove the alternator but do not disconnect
- Unscrew the end-piece
- Remove the chain tensioner
Installation and checks
- Fit the chain tensioner
- Insert the compression spring and filler pin
- Turn the crankshaft to 20° ATDC
- Refit the slide rail
- Turn the crankshaft to 20° ATDC
- Check that the camshaft locking pins can be fitted
- Refit the alternator
- Secure the chain
- Use the special tool
- Refit the cylinder head front cover
- Use a screwdriver at the arrow
- Refit the thermostat housing
- Tighten the bolts
- Refill the cooling system
- Refit the cylinder head cover
- Renew the gasket
- Tighten the bolts
- Check the gasket position
- Refit the spark plugs
- Refit the ignition coil(s)
- Refit the spark plug cables
- Refit the wiring loom to the cylinder head
- Refit the harness clip
- Refit the ignition coil cover
- Refit the flange
- Refit the idle speed actuator
- Refit the air inlet
- Refit the crankcase breather hose
- Refit the oil filler tube
- Refit the air filter
- Reconnect the battery earth cable
Other MERCEDES-BENZ procedures
- Mercedes-Benz eng. 111 timing chain replacement
- Mercedes-Benz eng. 2.0 111.951 timing chain replacement
- Mercedes-Benz eng. timing chain replacement
- Mercedes-Benz eng. Kompressor timing chain replacement
- Mercedes-Benz eng. 2.3 111.979 timing chain replacement
- Mercedes-Benz W168, W414 M668 1.7 CDI clutch replacement
- M272 (272.9) in W211
- M272 (272.985) in W211,W219
- Mercedes-Benz 272.9 W219 272.943 timing chain replacement
- M272 (272.983) in W212
Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.