1996 Mercedes SL500 R129 Project Heidi Part 6: Timing Chain Guide and Oiler Replacement Process

This video is a WRENCHFEST as we dive into the top end of Project Heidi. This video should have been titled "getting rid of ticky and squeaky". We walk through the entire process of replacing the driver and passenger side timing chain guides then go deeper into the valve train to remove every camshaft retainer and replace the original sixteen (16) oilers for this M119 V8. This is the same process for all 5.0L displacement M119 V8s as well as the younger sibling 4.2 L displacement version. If you have an SL500, S500, S420 or any other 1990s M119 this video is for you. Even more wrenching at the beginning of the video as we get rid of a tired serpentine belt and pulley with a bearing that can only be described as shot.
Parts replaced and torque specs:
16x Mercedes Camshaft Oil Line Fitting "Oilers" 1191800266
Febi Bilstein Timing Chain Guide (Passenger) 1190500316
Febi Bilstein Timing Chain Guide (Driver) 1190500216
2x Febi Bilstein Timing Chain Guide 1190520916
Mercedes Drive Belt Idler Pulley 6012001070
Continental Drive Belt 6PK2510

[@nikkylastephan1168]

Its so refreshing to see your meticulous works, awesome video.

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for the very kind words. Appreciate the community of fans and those that love these amazing automobiles. Thanks for watching the channel and for the comment. Cheers!

[@xmaxbabilo]

keep up the amazing work.

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching the channel! More to come for Heidi in the near future.

[@GranMastaDee]

Dude! You are my hero!

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for watching the channel and for the very kind feedback. Appreciate the comment and thanks again for being a subscriber. Cheers!

[@ignaciomacias9464]

This is crazy. I’m about to take care of the guides and 1&5 today on my 97 s420. Not many people have these cars and I find them super easy to work on. Thank you for your videos. They are super professional and informative. Very much appreciated 🫡

[@w140restorations]

Thank for watching the channel and I’m so grateful the timing worked out for your W140. Don’t forget to replace the timing chain guide gaskets as well when you do cylinder one and five.

[@leeknight6479]

always put rags under the timing chain guides before you start to remove them or brittle plastic WILL drop down into the engine.

[@w140restorations]

You are absolutely speaking from experience!!! Thanks for watching and leaving the comment. Those plastic buggers like to take flight as soon as you put leverage on them. Hope everyone reading takes this tip seriously. Thanks again for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers.

[@picekbmwmb5846]

Hi there I think you forgot to install both side to engine timing gasket driver side and passenger side.

[@w140restorations]

Holy Moly! Great catch! Kicking my own a$$ in the W140Restorations garage for the next few minutes.

[@therthondaniel372]

do you have any experience with parktronic? looking to retrofit it and was wondering if you could guide me somewhere

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for watching the channel. Unfortunately I do not have enough life experience with Parktronic systems to comment or guide you where to look. I’m a firm believer in the community of MB ownership and would suggest some well known forums to join and search for specifics. All my best and good luck with the retrofit.

[@jsv415]

Where did you buy the idler pulley? Link please! Thanks!

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for watching the channel. I buy most all of my parts from FCPEuro dot com. No sponsorship or financial relationship with them, and their customer service is excellent. Lifetime warranty on everything they sell, even oil. Check them out and thanks again for watching.

[@leeknight6479]

why put plastic oilers back that will pop again instead of getting aluminum ones that will never fail.

[@w140restorations]

Thanks for watching the channel and leaving your comment. It was a decision based on many factors including experience, failure rates, mileage, cost, and lifetime warranty exchange with one of my vendors. In the end, if the same one fails it will get replaced with an aluminum upgrade. The work doesn’t bother me. If it ever requires a redo was also considered for making a follow up episode down the road. Thanks again for watching and cheers.