If a car engine suddenly stopped during driving due to a broken timing belt, it may make you panic about out-of-pocket expenses. Breakage of the timing belt can be costly and at the same time dangerous.
As a common practice, people take service of their cars as a big pain on wallet. And if itโs the matter of a broken timing belt, it may lead to the extra expense as it may damage other crucial engine parts like pistons and valves.
To avoid such situations, it is advised to schedule timing belt intervals to improve engine life and save hundreds of dollars too.
What is the Role of the Timing Belt?
The timing belt is an internal crucial part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the engineโs cam and crankshaft. So that the timing of valves is always right, allowing them to intake air and exhaust stroke at the same time. Essentially, it keeps the top half of the engine (cylinder head, valves) in sync with the bottom half (crankcase, pistons).
The timing belt is a ribbed belt made of rubber. The timing chain or timing belt serves the same purpose. Most automotive manufacturers prefer timing chains in their cars due to their longer durability. Some people get confused about Timing and drive belts as well as Timing and Serpentine belts. The first is the same but the second is different.
Symptoms of Bad or Worn Out Timing Belt
In the modern era, it is recommended by car manufacturers to replace engine belts from between 40,000 โ 150,000 kilometers, depending on the engine. Even if one uses oneโs car off and on. He still needs to replace the drive belt at home or office or in the workshop after five years. Because the drive belt/chain is worn out or stretched with time.
There are Some Common Warning Signs of a Broken Timing Belt
1. Engine Jolts or Stops
Teeth on the engine belt grip gears and drive each accessory of the engine. When these teeth were worn out, the timing belt starts to slip away from the gears, and the engine will stop running or form a thrust in the engine.
2. Misfire Situation of the Engine
A worn-out timing belt might have a detrimental effect on the engineโs fire rate. The reason is the broken cog of the belt. In this way, the timing belt loses its grip and falls on the camshaft. This will cause one cylinder to open and close soon as compared to the other. This situation is known as a misfire situation and indicates a strong need for the replacement of the drive belt otherwise result can be disastrous.
3. Smoke from the Engine
The timing belt connects the camshaft to the crankshaft and controls the opening and closing of the valves in the combustion engine. When the timing belt is worn out, synchronization of the crankshaft and camshaft is jeopardized. This means exhaust of air and inhales of air through valves are at inappropriate times. The result will be lots of smoke from the engine exhaust system.
This collision between piston and valves due to timing belt malfunctioning may result in major car repairs.
4. Low Oil Pressure or Leakage of Oil
As the belt is worn out, its pieces may break off into the oil pan of the vehicle. This will cause a catastrophic drop in the pressure of the engine. This will cause engine failure. The only solution for the ceased engine is to reconstruct the whole motor.
5. Ticking Sound from the Engine
The toothed belt is connected and surrounded by the various parts of the engine. Once the timing belt starts to wear out, it becomes loose, resulting in the generation of a ticking sound. It will increase as the drive belt condition get worsen worse until it breaks down.
What Happens if it Breaks?
If your timing belt broke in the interference engine of the car’s drive belt connects the crankshaft and camshaft and turns them together. This results in the smooth running of the engine. So the essential role of the timing belt is to keep them smashing into each other. When the timing belt breaks down, one has to tow one’s car to the workshop. Because it will not start until the engine is re-timed.
When the timing belt snaps, the valves stop moving. At the same time piston, unaware of the position of the valve, comes up and smashes into the valves. This results in bent valves, cylinder heads, or camshaft damage.
Timing Chain Belt Replacement Cost of Mercedes Cars
The cost to replace the timing belt depends on the model of the car as well as on the number of labor hours on the maintenance. The average cost is from $312 to $416 in total. This amount includes the labor and the cost of parts.

The cost of a timing belt or cam belt replacement for Mercedes starts from $165. The other parts of the engine are also checked while it is being changed. Parts of cars like oil seals, fan belts, water pumps, and timing belt tensioners will also be checked and replaced if needed.
Advice and Tips
Mostly there is no warning sign about wear on the belt. To avoid such situations, It is recommended that car owners should strictly follow the schedule of replacement of timing belts. You can check Dayco Belt Reviews to take the right decision for selecting a brand and Tips on Mechanic Selection.
Mercedes Benz Timing Belt | Chain Replacement Cost – All Models
Min $ |
Max $ | |
Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
335 |
1275 |
Mercedes-Benz b- Class |
475 |
1275 |
Mercedes-Benz C-class |
255 |
1212 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
365 |
400 |
Mercedes Benz CLC-Class |
370 |
680 |
Mercedes Benz LC Coup |
750 |
1140 |
Mercedes -Benz CLK |
180 |
1090 |
Mercedes-Benz E- Class |
200 |
1112 |
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |
700 |
800 |
Mercedes-Benz G Wagen |
750 |
825 |
Mercedes-Benz M- Class |
675 |
850 |
Mercedes-Benz R Class |
695 |
845 |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
550 |
1190 |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class |
795 |
890 |
Mercedes-Benz SLK |
265 |
700 |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
235 |
1325 |
Mercedes-Benz V-Class |
370 |
405 |
Mercedes-Benz Viano |
275 |
1815 |
Mercedes-Benz Vito |
165 |
1865 |