Second Hand Mercedes-Benz G-Class Timing Chain

The G-Class ran on the W463 platform from 1989 right through to 2018, when Mercedes replaced it with the heavily revised W464 generation; even though both look similar, the engines changed significantly with the new generation, so a timing chain from the W463 era is very unlikely to suit a W464. The engine code is the key detail here — the W464 introduced engines like the M176 V8 petrol and OM656 diesel that differ internally from the M157, M273, and OM642 units found in late W463 models. Give the breaker your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) and your registration so they can confirm whether a chain from a specific donor vehicle will cross that generational boundary.

The G350d used the OM642 3.0-litre V6 diesel while the G400d, introduced in 2019 on the W464, uses the OM656 3.0-litre inline-six diesel — these are entirely different engine families with different timing chain arrangements, so the parts are not interchangeable. Fuel type matters here, and so does the specific engine code, not just the displacement or 'd' badge. Always quote your exact engine code to the breaker rather than relying on the model name alone.

Trim and badge level don't affect timing chain fitment — what matters is the engine code fitted to your car, not whether it's a standard G500, a G55 AMG, or a G63 AMG. That said, AMG variants do use distinct engines (for example the M157 5.5-litre biturbo V8 in the W463-era G63 AMG versus the M273 5.0-litre V8 in the G500), so the chains themselves will differ — but because of the engine, not the trim name. Give the breaker your engine code and they'll match the chain to the actual unit in your vehicle.

All Mercedes-Benz G-Class variants use timing chains rather than timing belts, across both the long-running W463 generation (1989–2018) and the current W464 (2018-onwards), so a 2012 G-Class will definitely have a chain-driven timing system. There is no service-interval belt to replace on these vehicles, but chains and their associated tensioners and guides can still wear and may need attention on higher-mileage examples. A used timing chain kit from a breaker is a common and cost-effective option for this repair.

No — petrol and diesel engines in the G-Class are completely different units with different internal architecture, and their timing chains, guides, and tensioners are not interchangeable. For example, the OM642 V6 diesel and the M273 V8 petrol both appeared in W463-era G-Class models but share no timing components. Always specify your fuel type and, more importantly, your exact engine code when asking a breaker for a timing chain.

Both are W463 models, so there's a reasonable chance of overlap if the engine codes match — for instance, if both cars have the OM642 diesel or both have the M273 petrol, the core chain components are likely to be compatible. However, Mercedes made running production changes throughout the W463's long lifespan, and ancillary or mounting details can vary mid-production, so you should confirm the specific donor vehicle's engine code and build date against your registration with the breaker before purchasing.