Timing chain
Renault · Dacia · Nissan · Mercedes-Benz · 2012 onwards. The earlier 1.2 TCe is known for oil consumption and chain stretch. Check oil level and cold-start noise before anything else.
Commonly Clio, Captur, Megane, Duster, Qashqai, A-Class (2012 onwards). Engine codes changed through production, so confirm the code on the car in front of you before ordering parts or quoting the job.
The 1.2 TCe / 1.3 TCe used by Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz (2012 onwards) runs a timing chain. The earlier 1.2 TCe is known for oil consumption and chain stretch. Check oil level and cold-start noise before anything else.
There is no scheduled replacement interval for a chain. Judge it on cold-start noise, fault codes and oil-service history instead.
Expect roughly £900-£1,900 at a UK independent garage, depending on whether the water pump and tensioner go in at the same time and how much has to come off to reach the belt. Main-dealer quotes usually sit above that range.
On an interference engine the valves and pistons meet, which usually means a cylinder head at best and a replacement engine at worst. That is why an unproven timing history is a price conversation, not a detail.
Commonly Clio, Captur, Megane, Duster, Qashqai, A-Class (2012 onwards). The list is not exhaustive and engine codes changed through production, so confirm the exact code on the car in front of you before ordering parts or quoting work.
Buying process
The complete used-car checklist (2026)
The 60-point inspection we use before every purchase · engine, drivetrain, electronics, bodywork, paperwork.
Read the guideMechanical
Wet belt engines: the used-car buyer's guide
What wet timing belts are, which engines use them, and how to check one before you buy.
Read the guideBudget & segment
A first car buyer's guide for the UK
What new drivers should prioritise on a first car, with models and checks suited to a tighter budget.
Read the guideBudget & segment
A used van buyer's guide for the UK
What to check on a used van, common weak points by model, and how running costs differ from cars.
Read the guideFault Flag builds a model-specific inspection list from the make, model, year and mileage, so the belt sits alongside every other known weak point before you commit.