Timing chain stretch and intake carbon
Attaches to EP6 at engine level · Engine · carried by 3 variants across 3 chassis
Overview
Timing chain stretch and intake carbon is a common fault recorded against EP6 at engine level, typically from 80–160k km. It shows up as a rattle from the front of the engine at cold start, a rough idle, and over time a loss of response as the intake valves foul. Where it's documented, the repair runs €900–€1,800 (chain kit at a specialist; walnut blasting extra, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 3 variants across 3 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. A rattle from the front of the engine at cold start, a rough idle, and over time a loss of response as the intake valves foul.
Cause. The chain and its tensioner stretch, and the direct injection leaves heavy deposits on the intake valves because no fuel washes them. Both are well recorded on this engine and both cost real money against what these cars are worth.
How to check it
Cold start
Start it from stone cold and listen through the first few seconds for a rattle, then ask for chain and decarbonising history. Treat a car with neither as needing both.
You get one. If the engine is warm when you arrive, come back another day.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 THP EP6 | 508 | sedan | 2011–2018 | R4 | €1,750 | 77% |
| 1.6 THP EP6 | 508 SW | wagon | 2011–2018 | R4 | €1,850 | 73% |
| 1.6 THP EP6 | T7 | hatchback | 2007–2013 | R4 | €2,600 | 52% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.