The 87 has a 603 engine, timing chain isn't a big deal, but they usually don't wear that much.

Specs call for the "stretch" -- actually the wear on the pins that makes the chain longer -- to be checked periodically, with the chain being replaced when the stretch is 8 degrees or more of crankshaft rotation. Fairly easy to do (less easy on the 603 than on earlier engines).

The 603 should run forever, with replacements for cracked heads -- the head cracking, especially if the engine gets overheated, is the only serious problem these engines have.

I'm quite certain the dealer wanted your dad to buy a new car. No money in service, no commission for the salesman, to keep one in good shape. Besides, its worn out anyway, right? SL's with 500,000 miles with no work aside, I suppose. MB engines, if serviced by the book, simply don't wear out.

The car is worth about $6000 in good shape, maybe more, so the dealer is blowing smoke -- an engine rebuild would be required to cost more than the car is worth. Unless you are using huge amounts of oil and the engine clanks, you won't be spending that much to fix anything!

Get the chain stretch checked, replace chain if needed (chain is about $150, takes an hour or two of labor to change it), engine will be like new.

My 87 300D (176,000 miles) uses about a quart of oil in 6000 miles (it leaks a bit at the front cover), runs like new, and has zero problems. I think it was overheated -- new radiator and probably new head when I got it, no service records with it -- body is in excellect shape, I expect to drive it for at least 15 more years. My 1972 280 SE isn't in terrible shape, previous owner neglect included!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!