I was browsing on ebay and ran across this Mercedes. I also have a 85' 380SE and thought it odd that it has black valve covers (like the 86+ models had)- where mine are silver colored (being a 1985). I then noticed it is only the driverside that is black.... the passenger side is still silver colored. I doubt this is factory. It is also stated it has a new timing chain, but the engine looks like it has not been touched in awhile, but what do I know? lol.

Perhaps the chain broke and busted the cover, but since this is an interference engine, I would imagine that the engine would be ruined.

Seems like a nice car though... I was just confused about the different valve covers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VERY-NICE-GOLD-85-MERCEDES-380SE-237K-NEW-T-CHAIN_W0QQitemZ130054283201QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The chain guide broke and the engine needed to be repaired.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

my SEC is the same way left side black, right side silver. As long as it doesnt leak, It doesnt bother me.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Also, the engine doesn't typically get ruined just because the chain breaks. Usually all that is needed is a few valves replaced and inspection of the pistons and cylinder walls on that same bank (though they are usually fine). Still not a cheap fix, but certainly nothing that would ruin the engine for good.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Yep, sometimes they blow a nice hole threw one.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200