The Mechanic "DR. Benz" who has been servicing my recently purchased 380SEL for several years says that my top end (Cams and rockers) is completely worn out!! Says this is why car is running rough below 1500rpm.I can hear some valve train noise but I cant understand why it runs so smoothe at above 2000 rpm!! He said he advised the original owner about this a few years ago and refused to stop "patching the car" if the owner didnt let him do a top end job. He advised me I would be better of letting him install a used engine for around $5000-6000.
I have run a compression test and all cylinders come back over 160psi. Engine has approx 300,000miles.Mechanic says that if heads are removed the bolts will pull out the threads? Says he will have to re thread block etc.. Very expensive. Is he just wanting to sell me an engine or can I do a top end job along with timing chain etc? Is there a detailed repair manual available and if so where can I find one? I think maybe I can have the heads reworked and be ok? Possibly get by with a camshaft and rockers. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

Definately go get a second opinion. Arming yourself with knowledge about it and what is involved is the best way for you to get the answer you need.

Someone in here will probably be able to help you, I'm not a pro, but If it were me, I'd definately have it looked at by another person and see what they say.

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

In answer to your questions:
1.) The CD-Rom manual is great for the S class. Worth every penny of the price. It gives great detail about the repairs you describe, and gives the special tools needed to remove the rocker arms, and the head bolts.
2.) There is a danger of the threads pulling when the cam bearing block bolts are removed. This DOES lead to pulling the heads and heli coiling the block. He is telling you the truth there.
3.) The second opinion advice is worth following too. I had valve train noise, and discovered it was only worn rocker arms and not the cam as I was quoted by a local mechanic. I found this only when I pulled the rockers (using the tool I discovered in the CD-Rom manual). Saved me pulling the cam, and getting into the head pulling mess.

My $.02....good luck. It is a good car, and worth spending some money to get it right.