Just got back from replacing timing chain!!!
 

Took the 500 to my independent dealer in virginia beach va. today. They replaced the timing chain, rails, tensioner, and rockers. (10 of them were worn.) Also replaced spark plugs because they needed it. Total bill was $1300.00. The biggest expense was the rockers. I now have peace of mind that I can drive the car anywhere without worrying about the timing chain issue. Also, I have been trying to figure my mpg. How big is the fuel tank on the 85 500sel? Thanks guys for saving my baby from disaster! It really rides like a brand new automobile. I will be taking a road trip in the next month.

To check your mpg, get a full tank, drive ~ 100 miles, fill to full and compute how much fuel was consumed. From there you'll get your mpg

That's a job well done. The tank is 22.6 gallon, I believe.

I know the feeling; had mine done on the 560 at 145K not long after buying it, and found one guide was already broken! Knowing it's all set is a great feeling, and knowing the car's ready to go as far down the road as you want at any time is an even better one.

The size of the gas tank does not matter when calculating gas mileage. Note the odometer reading with a full tank, drive until the tank is below 1/4, note the odometer reading and refill the tank, then divide the mileage differential by the gallons needed to refill the tank. For a more meaningful average MPG it's better to check mileage over several fill-ups. If you reset your trip odometer when you fill-up you can do a 'quick check' of the MPG each time you buy gas.

There's nothing like the peace of mind that knowing certain crucial parts in your car are new and up to spec.

Rockers? Since when does an overhead cam engine have rockers?:confused:

Ahh.

Excellent news. I wish I had that piece of mind about mine. I have 269K and do not know when anything was last changed.

Its different for me though... my car is high mileage (and worn out) and not worth the $700+ for new chain/tensioner/rails/guides.

Since yours is a low miles, that was a must. Did you notice and power increase?

Enjoy!

Thanks guys
 

Yes I do notice a power increase. The car seems more responsive. I've not driven it much though. I usually drive it highway miles only. The peace of mind was well worth the price of repairs. I will like to get the high mileage that you have gotten. Thanks again.

I have a 90' 420 SEL and replaced the chain, guides an tensioner at 171,000. Peace of mind...

Had chain, guides, tensioner repalced before we headed to Florida for the month. Car (85 380SE) performed beautifully. 1100 miles to Ft Myers,and have driven another 1000 miles since arriving on the 1st. Averaging 21 miles per gallon. Well worth the piece of mind by having work done. In earlier post I mentioned that my indie had to drop oil pan and remove two broken upper guide pieces. Car now has 110,000 miles and rides, drives like new.