timing chain upgrade 83 380sl
 

what is the recommended procedure?

Have you done a search? Tons of posts on this.

Are you trying to replace a dual chain or upgrade from a single chain?

new to forum/ last mercedes i owned was a 56 190sl
 

This car was just purchased by me as a resoration project. Original owner has reciept for 6500.00 engine repair including timing chain upgrade. I've been a master tech for 41 yrs. but not in the european market. Found your forum while on iATN. Great site you have here!! Appreciate the help!! Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!! My question was concerning the legitimate upgrade from single to double row chain. Was this an exceptable repair/upgrade during the engine overhaul?, and what is the longevity of this upgrade? Thanks! cdcpromtions

Welcome aboard!

If the overhaul included a new dual chain, slide rails, and all of the sprockets (2 cam, idler, distributor, and crank), then that's the upgrade.

The maintenance is to replace the chain, tensioner, upper rails, and the plastic pieces on the oil tubes every 100K miles. If you get a chain rattle (not a hydraulic tick) at startup, then replace the tensioner immediately.

The chain upgrade is a big deal because on the SL's, Mercedes did not provide a sump pan like the sedan engines have. So the engine has to come out, or the subframe dropped, to get the oil pan off to get at the oil pump, which has to be removed to get the front cover off.

Anyway, I think you'll find the car's mechanicals and electronics very straightforward. The climate control is the most complicated part of the car. I would recommend an Alldatadiy subscription or the Mercedes CD as a reference.