380sel timing chain broke

[desert rat]

I'm thinking of buying an 82 380sel w/ broken timing chain. Any input out there of what might be damaged and how much I'd expect to get it repaired. What would you say would be a good price for the car? It's got 200k miles, body and interior is straight.

thanks

[Mike Richards]

I may stand corrected, but I believe the pre-84 models had a single row timing chain. I think MB switched to dual row timing chains in 1984.

I believe you'd want to consider the dual-row setup as part of the repair should you decide to acquire this car.

[sixto]

I think it's a $2000 job at minimum. Double that if there's significant damage to the heads. With no warranty and no way to check that major systems like the transmission and AC system work, I wouldn't offer more than I can get for it as a parts car. Alternatively, figure out the value of a running car and offer the difference between a running car and the cost of buying and installing a used running engine.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Its gonno be difficult for that guy to get a 4-digit price for it!

[blackmercedes]

I wouldn't take it for free. No telling what's broken inside that engine.

Take your money and buy a decent W123 300D. Cheaper than repairing that 380, and you'll never regret owning a W123 diesel.

[old blue]

That thing has got "parts car" written all over it.

You could dump $2k into it and still not have a car to drive.

[euro 287]

Looks like a 500.00 parts car to me . We buy them running for 500.00 .

[desert rat]

thanks guys. I think I'm just going to pass on that one. Appreciate all the replies.

The 1983 380 SEL did have the single row timing chain, which I have heard was a major defect in the design of the car. The single row chain would last about 30-40K miles. I own a 380 SEL, although it has been modified to the double row chain (which today is about a $3,500 to $4,000 job) Years ago MB picked up the tab, today you are on your own. They are a GREAT car (126 chassis) but you are better off looking for one in perfect condition.

I know you have already decided against buying the car but I thought the additional information would be helpful.

[sixto]

If those 200K miles happened on the original single row chain, I'd say it did its job.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

[euro 287]

I am doing a 380sl conversion now , its only 2200.00 . We only get 16.5 for the conversion.

The conversion on my 380 was $2,700 back in 1996 (P+L) and when I spoke to a local MB shop they said today it would be at least $3,500+. I doubt if the 200,000 miles was on the original single row chain.

[euro 287]

Well I guess we undercharge , not that hard of a job though. Dont know why they get that much.