I have a Euro model 107 500SL, AMG with 100,000 miles on it. I don't want it to jump a sprocket, I am not the original owner and I think it was poorly maintained before I got it. I think I should replace the timing chain and, I bet, a camshft. I am really considering both cams, rocker arms, timing chain and rails. I have one estimate and am getting another from local independants. They will use genuine MB parts, as I request. 1) Approximate cost? 2) Is the Euro cam different from the US 560 and 380? 3) Are their any high performance cams available? 4) Is there anything special to be concerned about?

Thanks all,
Steve

Sometimes it really feels good to spend money on yourself. But its very unlikely that at 100k you need anything more than some plastic chain rails.

The Euro cams are probably different and they shouldn't have reached half-life yet. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you really need to improve something replace the chain too, but they easily go 200k if they don't have to run over broken rails. (Broken/jumped chains are probably due to broken rails at least 90% of the time)



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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

I partially agree with Steve on this. Some of the shorter chains will go this long, but I have measured the old chains and sprockets against new ones, and have found significant wear at as little as 80k miles. The sprockets have to be taken off to do the rails. Why not do the chain and sprockets if you go that far? I'd do 'em while there. (This is the good thing about this site, you see more than one opinion.)

Gentlemen, thank you for your responses. I do not wish to spend any money unnecessarily. Background - I bought the car from a second owner who inherited the car and drove it with as little maintenance as possible until it would barely run and couldn't afford a tune up and exhaust. It was let sit with filthy oil for a year or so, not running, until I bought it. I believe it did not get regular oil changes or maintenance. Reasons I think I need the chain: Loud clattering at start up. Could the tensioner be bad?

The cam: clear tapping noise from right valve cover (from the front of the car). I asked a shop owner about replacing or shimming a Hydraulic Valve Compensator (to eliminate the tapping) and he said they almost never go and it is probably the cam. Then he showed me one in his trash with one bad lobe. He did say that I could go a long time even with the bad cam, but change the chain before it jumps. He has not seen the car yet, made no firm judgement and wants to open it up before he gets all the parts. (BTW, I have no problem with anyone.) I do some work, but this is over my head. I'm sort of afraid to work on the Benz.
Steve

Closing this thread. Had local independent replace timing chain, rails, tensioner. Also needed and replaced leaking radiator and water pump. Fuel filter, brakle pads, fuel filter. CAM all okay but rocker arms replaced (while off). There is one bad lifter but haven't done it yet. Need to figure out which one. Still more projects, but I am comfortable the chain is in good shape.

Steve
85 500SL

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[This message has been edited by Stevegman (edited 06-16-2000).]