Can somebody tell me approx. how long a rebuilt 450sl engine should last? Mine only lasted 9,037miles and I go to small claims court this week and need a estimate of miles.

Wow, 9037 miles!

Assuming regular oil changes with a quality oil, filter changes, spark plug changes, timing chain guide rails at 100K, timing chain replacement at 150K - 200K miles, proper valve adjustment if needed, 250K miles to 300K easily. Then a top end rebuild and on to 500K miles. (based on other postings here, I have no personal experience with the engine or car)

Unless the body rusts away first.

What happened? These are known to be very strong engines.

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I had 145k on my 4.5 before I did any of the aforementioned work (Timing chain, rails, etc). WITHOUT A DOUBT it should have lasted WELL OVER 100k miles. Over-revving? Nearly impossible with the auto tranny. Even if you redline it in first, and the engine roars considerably loud, you probably won't do any damage at all.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

I will wager the shop botched the T-chain somehow.

Or it ran out of oil.

Those ideas may prove irrelevant when a definition of "lasted" is provided. As in, what exactly happened???

To get advise from an internet forum, where the car cannot be physically inspected, you need to explain the situation in PRECISE language!!!

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

That is true. It could have been anything from a broken chain to a thrown rod or a loose main bearing causing crank failure. But if the job was done properly, 9k would still be breaking it in, really.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

I think you already know the answer since you are filing an action. Someone who knows absolutely nothing about cars would not expect to change engines every 10k. What are you really asking? You will have to provide more details.

Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

How much did you pay for the rebuild?

I got your reply and I would be angry also. You should have had at the very least a total upper rebuild for that sum. You must have your service records, oil changes in particular for your case. If you have service you car on a regular basics and did not exspearence any really bad overheating up to the 9K or so something was not done right. Good luck.