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#2
11-19-2003, 02:52 PM
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I'm assuming that you are referring to a 380 SEC.
 My very first question would be: Has the engine been converted to a dual-row timing chain? Pre-84 380 engines sold in the US had a single-row chain that was not durable. The chain would break, sending pistons into mis-timed valves, cau$ing much chao$. Conversion from a single row system to a dual-row is about $3,000, I think. Repairing a damaged engine is at least that much. Last edited by PaulC; 11-19-2003 at 03:06 PM. 
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#3
11-19-2003, 03:26 PM
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i don't know about that.wow,it's a great looking car but that sounds like s^&t to me.3000.00 for engine work ,thats more than i have in my entire car!i guess the ol'280(that does'nt cost me a thing)will have to stay.thanks for your comment.
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#4
11-19-2003, 06:13 PM
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Which makes me wonder: WHY did MB think it was a good idea to change from a double-row to a single-row? The m116 3.8 is the same engine as the m116 3.5 in the way that the m117 4.5 is the same as the 5.6, but they never went single-row on that engine. The 3.5 always had a double row - why the switch?
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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
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#5
11-19-2003, 07:19 PM
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Euro 3.8's always had the dual-row chain. 3.8's for American consumption were produced with single-row with the assumption that American driving habits were more genteel than those of Europeans. MB wanted to save a few $$.
Obviously MB engineers have never driven Texan interstates.
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#6
11-19-2003, 07:40 PM
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True.
But according to the folklore, it was also to reduce friction and save weight in the valve train. MB was under tremendous pressure to meet emissions and economy and preserve performance, so obviously somebody thought this made sense in the de-tuned version of the 3.8 they started selling in the US. I mean, the poor thing was red-lined at 5500 RPM.
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Chuck Taylor Falls Church VA '66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe
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#7
11-19-2003, 11:50 PM
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Single vs Dual row outside the US
I believe the 380 engine debuted worldwide with a single row chain. This was not peculiar to the US market. I recall back in South Africa a high school classmate of mine's father had owned a new 380SE for about six months - this was about 1982 - when the timing chain did it's thing and trashed the motor. I did not understand the implications of this then. I just thought it was a fluke occurrance. But no. I discovered many other early 380 owners with similiar stories of woe. My cousin in Australia who's currently attempting to buy his fifth Mercedes was told by his mechanics to avoide any early 380's that have not had the double timing chain conversion done.
- Peter.
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2021 Chevrolet Spark Formerly... 2000 GMC Sonoma 1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021  2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels 1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles. 1984 123 200 1979 116 280S 1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1971 108 280S
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