I was browsing on ebay and ran across this Mercedes. I also have a 85' 380SE and thought it odd that it has black valve covers (like the 86+ models had)- where mine are silver colored (being a 1985). I then noticed it is only the driverside that is black.... the passenger side is still silver colored. I doubt this is factory. It is also stated it has a new timing chain, but the engine looks like it has not been touched in awhile, but what do I know? lol.

Perhaps the chain broke and busted the cover, but since this is an interference engine, I would imagine that the engine would be ruined.

Seems like a nice car though... I was just confused about the different valve covers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VERY-NICE-GOLD-85-MERCEDES-380SE-237K-NEW-T-CHAIN_W0QQitemZ130054283201QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem