I was able to get to the shop before the valve covers were put back on and I could see the cam wear. It doesn't look too bad, (no flat spots) but several lobes have small grooves on them where they make contact with the rocker arms.

Right now I am not too worried because the engine runs strong and smooth with a faint ticking above 4000 RPM. My real question is now that the cam's have begun to show wear how long will it be before it gets worse to the point that it affects performance and drivability? In other words if I change the oil frequently do I have 5,000 mi, 10,000 mi or 20,000 mi, before I need to replace the cam's and is that a job that someone like myself with average mechanical ability can do on my own. I have the 107 CD Rom and all the necessary tools.

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Hud

88 560SL
97 E320