Timing chain is a must before you start using this car daily. The plastic guides are brittle. They chip, break or crumble putting chunks which will cause mistiming between the crank and cams. Mileage has nothing to do with those guides being brittle. Age is the critical factor.

I had that happen on a 85 380SE. In fact the engine cause me so much pain I snatched it, the transmission, wiring and other systems out of the body and put a 617.xx diesel engine in.

When I found this website I hadn't turned a wrench for three decades. My history was with domestic autos of the 1960 and early 1970s. So...

The chain isn't difficult to do. In fact after replacing the plastic guides and having the 85 SE sit for another 7 years I replaced the chain again and installed the metal guides. Parts are probably less than 300 bucks including a new chain tensioner.

The procedure is simple but nerve racking. Both valve covers come off, roll the engine until the master link comes up on the right side cam, unsnap the master link, fasten a new chain to the tail end of the old one and slowly turn the engine by hand making sure not to allow slack in the old chain thus keeping it on all the gears throughout the engine.

There's a ton more to consider, that is only an outline. The fine folks here will hook you up with links to instructions, good advise and plenty of answers to questions along with moral support and fellowship. Do yourself a favor and learn the website a bit. Most problems we encounter are pretty will covered in the DYI link given previously in this thread.



Welcome,
Dan

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic