Do guides ASAP. Those looks like they have been in there since West Germany. Start on driver side, use OEM only. Same with cam cover gaskets, I have had crap luck with after market ones. You will need new little crush washers too for the bolts.

You can just toss in woodruff keys to get the cam timing back, I had to even with a new chain. I am +1/+1 now on mine. Do cam oiler plastic too. Inspect the ICV hoses, they are probably rock hard. At this age and mileage you will need all new top end rubber at some point. All the aforementioned bits should be maybe $150 (not including the intake manifold business)...just the guides, gaskets, etc.

Park it until you do guides. Really. It could be a several thousand dollar mistake.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]