From my understanding, the 380 engine comes in two flavors. one with the vulnerable single timing chain, and the other one with the better, dual timing chain system.

I think pre 1985 was the single chain, and 1985 and older is the dual timing chain.

My brother specifically searched longer for an 85 380SL because it had the dual timing chain versus the single timing chain in the pre 1985 models.

Some people have updated the pre 85 versions to the dual timing chain.

i am not sure on any of this, but this is what I remember from when my brother was buying his car 3 years ago.

BTW. his car is not extremely fast off the line, but the engine is smooth and has enoguh power.

Hope that helps,

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon - Sold
2006 E350 Wagon - 368 - Dead
2015 GL350 Bluetec - 197U