More than 8 degrees and I suspect the chain is going to slap pretty bad on startup since the tensioner will be "flat".

I've been told 8 degrees by someone who has worked on these cars (and had a Master Mechanic certificate from Dusseldorf) since 1959, so I will take his word as gospel.

There is absolutely no reason not to replace a chain at 8 degrees of stretch, they aren't that expensive and it's not exactly a difficult job. A broken chain and bent valves is a big PITA on a 380 as you are likely to have to install steel inserts in order to re-install the head, this is both a bother and relatively expensive.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!