Originally Posted by BusyBenz

Do you still have the original single row timing chain installed? The 81-82 380SL's have a high failure rate. If it jumped a tooth or two on one of the two cams, it will do what your experiencing. There is a conversion to double row timing chain available from MB.

If that is what is happening, please don't run your engine until worn chain and components relating are replaced. If you let it go, it will experience catistrophic failure! BB