High mileage Owners- Engine vs Repair

[sdent]

First of all, this is the greatest MB site I've ever had the pleasure to stumble upon. I learn something each and every time I log on! Keep up the great comments and questions.

Let me hear from all you high mileage 560 SL owners out there. My '87 SL ate a cam shaft on one side last week. The oil tube to the cam on the left side somehow became blocked and did a nice grind job on each lobe. The vehicle has 235,000 miles and probably would appreciate a valve job as well. My mechanic advises that the 560 engines are solid; he has seen only one lower end go out in his career and adds that my upper end could run another two hundred thousand miles (without major maintenance) with the new cam and valve job. I'm looking at about $2,500 for a new cam, timing chain and oil tubes. I've asked for an estimate for a complete valve job as well. Not quite sure how much more to expect. I'm sure there are stories out there from those of you who have had success and failure replacing engines. How about the maintenance I describe? Can the lower end, crank, pistons and rings last for a half million miles? Will the valve job, new cam and timing chain run another 150-200k? I'd love to hear from you.

Down, but not out in Detroit.