Hello,
I bought a kit to replace my camshaft oilers and timing chain guide rails along with a new timing chain in my 1984 380 SL.
Before I started there was a ticking sound in my right cam cover.
Anyway when the cam cover came off sure enough the upper left guide rail was broken into at least 3 pieces, one being still connected with the lower pin and the other two I have been able to get out as they were laying on the chain. I think some small pieces are still missing but will not know until I get the pin out and see what is left, this work is going slowly.

Here is why I am writing. While in there we found 3 flat lobes on the right cam shaft, that is where the tick came from.

A friend came up with 2 used , good looking right and left, cams, with matching towers and rockers but could not tell me what year car they came out of. He told me as long as the cam was the same length all is well. The cam is the same length but the number is different that the numbers on my cams.
Here are the numbers on my cams which are still in my car;
Left 11706
Right 11707

Here are the numbers on the example I brought for comparison;
116051 and 4801 and P58 on the end

I called the fellow with the other matching cam and here are the only numbers he could find on it;
4901 and P59 on the end

Can you please tell me with this limited information if these cams are interchangeable.

Thank You,
John Helvey
Kansas City, Kansas

I'll wait with you for an expert to reply.
I have to replace at least the right side on my '81 380SL
I've got two good cams on my parts car, a 380SE at "pick an Pull"
But I've been told the timing is different between the SE and SL.
Currious to which is the stronger ... a couple more ponys wouldn't hurt.

I actually bought a new right camshaft with lifters from Mercedes Source at a great price and my mechanic was very happy with it. Here are two tidbits I picked up along the way. 1. The local Mercedes dealer told me they sell considerably more right than left camshafts. 2. My independent mechanic said " it is always the right camshaft that fails."

__________________
John
'02 Isuzu Axiom Canal Blue Mica "Wonder Car"
'02 Isuzu Axiom Garden Green Mica from Alaska "Sara"
'97 Ford Taurus Wagon 225,000 miles Intense Black "Batmobile"
'91 560 SEC Ice Blue Metallic "Big Benz"
'84 380 SL Astral Silver "Pretty Girl"
MBCA member
Chance favors the prepared mind.