Can anyone tell me what a fair price would be for a timing chain replacement for a 1987 420SEL, as well as a 1985 500SEL? I am considering to purchase one of these and wanting to know what the maximum I should pay for a chain replacement on these cars. The 87 has 178K (priced $2900 OBO) and the 85 has 152K (priced $5200). Not sure when the chain was replaced on either, so it may be best that I have them changed. Is anyone cheaper than the other? Thanks!

I've been quoted prices of around $1,200 to be done correctly with all rails and the oiler tubes over the cam.

If you like messign with cars, you can save BIG TIME doing this one yourself. I ended up doing the entire job for just a couple of hundred bucks. I would recommend springing the $50-$60 or so on eBay for one of the pin extractors, though.

What would you need:
Chain
Chain rails
Chain rail pins
Chain tensioner
Valve cover gaskes (good idea)
Valver cover crush washers

PM me if you have any questions...

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Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)

As luck would have it, there is a posting on timing chain replacement on the Vintage forum.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=112848

With pictures too.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Thanks for posting that information. So, if someone is unsure of when the chains were replaced- the best thing to do is to go ahead and have it changed, or can the chain be inspected to see if it is still in good order? Also, when they need changing, do they make a noise or anything, or are they totally silent until they slip?

Thanks in advance!!

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

I talked to the guy with the 1985 500 SEL. He said no cause for concern, because the 500 has a dual chain and he has never heard of one breaking and causing damage. He said the 380 SEL was a different story, as it was a single chain engine. Is this true? Thanks.

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

semi-true.... the 380 up to 1983 had single chain until they were converted to dual chains. However, all m116 and m117 engines need their chains changed on timly intervals.