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  #1  
Old 08-21-2006, 08:31 PM
PaulC
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Dual-row timing chain on U.S. 3.8's

When did the U.S.-spec 3.8 liter M116 go to a dual-row timing chain?

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  #2  
Old 08-21-2006, 08:45 PM
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1982. All Euro 380's had dual row chains.
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Old 08-21-2006, 08:47 PM
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had to have been partway through production, my 82 had a single still.
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Old 08-21-2006, 09:24 PM
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Mid-year 1983 got the double row.

European 3.8 liter engines always had the double row chain.
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Old 08-21-2006, 09:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snibble View Post
All Euro 380's had dual row chains.


Interesting! Any reason why?
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Old 08-21-2006, 09:29 PM
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my 83's got a double.
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Old 08-21-2006, 10:21 PM
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I saw a beautiful 380SL on eBay this weekend, but it was an '82, and no mention of a chain conversion.
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Old 08-22-2006, 08:02 AM
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The first USA version 3.8 M116 with double row chain from the factory was the 1984 model year.......

At dealer we up-graded many of the cars with "early" chain failures under warranty.
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Old 08-22-2006, 09:25 AM
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1983 USA 3.8L engines didn't get double row chains from factory..

1984 Model year is when the change happened..That happen durning 1983.

Take a look at MB bulletin.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf DOUBLE ROW.pdf (45.0 KB, 269 views)
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Old 08-22-2006, 09:45 AM
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very valuable info for anyone interested in buying a 380.
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Old 08-22-2006, 10:51 AM
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I bought a 81 380SL from a dealer that advertised the car as having the dual row conversion. About a year later I discovered it was a single chain. I'm still angry at myself for not checking into before I bought the car. It's too late now. I had the single row chain, guides and tensioner replaced. I plan on staying with the single row chain and if I ever need major engine work, upgrade to a double row chain. My mechanic told me to plan on a chain replacement in 50K miles as a regular maintenance action. I still love the car!
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  #12  
Old 08-22-2006, 10:55 AM
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at one time i had one with a single row chain...

i head the chain slapping one day...and took it in... the old german mechanic said to have it replaced... this was long before the internet... it ran fine with the single row and i never had a problem in the next 50k miles before i sold the car...

that said...there is a comfort zone with the double row.
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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


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  #13  
Old 08-22-2006, 11:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M.B.DOC View Post
The first USA version 3.8 M116 with double row chain from the factory was the 1984 model year.......

At dealer we up-graded many of the cars with "early" chain failures under warranty.
Does this mean my 83' has a new timing chain?


PO didnt leave me ANY records.
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  #14  
Old 08-22-2006, 12:09 PM
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I remember reading a member in another forum say that all Euro models of the 380 had dual-row chains and that the US models had them sometime in the late 1982 production. He also mentioned that there was a campaign that the dealerships would convert from single to double row.
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  #15  
Old 08-22-2006, 12:17 PM
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too bad in my case that wasnt an extended warranty item...

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350
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