dmack

The timing chains on my 380sl have broken - mechanic tells me it will be about a $3,500.00 repair - is that reasonable? Also, how can timing chains break at the same time - isn't that the point of having two??

myway

You only have 1 timing chain. It is a dual row TC but 1 piece. I doubt the chain broke but it may have. Usually it is the upper chain guides that break or the tensioner fails. Either way it causes a catastrophic failure with bent valves and such.
$3,500.00 is not bad. Make sure he has the guide plates for drilling and helicoiling the block.
Here is a link to a discussion of TC failure.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c1...-failures.html