I hear a lot about single row timing chains on the sl class. I'm looking at a 380sl. Are there any years or models that I should avoid? Were there any R107 models that came with a double TC? I was looking at an 83 sl to be a weekend driver but now I'm not so sure.

 

Hi: I have an 85 380sl and have a double row metal timing chain. However, the guides that route the timing chain are plastic. I had a failure of the guides and the timing chain came off the spockets and damage my valves. Well, $3,000 later, I had new valves on one side, metal vs plastic guides installed and a new timing chain (althought the old one did not break) installed. If you ever hear a rattle noise upon first starting the car (like pre-ignition noise) run to your mechanic and have the tesioner or giudes replaced, because you have a loose chain. This shoulc cost about $300 vs the $3,000 lesson I paid for. Hope this helps.

 

You'll only find the single row timing chain on 81-83 380SL US models. However, a good number of them were changed many years ago to the double row chains. You can, by angling a tiny mirror and light into the oil filler hole see which chain the car has.

My '82 has the double row chain.

A single chain isn't a deal breaker. Hell, a double row chain can fail if not serviced properly. Checking the chain wear and replacing if necessary, replacing upper guides and replacing the chain tensioner & guide would take care of any fears.

 

Well said. there is so much paranoia surrounding the timing chain/guides on the 116/117