1976 450SL Purchase - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Notlad · 11-10-2009, 05:11 PM

I am purchasing a 1976 450SL with 107,000 miles on it. I know a lot of the repair history of it but forgot to check to see if the timing chain + guides have been replaced. If not at what mileage should this be done?

Also what is the typical cost at a independent import repair shop to replace the timing chain and guides? I am not a DIYer.

The car runs and drives great and I am looking forward to owning it.

**isthisdave** · 11-10-2009, 05:19 PM

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With no verifiable history 100k would be considered optimal. Several contributors have had indy jobs done in the $800 +/- range.

Fotografa · 11-10-2009, 06:15 PM

At that age, the guides should be replaced regardless of mileage, if you are unsure, as they can become brittle with age.

Notlad · 11-10-2009, 06:45 PM

Are there any preventive things that should be done in conjunction with the timing chain / guide replacement? Things that would cost less to do simultaneously because a lot of the labor is the same?

**isthisdave** · 11-10-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notlad

Are there any preventive things that should be done in conjunction with the timing chain / guide replacement? Things that would cost less to do simultaneously because a lot of the labor is the same?

Camshaft oil tube fittings, cam cover gaskets and crush washers come to mind.

Fotografa · 11-10-2009, 06:59 PM

Maybe valve stem seals as well, while you are in there.

Notlad · 11-10-2009, 07:44 PM

Thanks everybody for the suggestions and info. I will find out from the current owner later this week if the timing chain and guides have been replaced. He has owned the car for the last 12 years and bought it with 60,000miles on it from a Mercedes dealership.

One other question. I know the car has had the AC compressor replaced and the AC works fine but if there is a problem in the future and it needs freon will I have to convert it to the new R whatever or is freon still available for older cars?

Also what is a good way to know if shocks need to be replaced? It is my first 33 year old car of any kind and my first SL so I don't really know what to expect. When I was looking to buy I also drove an 86 560SL and it seemed to have a better ride (expected after 10 more years of refinement) but ironically enough the 76 actually drove better.

Fotografa · 11-10-2009, 07:59 PM

The majority of the suspension you your 450SL is the same as the 560SL. (Unless the 560 had SLS). The 560SL had a larger front sway bar, and anti-squat rear-end, but the control arms, trailing arms, subframe and mounts (front and rear) and steering was all the same.

If it were me, I would actually replace all the rubber suspension components and the shocks, unless I could verify that they had been done in the last few years.

Notlad · 11-11-2009, 04:35 PM

The reputable local independent import auot repair guy has quoted me $1050-$1100 to do the following;

-Replace timing chain and guides
-Replace tensioner
-Replace camshaft gears
-Replace crankshaft gears

**isthisdave** · 11-11-2009, 04:42 PM

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Unless the camshaft gears are showing signs of gross wear replacing them is unnecessary. Replacing the chain, tensioner and its rail, and the upper chain guides as per routine maintenance does not require replacement of the crank gear.

Unless you have issues above and beyond the maintenance aspect those pieces are not needed.