145K miles on '92 Sc300. sounds like lifters on cold start. Does his engine develope lifter noise with age? Any suggestions?

 

Many higher milage cars will develop a top end rattle on cold starts as the cam followers wear leading to excessive clearance, this noise will go away after a few seconds as the oil pressure builds up and gets more oil onto the followers.

The cam/valve clearance is adjusted by adding/removing shims, this is a b1tch of a job and is not a DIY project unless you have some experience in engine building.