Need some help diagnosing problem with S500, 98K miles.

Found yesterday, some small (very small) oil 'drops' floating in the coolant expansion tank. They look 'BROWN'!

The oil (dipstick) is perfectly transparent light brown and the ATF is red and clear. Neither are milky. There's no leaks anyplace exterior on the engine. The coolant level is stable and I do not burn any oil. The engine temp is ok.

Can't figure out whether it's a head gasket or leaking transmission portion of the radiator? The latter is really bad news since it will ruin the tranny. Agreed?

Any ideas?

AlLso if it's a head gasket, should I do the value seals, timing chain, tensioners?

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page