lee - another culprit I looked at back when I was tackling this issue (and before I gave up, accepted it, and started buying oil in bulk) was that the camshaft could have worn to the point where it was not sealing properly at the camshaft seal, given the high mileage. Therefore no amount of sealant, etc. was going to stop that. My techs (competent and proven) tried several times to stop the camshaft seal leak and the timing chain leaks (did it a few times, no charge, etc.) but it would end up leaking eventually.

Other than that, that M103 was one hell of an engine!

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon