I'm doing a head gasket job on my brothers '89300SE (W126). The head bolts are the newer/shorter version (flange type to be used without washers)...BUT washers are in place (the 5 mm space type that were used with the older/longer bolt versions).

I'm just curious if anyone ever ran into this before. It appears this is the first time the head has been off the car (gasket is Elring, some other indications (intake valve seals are the old metal collar version), etc). So, I'm thinking this was done AT THE factory. Everything I've ever read indicates when they made the change (circa 1988?) they made it completely (i.e. changed to shorter bolt and dropped use of the washer simultaneously).

Anyway, just curious if anyone ever came across this.

As for reassembly, my plan is to omit use of the washers (once I've checked depth of threaded hole on block, of course).

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Syntax26

1995 MB E420 (lowered)
1989 MB 300SE (sold to brother)
1975 MB 280 (sold)
One damn fine jacked-up golf cart