With only 200k miles, leave the bottom end alone. When you get the cylinder head, I think the shop may doi the valve seals. I know it can be done pretty easily but you would want to wait for them to be done with their machining etc. so as to not harm the new seals. The seals will be especially easy with the head on bench since you won't have to mess with compressed air.

Regarding the head bolts. I think the bolts are good for two uses, so you're probably good there.

I think the oil pan would be a pain to drop on those as they have the one-piece pan and the engine would have to be jacked up, etc. to get the pan out. Trust me, I just finished replacing the pan on my SDL (both 103 and 603 are 3.0 liter L6 engines) and you don't want to bother the pan. I've never heard of a 300E needing bottom end work unless run out of oil or severely neglected. If you belong here, most likely you care enough to at least change the oil every once in awhile or have it done.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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