1996 E320's don't have bad engine wiring harnesses.

I don't know when the latest / greatest head gasket was finalized. My general feeling is that head gasket failures on W210 chassis 1996-1997 E320's are rarer than on W124 E320's.

Remember that while your engine was no longer used in W210's starting from 1998, it was still in use in the W140 chassis S320's until 1999.

I frankly wouldn't worry about it. M104's are great engines that will surely last as long as you continue to keep maintaing the vehicle.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".