Looked thru the FAQs, and did a search, but I didn't find a definitive answer

My folks buoght a '98 E320 about 5 years ago with 80,000 miles on it. My dad, living in farm country in Southern VA never saw fit to actually use the synthetic oil that Mercedes calls for, and instead used regular Penzoil Dino oil. Now its got 139,000 on it, and it's smoking like a freight train. I'm pretty sure its the valve seals, as it seems to be dumping the oil under decelleration, building it up in the catalytic converter, and then letting it go in huge puffs under hard acceleration.

My question is, is this a job that a fairly competent shadetree mechanic can do (I've done timing belts on numerous VW TDIs), or do I really need to take to an experienced Mercedes tech? I'm trying to help my folks out and save them some dough, but if it'll cost more in the long run, i.e. too many special tools, more time than its worth, etc., I'd rather
just take it to a competent shop.

It was your dad trying to save money that created this problem in the first place.

Bear that in mind when you're looking for a cheap mechanic.

Go to a specialist.

Not really a matter of him trying to save money, as him not really knowing any better. I never thought to check on what oil he was using, or what the car was supposed to use, as I'm 4 hours away, and he just takes it to the same shop he's always taken it to.

As far as me doing this job, its a matter of me just enjoying being a shadetree mechanic, and its a job that I feel pretty comfortable I can do, I just want to do due diligence and research before digging in to it.

I'm sure you guys get a bunch of cheapskates in here just trying to get quick fixes, so I'll excuse your sarcasm, but I am generally interested in what is wrong with this car, and what needs to be done to fix it.

Does my diagnosis sound correct?

Have a cylinder compression/leakdown test done before you decide on a course of action. Diagnosing internal engine problems by taking an educated guess is asking for trouble. In my experience, problems with M112 valve stem seals are virtually non-existent. The only time I've ever replaced them was as a pre-caution, when the motor was torn down for other repairs. All the oil burners I get at my shop end up needing new piston rings, at best. I've seen plenty that needed engine blocks/pistons too.

Make sure you find someone with experience at re-ringing these engines, if that's how it ends up. Otherwise, you may wind up spending a lot more than you need to. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Aren't the 1998+ models with FSS covered by the class-action lawsuit extended warranty (I believe it guarantees replacement of the engine from damage done by sludge/oil consumption until 150,000 miles). Does anyone have a PDF of the letter...I lost mine but thought I saw one on the internet.

Does that only cover original owners, or does it cover any owner, up to 150,000 miles?

I am not sure that the 1998 is covered. The owner's manual for my 1998 E320 clearly states to use synthetic oil. And in the engine compartment there is a very visible sticker that also mentions the use of synthetic oil.

I too have seen the letter that you mention, but I can't remember what it says about the 1998 MY.

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur

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If you wait a little while, you'll probably get more helpful input.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

My local dealer told me to call 1-800-FOR-MERC to order a copy.

OK, here's another question. Is the M112 motor the only motor that will fit in this car, or are there other plug and play swaps? I am considering looking for a motor out of a crashed car, and was wondering what my options are, if any.


Thanks for all of the input so far, I've learned quite a bit about MB cars because of this little episode.

From what I was told by a dealer's service manager, some of the earlier imported '98s had dino oil and the later ones synthetic. There must be some way to run your VIN to see what was originally in your father's car. I happen to know this because I had a 1998 E430 so the question came up. That SM did a search of some kind and determined mine had synthetic from the factory. Hope this helps, and good luck.

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Ich liebe meinen Mercedes Benz!

I think the M113 V8 (from E430 for example) will fit but probably requires different motor mounts and most likely stronger shocks or front suspension due to the increased weight.

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Ich liebe meinen Mercedes Benz!

Thanks! I just talked to the guys a Potomac German Auto. I think I'll probably just get a used M112 motor from them to drop in it.

Keep in mind that it isn't as simple as changing a motor. You'd have to change the engine computer as well. Count on that adding significantly to cost.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

Yeah, that's what I gathered from talking to the guys at PGA.