Considering doing this job myself [removing heads and sending them out]. My question is on the intake manifold,CD tells me how to remove individual parts from manifold.I would like a [step by step] removing only what is necessary to pull both heads.I have never done this type of fix before,so if you guys think i should bite the bullet and pay the big bucks please say so,i do not want to get into big trouble here. P.S I have worked on cars many times but to this length. THANKS

This is a big job that I have done many times before. I don't even like doing them and they pay well. The reason is how labor intensive they are. Man, you could really get in over your head here. I have many thousands of dollars worth of special tools for this job!

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

I think Benzmac is referring to the tools that are required to do the valve job. As far as removing the intake system, it should not be very difficult. If you have a digital camera, take lots of pictures and use different color tie wraps on the vacuum and electrical hookups as you disassemble. I just did a removal of engine and transmission and did a valve job (farmed out) and put it all back in a couple of months ago in my 380. It is simple. I only had to buy a few standard MM tools.

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Benzmac hit the nail on the head. This is a very labor intensive job and it may be easier to pull the engine to do it but it's not something I would wish on someone else. As far as the tools he is talking about I believe they are all the special shaped allen sockets for the head bolts that are a must for doing the job without ruining the bolts.

The only special tool I had to use was a C shaped allen wrench setup that you can purchase from the shop for $20. The problem is not that difficult. I would really hate to see someone fork over $3K to $4K for labor to a shop for this job. I had not done this type work before. I bought a M/B manual and followed the directions without any trouble. 2K miles later down the road and she runs better than ever with no oil leaks. I did not have to use heli-coil inserts upon reassembly. I simply used a nylon bore brush to clean up the holes and oiled the head bolts and all went together superbly. Don't be intimidated, this is not rocket science.

Its just a lot of work till something goes wrong. We have done hundreds of those jobs and they usually go through the shop like a large waterpump job. One out of three lately has caused us grief.

It probably is due to the fact that they are all at least 10 years old now, but we have had a bolt or more give us trouble on one out of three lately. How handy you are with these issues will tell whether it will break your back. I must point out that these bolt issues came up even with techs who have done the job multiple times with proper tools and a knowing technique.

I have dealt with many a tech would could make a major bolt problem out of every cam stand bolt without technique. It really is just a job of screwing and unscrewing 300 bolts. No problems and its a piece of cake.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Well thanks for all your great advise.I can see i must give this some serious thought.By the way i got a quote of 600.00 to rebuild both heads plus roughly 125.00 for gaskets total about 725.00. Quote to do complete job 2,500.00 a savings of 1,775.00. If i get into trouble or screw up the timming some how it could cost me much more.I will inform you soon thanks again ,[food for thought]