89 300SE Exsesive Oil Consumption and Stuck Window

All,

I just bought this car August 18th. It shows 85K miles.

This past weekend I went on a 500 mile trip and before leaving I checked the oil and noticed that it was down a quart, so I added it!

On my return, my oil light came on so I stopped and checked it AGAIN. The car was down another quart of oil.

It does not leak any fluids of any kind.

Is this normal???

During the same return trip, my wife decided to put one of the back windows down and now we're unable to get it back up. We can hear the motor but it's not lifting the window.

I'm a bit "steamed" about these few issues since I've only owned this "beauty" for one month.

After buying it, I also noticed that the cruise doesn't work. The stalk doesn't even "spring back".

[G-Benz]

The oil consumption you mentioned is not normal. I am guessing you are aware that these cars have a "belly pan" under the engine for aerodynamics...even though it has some drain holes, it can hide some moderate engine leaks for a long time (gee...garage floor looks clean!).

My first guess would be the timing cover plate.

As far as the rear window, you have been cursed with the dreaded plastic window track connector, which over time, literally disentigrates (while in use), and snarls up the drive assembly. That will require removal of the door panel and replacement of the $2 part, or $140 for the whole regulator. I didn't know that the cheaper part was available, so I sprung for the regulator (actually two, for each window, within a year's time).

Don't know much regarding the cruise control, the stalk may have to be replaced, but a fuse may be blown as well. Although someone else had a unique solution to his cruise control problem...

My $2.68 Cruise Control Fix...Search Function Saved $$$

I am not a MB expert in any way (looking to purchase the model you have soon), but I doubt it's a leak if you're not seeing any drips on the floor. The belly pan would not hold nearly enough to hide that much oil.

Are you seeing any blue smoke from the tail pipes at any time? Pull and look at the spark plugs and see if they have a lot of oil on them (check them all).

The M103 engine is known for bad valve stem seals. However, it was the earlier models, like the '86 and '87 in which this was a real problem. The possibility exists that valve seals could bring the oil consumption to a workable level. The most likely fix is a valve job including valve guide replacement. If you have this done at an independent shop, you are probably looking at around a $1,500 job.

The rear window, since you can hear the motor, needs to be investigated by removing the door panel, but it will probably require a window riser.

Best of luck,

[dpetryk]

I agree with larrybible. I would vote for the valve stem seals. I have replaced them on both of my 420sel's. It took about 4 hours and I did not have to remove the heads. Im not familiar with your engine but I would try that first before you do a full head job. My oil consumption on both cars was 1 quart per 700 - 900 miles. No smoke was noticable during normal driving. The seals were easy to do provided you have the correct valve spring compressor tool. Just be sure you dont drop a valve into the chamber. Make sure the piston is at top dead center before removing the spring. Oh yea, the parts were only about $30. My oil consumption is now zero.

So you guys are saying to replace the valve stem seals and it's not that expensive? I'm not mechanically inclined...I would have to have it done!

I would like to answer a previous answer that I am not noticing ANY smoke at all.

What I paid for the car, I thought, was a really good price. It appears to have original miles (of 85K) and it's really clean...very pretty Garnet exterior color. I paid $9K.

Let's now take into consideration that I have to have the one rear window fixed (I just might have both "plastic window track connectors" replaced at the same time) and the cruise control fixed and the valve stem seals replaced

Is this STILL considered a good deal or did I get the "short end"?

I AM a Bad Boy!!! ...but MB make me "weak in the knees"

Are those tests costly (in typical situations)?

[sixto]

Kelley,

I'd be surprised if an independent shop you approach for the first time will agree to replace just the valve seals.

If you do a search on oil level for M103 engines you'll see numerous posts advising to keep the oil level between the min and max levels. These engines consume or leak oil aggressively when filled to the max level. The oil level should stay at the mid level longer than at the max.

My engine leaks at the timing chain cover in front and between the head and block in the rear. The portion of the transmission viewable from the engine compartment is covered with oil. There is no indication that oil consumption is excessive (no smoke, good compression and leakdown, clean plugs). I add 2 quarts between 5000 mile oil changes. Those 2 quarts are going somewhere, but my driveway is clean. Go figure.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

[G-Benz]

You're among friends here, Tom.

While the forum is dotted with the Benzmacs, MB Docs, gillybenztechs & such who can probably steer you in the proper direction with their combination of skill and experience, the rest of us are just average "Joe's" who love our MBs and want to keep them running...but don't have the "deep pockets" to just leisurely drop off the car at our favorite dealership everytime the car hiccups.

So we all learn from each other and gain a bit of knowledge (mentored of course, by the masters in our forum), and have some fun doing it. Not to mention the sense of pride one gets when they have been able to repair their Benz themselves.

I myself am a programmer by trade...I fix code, not cars. Before I joined this forum, I wouldn't even think of popping the hood except to see if the engine was still there. Now, I look forward to tackling some head work when the time arises. Even the wife approves, although she fears that one day the car will attempt to swallow me in the process (see gif signature)...

You'll all be happy to hear that my window has been fixed!

I went to Laird's Auto Glass (maybe they're a chain where all of you are...they are here).

Anyway, they replaced the "Doorglass Regulator Roller"...
part cost: $ 6.25
labor: $65.00

Total: $71.63

This has got to be a record of the cheapest repair for a Mercedes Benz!?

They also quoted me $180.00 to replace the typical worn leather bulster on the drivers seat! It's just a bit scuffed with a very, very small hole (smaller than an eraser head on a #2 pencil), but why not make it perfect!

Again, I'd say that's pretty reasonable...wouldn't you?

On another note...I AM seeing oil on the garage floor!!!

[G-Benz]

Congrats on the window regulator being fixed. But I think I got you beat on the cheapest MB fix.

Took ML320 to dealer last week for annual state inspection, had soundpanels reglued, and AAM foglight codes enabled.

Total cost...$25.50!!!

Okay, the soundpanels were done under warranty so that's cheating, but I have NEVER gotten out of the dealership that cheaply!!! Usually, my wallet hurts!

[sixto]

Originally posted by Kelly Pepper
I went to Laird's Auto Glass ... They also quoted me $180.00 to replace the typical worn leather bulster on the drivers seat

They do glass and upholstery?

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD ... someone buy me