I am one of the types of guys that loves to do his own research. I like to figure it out.. it's sort of a challenge for me. But I can also admit when I need help.

Like the title suggests in an aggressive way, I have a few issues with my 1993 300E:

--Bogging down upon acceleration. Not all the time. And when it "unsticks", it really takes off! The engine is still very strong. It started a little after I bought it in December '08, and started happening more and more. It's worse around a corner (picture the on-ramp to a highway), or when I depress the pedal quickly.

--I have noticed a MASSIVE oil leak that appears to be coming from the very front of the car, and some spillage from right underneath the engine.

--It is also leaking antifreeze in a manic way.

--I just got pulled over today for the amount of white smoke blowing out of the back. This only happens on the highway at speeds greater than 50mph, and it only lasts a few minutes.. maybe 3-5. I've also noticed that it only happens when the car is cold and approaching operating temp; once it reaches that point, there's no more smoke for the rest of the day - provided I keep running errands to keep the engine warm.

--Smoke seepage into the cabin. I haven't pinpointed where it's coming from, but it only happens when the white smoke is blowing out the back, and it has the same characteristics (3-5 mins, cold start, etc..).

--Speaking of starting, when it's cold.. say in the morning - or afternoon depending on the night before - it doesn't want to start right away. I've never been stranded, as it always ends up starting at some point, but I've noticed that when it's completely cold, it has troubles. When the engine is warm, it starts right up.

But no matter what happens, I have the bogging down issue, sputtering, misfiring... SOMETHING... all the live long day.

Thoughts?

=)

Do a search on this Forum for "Head gasket/104"

__________________
A Dalton

That's the last thing I wanted to hear. I will look at the thread now.

subtitle: "30 minutes later..."

Ok, amidst all the threads I've seen (so far).. the oil leak seems to be the head gasket. Is this a fair assumption?

What does a head gasket job normally cost? And what can I expect it to fix..... of the above-stated issues I'm having??

Now search "Wire harness"

__________________
A Dalton

Thanks for the keywords.. but I'm still trying to get a grasp on exactly what's happening here.

Would you recommend taking it in to get diagnosed and/or fixed? Or would you advise that I do it myself? From my symptoms, does it sound like a job for an advanced mechanic (not me )..?

Both big, expensive jobs..you may be able to do the harness, but the head gasket is not for a mild DIYer...it's a wrench job that takes automotive experience...

__________________
A Dalton

I would say that leaking coolant, oil and smoke adds up to something that needs looked into. I would start by looking at the oil dipstick and the oil filler cap. If you see anything that looks like white goo that could be a telltale as to a place to start. If there is coolant leaking into the oil that is generally not good, but not always tragic....

you need a valve job and a head gasket its a very common problem with these engines this is gonna cost you about 1200 at a repair shop.

if you dont get a valve job you will not fix anyting you will have the same problem

Valve job sounds about right. To be honest, I'm not sure this car has been serviced since the 70K mile mark. It's up to 155K now, and I can only imagine what type of issues will surface when I take it in.

Now, the NEW issue is this: I went driving last night and on my way home, let the engine rev higher than I probably should have, given my problems I've already been facing.. so I start the car this morning, and see the coolant light on. I add coolant, something I've been having to do for a while now as it is, right? I think, "no big deal". I go to take my roommate to work, which is about 8 miles down the hwy. Not 4 or 5 miles miles into it, I notice the coolant light comes on again.

When I drop him off at work, I check the coolant level and, low and behold, it's as though I never put more in!!

Here's the funny thing--

The coolant reservoir is on the left-hand side of the engine. I notice green puddles of antifeeze on the right side of the engine, close to windshield.. where I believe the brake fluid reservoir to be.

Does that makes sense to anyone?

I don't recall seeing any "white goo". I do, however, recall the previous owner telling me he had hit a deer some period of time ago. Because of that, the driver's side headlamp is loose, and the driver's side front wheel is angled in at the top causing the tread to wear significantly on the inner side of the tire. I've also noticed the hood ornament is missing... for all these reasons, I can't help but to believe that this deer was the main cause for everything that's happening now (the leaking, the smoke, etc..). Other causes being the fact that the car is 16 years old.....

I will be taking the car into the shop April 1st or 2nd. I will surely come back with the diagnosis and then how the car runs after the work.

By the way, does anyone have any GOOD (somewhat affordable) Merz shops in Austin, TX?

Cheers for all the insight.