what other jobs to do while head is off?
 

E320 almost has 200 000 kms. With it on the hoist mechanic and I inspected a substantial oil leak at the rear of the engine, weeping right down. Is this the 'typical' head gasket failure? Anyways he says the engine must come out completely.

My head cover has some corrosion which at first appears to be bubbling of the paint on the surface of the cover -as if brake fluid was spilled while hot. As luck has it a powder coating shop is directly next door to the mechanic and I want to get it sanded and powdercoated while it's off.

My first question is what would be a cool color to Powdercoat it - original gray, silver, red? just looking for opinions..

more importantly, while the head is off what other work should I have done? Injectors, Timing Chain,?

along with the gasket, so far I plan on having fitted new cylinder head bolts, and engine mountings. maybe someone can advise on any other items

Check timing chain guides + rails and flush the block properly. Clean the pistons up too.

The engine does not need to come out, there are a couple of threads with photos of the process, both 124 and 210 bodies.

While you have the head off clean the EGR tube...take it off, soak with carburator cleaner and then wire bruch. Also clean the openning where tube connects on air intake side.
Also a good/easy time to check ALL your hoses - both rubber ones that carry coolant and vacuum hoses.

When was the last time the water pump was done... if it was a long time ago..i would consider this job.

valves, valve guides,lifters, camshafts, water pumps, tensioners, warping

are guides and rails different parts, I thought they were one part, ie guide rails.
ps2cho I read your postings last night on MBworld to flybywire and that was helpful.
daddi thnx for the pic of your cover the red is certainly distinctive. I was thinking silver so far. A good chance to stamp my own novelty factor.
Oracle12345 I read that M103 valve jobs are often required but not so much M104?
babymog I will doublecheck and ask why it does need to come out
tan man and lee I will add these to my list as well

With the kms should I inspect and replace if needed or replace regardless - the items mentioned.
Which is standard procedure when doing the head with it off and the opportunity? Or can I easily enough address issues later by taking the head off again then?

I would measure the valves, valve guides, and see where they are at. Yes its true the m103's require more valve jobs since there is a TSB on the valve seals going and causing driveability concerns. the m104 ironed most of the issues with the m103 head.

Do you have a repair manual for the car? I can send you the procedure for your car if you want.

as a noob can I ask what the valve guides do and is this the same as the timing chain guides. and you mention a TSB(?).
The repair manual I would be highly interested in, do you have a pdf you can send or something? this is the dealer pic of my engine, can't see the corrosion on the top of the head here but it is evident when close up. only had my car several months and driving it just a little until I get the issues all fixed;