I work on Porsches all the time, I'm a total Porsche nut and can do most repairs without even looking up torque specs. I'm the guy that everyone calls for help with theirs. But when it comes to MB, I've never worked on them very much (I guess because they're built so well they hardly ever need work!) so I'm much less familiar / knowledgeable even though I've had many of them.

If there's anyone in the SF peninsula who's familiar with the 6.9 M100 engine, or any older v8, really (M116/117, e.g.), I'd love to get some support and/or advice.

The job I'm doing is head gasket R&R. Right now I have the heads off, and I'm in the middle of changing the timing chain. I just took off the water pump and changed a few rails. I'm a bit overwhelmed at this point. I'm fully capable of doing this job.... EVENTUALLY.... but what I'm looking for is moral support and the presence of someone who could tell me if I'm doing something correctly, instead of spending an hour searching online (and info on these is hard to find), and sometimes having to redo things.

I'm happy to pay back with food, good company, helping you with your own project, etc.

Also, continuously owning at least 1 Mercedes since 2002, I wish I had more friends in the MB community, I have dozens of Porsche friends even though I like MB more than Porsche! But don't tell them that!

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo

Try resources here... M-100.cc

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Try Roy Spencer in Burlingame (Mercedes Heritage or Heritage Mercedes?). Roy can refer you to some excellent mechanics in the Bay area who specialize in classic Mercedes. Also try posting your request on the Mercedes Benz Club of America website. Pierre Hedary, located in Florida, is excellent with classic Mercedes and will come to you for a price. You can contact Pierre through the MBCA website.