W201 m103 Oil leak
 

There is oil leaking from the front of the engine behind the one of the pulleys....not the timing chain, but the front part where all the pulleys are attached. Anyone know if there is a seal there? It seems that the entire front may come off, just want to know if this is a can of worms before I attempt to remove everything. What to expect? What to look for? What to stay away from? Etc. Thanks.

Clean everything that’s wet with oil so you can trace the leak.

If you’re sure it’s engine oil, it’s probably coming from the front crank seal. That oil won’t travel upwards, it’ll stay at the pulley level and make a mess on the oil pan and crossmember. An AC compressor shaft seal failure can sling oil to the area behind the driver side headlight. A power steering pump shaft seal failure can also sling oil but it’s easier to confirm the source because the backside of the pulley will be wet and dirty. A power steering reservoir seal will drip oil on the power steering pump and AC compressor.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

The description that you mention points to front crank seal. How hard is it to remove? I think I have the large 27mm socket or whatever it is to remove it.