Production breakpoint for improved M104 head gasket

[philmartin]

Hi all,

Have been reading a lot about the M104 head gasket failures. I just changed the oil on my 1995 E320 (with 67k miles) and the head/ block interface shows no signs of leakage based on a detailed inspection from underneath the car. The car was purchased in Oct. of 1995 when the 96 models were already in the showroom. I was wondering if this car may already have an upgraded gasket but have been unable to find the information using the search function. Does anyone know when the improved gaskets were put into production?

Also, I have the same question about the M104 wiring harness.

TIA

philmartin

[Mike Richards]

A local pro told me the 104 head gasket was improved in 1997. Perhaps one of the regular pros on this site will confirm this.

[suginami]

I am inclined to believe it was changed in '97 or '98 based on the thousands of posts I've read.

Also, all engine wiring harnesses are bad on all M104 engine W124's, W202's, and W140's from 93-95.

They seem to go out based on age not mileage, because it is the exposure to heat that brakes down the insulation.

If the car was mine and the engine wiring harness was original, I'd spend the $800 dollars or so and change it.

Go ahead. I dare you to do a search under "wiring harness" or "engine wiring harness" and you'll read the very sad posts of those who hadn't changed theirs out and some very expensive parts were damaged due to the bad harness.

[philmartin]

Sugi,

I have been reading about the pathetic wiring harness situation and think I will start a thread on that as I am at a decision point there.

philmartin

[suginami]

Originally posted by philmartin
Sugi,

I have been reading about the pathetic wiring harness situation and think I will start a thread on that as I am at a decision point there.

philmartin

Feel free to start another wiring harness thread, but there are already dozens and dozens of them.

I'd just pick one add onto it!