m104 headgasket problem causes engine damage or not?

[TROVERMAN]

After running our '95 e320 wagon for 42,000 miles with the headgasket problem, it was finally fixed yesterday. During those miles, it seemed the only symptom of the problem was it leaked lots of oil on the ground. It ran great. So after the MB master tech finishes up, he says: these problems never hurt this engine. So I paid all that cash just to solve a leak?! My understanding is that eventually, coolant can get into the #1 cylinder, scoring the walls and causing coolant loss. Worst case, hydrolocking the engine.

Now, we had a coil spring break so he put two new OEM springs in the front, the headgasket job, and an inspection, plus some minor odds and ends he discovered in the process like a thermostat housing leak, a couple of shot breather hoses, and a leak on the plastic nub from the radiator to the overflow tank. Also, a new serpentine drive belt. All told, $1,800.


Opinions?