Head Gasket for less than $3000 in SF Bay Area??
 

Does anyone know of a reputable MB shop that will do a head gasket job on a 1993 2.6 for less than $3000? This seems a bit much for this work.

Replacing a head gasket is in the high hundreds in the SF Bay Area. Sounds like your estimate includes a pretty extensive refurbishment of the head and a few other things.

I got a quote of something like $2000 for my 91 300SE. That was to replace the valve guides and everything that entails. Basically a valve job. This was a shop in Mtn View.

I haven't found a shop willing to just replace a head gasket if you can't prove that a valve job was done in the last 50K miles. They don't want you coming back complaining of oil consumption.

There is a shop in Redwood City recommended to me by forum member Ron Johnstone (sp?). He was willing to replace the head gasket but assured me I'd be back for more work shortly after. Very nice folks to talk to but not a lot of S55s and CL500s in the shop if you know what I mean.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Do it yourself ?
 

It takes 2-3 hours to take it out, rebuild it at a machine shop, and 3-4 hours to put it back. It is a fairly simple job on the I-6 engine and should never ever cost $3K. I don't know where shops come up with these figures. Put new seals, vlave guides, and valve job, it should not cost more that $400. Let me know if you plan to do it yourself and I'll help you.
Meza

Marty,

Email me and I will give you three sources ...

Haasman

$3,000 for a head gasket replacement on an M103 is outrageous.

The M103's are notorious for valve guide wear, so I don't know a mechanic that would just do a head gasket.

A head gasket with a valve job, new guides and seals, should cost around $1,200.

Yeah, the $3000 was for more than just a gasket. I just want to
seal the leak and unload the car. Its a great car and I thought
I would keep it alot longer, but this left a bad taste in my
mouth after I treated it so great. And DIY is not an option here,
I just know I would F something up. Thanks for all your input guys.

marty