after changing a few parts on my 126 I kind of got rid of my rough idle, there however was still a miss every so often, (I had changed the idle control valve and that cured the lions share of the bad idle.) So after saying enough is enough, I took it to an independent German automotive mechanic few days ago ( I don't know why I didn't take it to him before.) He put the car on the scope and the electric was all over the place, after checking all the electric components, he closely looked at my cheapy ignition wires, and said big no no. So next day he put's in Brand new Bosch wires, adjust's the timing, adjust's the gas (CO; which I assume is carbon monoxide.) and the car is running much better. So in his quest to get it running perfect he does some other tests and notes the intake manifold to be having an air leak. So now here is my question, I really enjoy working on the Merc, and the $475 he quoted wasn't bad , (I think) my buddy is also quite mechanically inclined, how long will it take for us to change the intake manifold gaskets, ( I want to change both.) and what should I look out for.

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Here is to Mercedesshop.com!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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**A few Hondas etc... etc... Not Worth Mentioning**
83 Euro W126 380 sel Money Pit (Sold)
91 W124 300e 2.6. (Sold) 3.0 Motor is Much better!!
93 BMW E34 Touring Wagon (Sold) Sweet Car!!
91 300e (Just 200k with Ease.)Best car ever ???(Sold)
90 420sel (Black with Tan Interior) Best car ever!!!!!!!

Hello,
between the lower and the upper part of the intake are 8 big rubber rings sealing both parts. Because of aging they get hard and brittle. In my guess it is highly recommended to change these 8 rubber rings together with the intake manifold gaskets. Also the 8 fuel injector gaskets and the holder o-rings should be renewed.
Best regards,
Michael, 86 420SL

Hey, did you ever change those air intake manifold gaskets? How long did it take you? Were the O rings bad?

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1989 420 SEL

Don't know about the V8, with the 6 cylinders I highly recommend to clean the inside of the manifolds. Also the throttle valve has often lots of dirt what can block some of the drillings next to the flap.