I found the serial number for the engine at
www.mbclub.ru. It is in Russian, but there is an English version that will decode your VIN.
If I change the timing cover gasket that would take care of 50% of the leak. I could hold off doing the head gasket, it is leaking out the back corner and some on the side. I guess it comes down to spending a Saturday or possibly 2 weekends on the job.