Year:1991
Model: 300 SE
Mileage:151,000
Oil Consumption: Summer: quart every 1500 miles; winter: no oil added between 3000 mile changes.
Oil Leaks: None
Any top end work No
Complete books and service records.
Quote:
I'd say, speaking as a layman that after 20 years and 157k miles the odds are good a PO did some of those things. You have no signs of external leaks around the head gasket or the valve covers?
I don't think the valve seals would have lasted that long without showing a consumption problem. That was probably done, as it is a "head-on" fix and seals were prone to dry out and "leak".
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I’m the second owner – the engine has no leaks or smoke of any kind in the exhaust. Unless the PO didn’t include the work papers with the books, no work was done on the valve seals or head gasket. The service book has records of oil changes and all other services/repairs at the proper interval with the tech’s signature and shop stamp, even if the valve seals/head gasket work papers/receipt weren’t included the tech would have made the record in the service book. And I have the original zippered case for the books including the OM, ID card, options booklets, and dealer guide.
It’s possible the PO had the work done at a non-MB shop, but why?
It's also possible the tech didn't sign off for some reason.
In any event, after four years, it’s been a strong and reliable engine.