Here is an update to my original question of leaking water pump.

I found an independent Mercedes shop to do the work at half the price of the MB dealer. The parts may not be MB but are supposedly from the same manufacture. The quote for replacing the pump was $750 including parts and labor. The job would be about 4 hours, so my car would be in and out in one day. The pump was $450. I found out that the pump seal goes bad but the bearing never does. Not like the old days of the 50's and 60's.

However, at my son's insistence to have the timing chain replaced and the reaction of the shop owner (oh god) when told the car has 236,000 miles on it. I decided to have the chain replaced too. If the job was done in conjunction with the water pump that would be an additional $850. By pulling the valve cover, the top chain guides, tensioner and chain can be replaced. BUT, the guides were shot with broken pieces about. The only way to do the job correctly is to pull the front of the engine off. All accessories ie: alternator, power steering pump a/c, radiator and so forth to get to the chain cover and clean out everything. That included the oil sump pan and (oil pan due to a torn gasket).

The job turned into a two week repair. With additional parts like new hoses, serpentine belt, spark plugs and such the job came to $3800.00. Well worth it, running stronger than ever.

The mechanic that did the work has been around for 20 years and never saw so much debris lying about and not have serious troubles.

I am one very lucky guy.

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