Hello Bud:

I know how you feel about your head gasket. I have a '93 190e that had 73k on the clock at the time, and mine failed. I was rather surprised as well, but my mechanic said that he has seen a number of these. I guess all you can do is pay the $ and get it taken care of.

If you do what the others have suggested (guides and seals), you won't have to touch your engine again for a way long time.

My mechanic advised me to just do the valve seals for now. The guides on my car were still in excellent shape and did not require attention.

Best of luck to you on your repairs; hope they can get it finished for you soon.

Peace,
Michael.