Well, after sitting a month in the shop for a head gasket replacement, I've finally been contacted. Turns out the head is cracked and cannot be rebuilt..BUT...that's not the worst of it.

I got the quote for the work. Right now, I'm so pi$$ed, I could spit fire. In addition to the original estimate that included 16.8 hrs of labor, the new estimate calls for an additional 7.5 hrs of labor plus $2260 for a REMANUFACTURED head without valves ($2800 with). Also a miscellaneous parts cost of around $140.

I did some searching and was able to locate a brand new (not remanned) MB head complete with new intake and exhaust valves, springs, stems, etc for $2100 delivered UPS 2-day.

When I mentioned it to the dealer, they didn't want to complete the job using the head from my source. Nor would they adjust the quoted price. Finally, after a long bout of haggling, the dealer agreed to install the head but will not warranty the work past 30 days/3000 miles.

I'm willing to accept the reduction in warranty, given the dealership is not providing the parts. My problem is with the price of the work, the amount of labor being charged, and most importantly, the amount of TIME that is needed. They need the car for 'at least a couple of weeks' before I get it back.

Does this seem normal??

I needed to vent and thanks for listening. Any feedback would greatly appreciated.

MPlatt,

I'm not surprised with your experience with the dealer prices. I had my frontend reconditioned on my 87SDL about a year ago (at 250,000 miles). The dealer wanted close to three times for the parts alone not including labor. I had a non-dealer suspension shop install MB OEM parts for a fraction of the dealers quote.

I would be interested to hear the cause of the cracked head. Was there a something that caused an overheat that cracked the head? What type of antifreeze, MB Orange or green?

My mechanic informed me I have oil in the coolant of my 87 300D. I was advised about 12 hours to take the thing apart and another 7 + to put it back in. Even if it is only a gasket that means a minimum of a grand just in labour and misc parts. If it is a head that is required I was told anywhere from 1500 to 3k PLUS machine work for the valve train.

The car is being parted out or donated; it has a new factory tranny last nov...bummer. It also needs complete new brakes all way around, blower motor (intermittent; climate stuff replaced twice already), rear headrests won't releast, tires, wheels' clear coat is messed up. Car has 230k of extremely hard driving on it; always maintained correctly.

This has not been a terrible reliable car and very expensive. Handles nice, love the ride and seats compared to our 1991 911 and 1995 Audi S6.

Regards,

Carl