I love my '86 300E, but where do I go next? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

edge · #16 05-24-2008, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

I agree with some of that, but I look at the head gasket and wiring harness as a one time only event. Once you get passed it, it'll never need replacing again.

I see the evaporator mentioned a lot for W124's, by my mechanic tells me that the problem mainly affected the earlier models, and while the later models sometimes do need them replaced, it is much less common.

The 722.3 tranny, though, I disagree with your assessment. They are very durable, and rarely break. And if they do, my mechanic installs them for $1,200 installed.

I have found that head gasket leak are problematic on an ongoing basis even after replacing. You have a great mechanic, I paid $2200 for a rebuilt tranny. The threat of a $4500 evaporator job is a deal breaker.

suginami · #17 05-25-2008, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edge

I have found that head gasket leak are problematic on an ongoing basis even after replacing. You have a great mechanic, I paid $2200 for a rebuilt tranny. The threat of a $4500 evaporator job is a deal breaker.

I can only base my opinion on my experience and that of my mechanics (the famous Enrique at Mr. MB Motors).

The final iteration of the head gasket (the one made by Elring) has metal tabs on it that index it firmly into the block, preventing it from moving. Enrique tells me that he has never had a head gasket fail that he's replaced.

I don't know what an evaporator job goes for exactly, but I recall it was in the $1,500 range.

edge · #18 05-25-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

I can only base my opinion on my experience and that of my mechanics (the famous Enrique at Mr. MB Motors).

The final iteration of the head gasket (the one made by Elring) has metal tabs on it that index it firmly into the block, preventing it from moving. Enrique tells me that he has never had a head gasket fail that he's replaced.

I don't know what an evaporator job goes for exactly, but I recall it was in the $1,500 range.

Well, my indy told me he had to take out the dashboard to replace the evaporator which was a multi day job that he thought was $4000 and advised me to sell my wagon instead, which I disclosed to the buyer who wanted a country weekend car and the A/C didn't matter. What is the best (least known faults) year for the MB Wagon?

suginami · #19 05-25-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edge

What is the best (least known faults) year for the MB Wagon?

I don't know if there is one.

I'd say either one of the two:

1. late model M103 powered wagon ('91-'92) with the head gasket replaced and new valve guides and valve seals. Everyone forgets to mention this when comparing M103 to M104 engines. M104's never have valve guide or valve seal problems.

2. '94-'95 wagon with a new engine wiring harness and head gasket.