My C280 is currently in the shop to have its Head Gasket replaced for the SECOND time!!! The odometer currently reads 204K miles. How long are Head Gaskets supposed to last? The original Head Gasket was replaced under warranty somewhere around 110K miles or so due to faulty design.
The car has been maintained by the book, even more so. Driving has been mostly low wear with freeway use as its primary chore since the car was new.

The engine Head is off at a precision machine shop being re-surfaced, and a new gasket will be installed when the head goes back on. The car will then recieve its due tune-up, oil & filter change along with some other items of maintenance.

This all unfolded when I was driving the car down a boulevard after exiting the freeway; at a red light smoke started rising from the hood, and then more smoke flooded into the passenger compartment via dash air vents. I pulled off and parked and let the car cool down. The engine temp gauge hadnt risen to abnormal heights, and the car wasnt running strangely. I had no sign that this was going to happen. The low oil light hadnt lit up, yet when I checked the oil dipstick the level was alarmingly low. I check the oil level every time I fill up religiously and it wasnt low prior to this.

Luckily there was no damage done to the rest of the engine....Ive owned this car too long to part with it, and it soon will be ressurected and on the road again. However, why would the REPLACEMENT Head gasket fail? seems it should have lasted longer than 100K miles.

__________________
Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


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Make sure they check the head for cracks; I would also change the water pump, thermostat and flush the engine cooling system, fill with the proper coolant. Let them check for a lean running Condition. The head bolt torque and pattern is also important.

The engine could be burning oil, damage to the pistons ring due to prier overheating.
What did the repairing shop say? Make sure the temperature gauge is reading correctly.

I've heard of 104 motor head gasket failures as early as 20k miles. I once had a 94 E320 in which the original failed at 35k and the replacement failed at 67k. They have improved the gaskets but it is nevertheless a flawed design. The block is cast iron and the head is alloy and they expand and contract at different rates putting pressure on the gasket. It is not an uncommon combination but it is rare in such a long straight six. About all you can do is put some research into finding the best gasket and make sure you've got a good mechanic. You can find out more about the gasket suppliers with a search above. There is a nice article on the subject by Steve Brotherton - do a google search for "Steve Brotherton Mercedes head gasket" and you should find it.