E320 Oil leak front passenger side - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ksing44 · #1 02-03-2006, 04:04 AM

I just discovered an oil leak on my 1995 E320 with 92K miles. It is located high on the front of the motor on the passenger side. There is some oil on the front bolt that holds the manifold. Is this the site of a typical valve cover gasket leak, rather than a head gasket? How much does it typically cost for just a valve cover gasket vs. a head gasket repair? I typically use the dealer, so I am sure my price will be on the high side.

Ferdman · #2 02-03-2006, 05:43 AM

I suspect the upper portion of the timing chain cover is leaking. Clean the area and try to confirm the exact source of the leak. Your local MB dealer will gladly give you a quote to fix the leak. The timing chain cover on our 1992 300CE developed a leak and the MB Service Department did the job twice before it was leaktight ... fortunately it was covered by a Starmark Warranty.

stevebfl · #3 02-03-2006, 09:09 AM

While the leak is from the cover, the head gasket plays a big part. MB had service info on the subject years ago on the red microfilm that stated the diagnostic course was to reseal the cover and if that didn't fix it, then reseal the head. I can tell you that doesn't work for customers. Unless I know the car has the new updated gasket it gets a new head gasket the first time and only one trip.

For a little more info: http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic100345.html

ksing44 · #4 02-04-2006, 04:03 AM

I am pretty sure it is the upper timing chain cover. The dealer in West Chester, Brandywine Mercedes, quoted about $800 for the upper and lower timing chain covers and about $1600 to do both the head gasket and timing chain covers. It would also be about $1100 or $1200 for the wiring harness, although I think that may have only been for the main harness. I am not sure I need the harness yet, but everything else seems to be going wrong with my car, just as everyone else has predicted.

I have to admit that it is a bit frustrating to have to spend so much money on my car at 100K miles. This year it was the water pump, along with the serpentine belt and thermostat. In addition, the throttle actuator on the transmission, along with replacing all the leaking transmission seals. Now it is the gaskets and I suspect the harness, since the harness has to be manipulated for the gasket job. I guess I will be at around $5000 to $6000, maybe even more, by the time this is over. I can rationalize by saying to myself that $5000 isn’t really all that much to spend on a car that was $50,000 when new, but it really doesn’t help me feel all that much better about it. I guess I did have 8 years of relatively lower maintenance costs and the thrill of owning my W124. I do love to drive my car and it never left me stranded or anything bad like that.

I think I may go for the entire head gasket job, since it sounds inevitable and there is some cost savings to do both at one time. In addition, a bad head gasket could actually end up hurting my vehicle, so I think I would like it fixed before it fails. I may wait on the harness, depending on what the mechanics say about the condition as they complete the rest of the work. My car has had a rather easy life in a temperate climate, so it has never been run very hot. Since heat seems to be a catalyst for degrading the harness, maybe I can wait on that repair.

Ferdman · #5 02-04-2006, 05:55 AM

ksing44, let the dealer do the head gasket and timing chain cover gasket replacements. Plan on doing the wiring harness replacement yourself ... from what I've read it's a relatively simple DIY job ... plug and play. Also, since you live in Downingtown get an estimate from Rex Carle (610-269-5050) for the gasket replacements. Rex is a local independent who works on BMW, Mercedes and Porsche automobiles. He's in the process of relocating his shop from Exton (610-363-7044) to 291 Norwood Road, Downingtown.

ksing44 · #6 02-04-2006, 11:05 AM

Thank you for the tip about Rex Carle. I have heard his name frequently. I really like, trust, and respect the German owners of K&S in Frazer, but they have actually recommended going to the dealer for things that they were really not equipped to properly diagnose. In general, I like the dealer mentality of replacing with new, rather than simply fixing something until the next time. Perhaps Rex is better equipped for my incredibly modern 1995 W124 and perhaps he would simply replace things at my request. I am genuinely thinking about trying an INDY again, not so much for the change in hourly rate, but for real expert service and pride of workmanship. I am willing to pay for premium service, as long as it really is premium. My plan was to keep my car as long as possible, even the rest of my life, if I can keep it in proper repair. I like the idea of making it to 300K miles, or even 500K miles, as long as the car is reliable.

Ferdman · #7 02-05-2006, 06:24 AM

Rex works on the W124 cars regularly and knows how to do the gasket replacements, especially the timing chain cover because he's explained to me the need for a certain type sealant to prevent recurring leaks. It's a different sealant than the MB dealers use.