After running our '95 e320 wagon for 42,000 miles with the headgasket problem, it was finally fixed yesterday. During those miles, it seemed the only symptom of the problem was it leaked lots of oil on the ground. It ran great. So after the MB master tech finishes up, he says: these problems never hurt this engine. So I paid all that cash just to solve a leak?! My understanding is that eventually, coolant can get into the #1 cylinder, scoring the walls and causing coolant loss. Worst case, hydrolocking the engine.

Now, we had a coil spring break so he put two new OEM springs in the front, the headgasket job, and an inspection, plus some minor odds and ends he discovered in the process like a thermostat housing leak, a couple of shot breather hoses, and a leak on the plastic nub from the radiator to the overflow tank. Also, a new serpentine drive belt. All told, $1,800.


Opinions?

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

Almost all headgaskets that leak water into the engine do damage the internals of the engine..Most M104 head gaskets leak EXTERNALLY..some times the alternator can be damaged by that leak

M104 headgasket jobs run about 11-12 hrs times local flat rate..

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

That seems like quite a bit of work for $1800. Was this a dealer, or reputable indy? Your post is well-timed- I just made an appt to have my head gasket done this week- 94 E320 w/ 108k on it. It is a chunk of change, but my thought is that when it is done, with the redesigned/improved gasket, then it won't be a problem again. I'm taking care of all of my car's issues, and plan to run it to about 250k.

I personally get a bit nervous with engine oil leaking, not to mention it is leaking badly enough now that I can occassionally smell burnt oil through the vents. Piece of mind costs money, I guess!

JAS

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94 E320
71 350SL

The work was done by a very reputable indy, former MB master mechanic. Included in the price was two gallons of MB coolant and an oil change. I thought it was a good deal--although the serpentine belt cost $57!

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

I would consider that a very fair deal. What were the symptoms of the bad headgasket, as you can see I am in the general mileage for those type of problems? I always assumed it was a coolant leak down the side of the engine.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

The obvious symptom is the car leaking lots of oil! Our car didn't really go through any coolant, it would just leave oil everywhere it went. This is caused by the headgasket shrinking away from the front timing cover seal and thus it creates a space for oil to come out. The headgasket itself is still functioning, but I have heard it can recede back to the point where coolant may enter cylinder #1, thus scoring the cylinder walls and causing damage. At this point, you will notice coolant slowly going down, possibly a smell, and possibly a larger than normal amount of vapor coming out your tailpipe.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

Thanks !!

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Yup, mine is the same situation you describe- no coolant issues, but the car leaves small puddles of oil wherever I park. It's leaking enough that I sometimes get an oil smell in the cabin. It goes in tomorrow---

J