But I'm about to get a mint 1986 300E with this same issue. The care seems new, New paint and many new parts. The car is $600. Its driven all the time.

This situation with the oil in the water is the only thing. Is this a definite head gasket situation?

Any one in the NYC metro area know the going rate for this job?

Old thread, but MB head gasket problems are going to be around for many years!

I just went through the same problem with my '93 2.3 190E. I did the head job myself and spent about $600. This includes all new radiator/heater hoses, head gasket kit, a couple of temp. sensors, valve job and head resurfacing at machine shop, vacuum hoses from air cleaner to idle control valve, and anything else that looked damaged or suspect that would cause problems down the road. I spent several hours flushing the cooling system and engine block before adding coolant and distilled water.

You do not want to re-use any hoses that have been contaminated with oil...they will not hold up under pressure. Even the expansion tank pressure cap rubber was destroyed by the oil contamination. If you are going to have this job done, be sure to inspect the estimate for all of the needed parts and material to do the job correctly.

I could have just replaced the head gasket and intake gasket and replaced the bypass hose that blew, but I would not feel right doing the job half-ass.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible