Thank you for the replies. I have asked this question before about the head gasket, and was told just to let it go until it completely blows. Since the water pump and the radiator needs to be replaced now is a good time to fix and not worry. Parts are reasonable and I will be doing the work myself with some help fom a fgriend so labor is not an issue. I will be doing lots of reading from others who have done this job.
Still need to find the engine number because there are three different pumps that were used. Is there anything else that needs to be replaced while I have the engine apart? Thanks, Greg

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tgmiller77
1997 Land Rover Discovery 158,000
1995 E320 Wagon 132,000mi
1999 E320 Wagon 97,000mi

If it was my car (and I did have the same one for a few years), I would do the water pump and front cover gasket first. Then you can see if the headgsket leak is really an issue or not - that front cover blows oil everywhere and confuses the issue. In my case it turned out that the head gasket was basically a non-issue. I had at least that many miles and I'm sure it's still goin strong with the same head gasket. Just consider it a desgin feature: external self-lubrication.
The water pump and front-cover are not major "tear-intos" on the M104.

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Prost!

tgmiller77, I recommend buying a reconditioned water pump from your local MB dealer. With the VIN the Parts Department will be able to acquire the correct water pump for your engine. Be sure to use the MB sealant when replacing the U-shaped gasket between the upper and lower timing chain covers. It's worth the seemingly inflated price.

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Fred Hoelzle