I have three cars with the M112/M113 engines and two of the three have the rear main leaking (one at 60K and one at 90K). I found something in the WIS that baffles me. It states "the crankshaft radial sealing ring (2) at the end cover (1) cannot be exchanged. The end cover is fitted at the factory and therefore must be replaced". The end cover is the plate that the seal is pressed into. It isn't particularly expensive (under $40) but it seems absurd to have to replace it every time the seal ring is replaced. It also warns not to try to remove the seal from the end plate with the end plate installed, yet the end plate is to be reinstalled before pressing in a new seal ring. Anyone have any experience with rear main seal replacement on these engines?

Also, I have a 2000 C280 with the transmission input seal leaking (178K). I did some research on the WIS and I have not found the torque for the bell housing bolts. I did find that the bell housing has to be separated from the transmission case to remove the front pump. The pump actually fits into the bell housing from the rear (the transmission side as opposed to the engine side). My plan to do the was to try to do it from the bell housing side without removing the front pump. Anyone have any experience?

Last the torque for the converter to the flex plate is listed two ways, 1) for the "straight threaded connection" it is 42 Nm or 2) for an "angled threaded connection" it is in three steps of 4 Nm, 20 Nm and a 90 degree tightening angle. I am not sure how to distinguish between the two types of connection. It may be obvious once you are in there.

i can answer the seal question. the housings tend to rot, for lack of a better term. the metal tends to blister and that will cause a leak. change it now when it's easy. i've seen the rot problem in valve covers and intakes, also. good luck, chuck.