C 280 Oil Leak cost idea?
11-21-2004, 09:13 PM
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E 320
C 280 Oil Leak cost idea?
Got 1996 C 280 with 43K miles today and see dripping oil leak.
Smell oil after driving as well.
Read on this forum about possibilities including:
1. Head gasket leak --> big $$ cost --> any idea how much?
2. Leak near gasket area that is not expensive. (do not know exactly what is the difference in problem and cost)
If anyone can elaborate as the ideal plan of action, would appreaciate.
Do not know anything about a car so basics would be better.
Should I go to local mechanic first or go to dealer?
Smell oil after driving as well.
Read on this forum about possibilities including:
1. Head gasket leak --> big $$ cost --> any idea how much?
2. Leak near gasket area that is not expensive. (do not know exactly what is the difference in problem and cost)
If anyone can elaborate as the ideal plan of action, would appreaciate.
Do not know anything about a car so basics would be better.
Should I go to local mechanic first or go to dealer?
11-22-2004, 09:50 AM
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'05 A4 1.8TQM6
94-96 w202's were known for head gasket leaks...more common on the C280 Inline 6's. There were some cases on the C220 Inline 4's (mine included 
)
Cost generally is about $1000-$1300 to get it replaced, either by dealer or independent. I asked around for quotes and they were pretty much the same ball park, ~$1000.
The gasket part is about $200 and the rest is in labor because it takes about 10-11 hours to complete the job.
Do you notice parts under the hood "wet" looking? Or oil puddle under the car? Are you losing a lot of oil between oil changes or fill ups (if you check then).
)Cost generally is about $1000-$1300 to get it replaced, either by dealer or independent. I asked around for quotes and they were pretty much the same ball park, ~$1000.
The gasket part is about $200 and the rest is in labor because it takes about 10-11 hours to complete the job.
Do you notice parts under the hood "wet" looking? Or oil puddle under the car? Are you losing a lot of oil between oil changes or fill ups (if you check then).
11-22-2004, 10:11 PM
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yes and no
I do see oil (wet) area under the engine in the car. No puddles on the road. Oil droplets after car ran for sometime. Coolant is clear of oil. No smoke in exhaust. No smell while driving car. Post drive when I came out of the car did smell oil like smell.
Found a bolt on the driver side of engine underneath where there is most oil. Mine is C280 1996 (does it mean inline 6 or V6)
Found a bolt on the driver side of engine underneath where there is most oil. Mine is C280 1996 (does it mean inline 6 or V6)
11-23-2004, 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by IQguy
I do see oil (wet) area under the engine in the car. No puddles on the road. Oil droplets after car ran for sometime. Coolant is clear of oil. No smoke in exhaust. No smell while driving car. Post drive when I came out of the car did smell oil like smell.
Found a bolt on the driver side of engine underneath where there is most oil. Mine is C280 1996 (does it mean inline 6 or V6)
Found a bolt on the driver side of engine underneath where there is most oil. Mine is C280 1996 (does it mean inline 6 or V6)
You're not looking at a head gasket based on the above but sounds more like
a valve cover gasket issue with the oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold.
11-23-2004, 05:11 PM
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U R right (hopefully)
I took car to a local (non MB specialist) mechanic. He showed me head gasket is on the passanger side of engine. My leak is from driver side, small area. I thought it was a bolk under a metallic tube/pipelike structure. But the guy says: it is coming from this connection between metal and rubber/plastic that just needs to be replaced. He did not know much but told me head gasket is on the other side and I do not have a problem with it.
Question now is: should I assume that leak is minor expense? Taking to dealership this weekend.
Question now is: should I assume that leak is minor expense? Taking to dealership this weekend.
11-23-2004, 06:59 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by IQguy
I took car to a local (non MB specialist) mechanic. He showed me head gasket is on the passanger side of engine. My leak is from driver side, small area. I thought it was a bolk under a metallic tube/pipelike structure. But the guy says: it is coming from this connection between metal and rubber/plastic that just needs to be replaced. He did not know much but told me head gasket is on the other side and I do not have a problem with it.
Question now is: should I assume that leak is minor expense? Taking to dealership this weekend.
Question now is: should I assume that leak is minor expense? Taking to dealership this weekend.
