CLK500 Valve cover gasket Cost$$

Sep 23, 2015 | 04:08 PM

stemple37

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Newbie

Joined: Feb 2015

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2002 A Class 190, 2005 CLK 500

CLK500 Valve cover gasket Cost$$

I have been diagnosed with leaky valve cove gaskets. Oil dripping on exhaust and smoking and burn smell coming into the cabin.

I have have been given an estimate of $400 to replace both sides at an Indy. Is this within line price wise??

Sep 23, 2015 | 10:01 PM

Amir_AMG

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Bethesda, MD

2000 SL500

check around. the parts themselves are dirt cheap, the labor is what gets you

Sep 23, 2015 | 10:13 PM

Eojj

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: PA

W209(sold), W212, X204

$40 for a pair of gaskets, maybe 2-3 hours of labor ($50-100/hr)... You could probably get it done for cheaper but $400 isn't horrible if its a reputable mechanic

Sep 23, 2015 | 10:16 PM

gixxerboy

Super Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 773

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From: Dallas

2013 CLS63, 2001 ML430, 2012 e350 coupe

that's a fair price if at a reputable shop. I charge $105 an hour. Yes gaskets are cheap but they are marked up too

Sep 23, 2015 | 11:16 PM

floridawriter

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Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 391

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From: Orlando, FL

05 CLK55 AMG (1 of 247) Cubanitsilber designo series

I agree, 400 is a reasonable price. You should also consider opening the breather box covers, cleaning and resealing them as well as replacing all the breather hoses at the same time you have the valve cover gaskets replaced. It will add about 2 hours of labor plus probably 50 dollars for new breather hoses.

Sep 24, 2015 | 10:06 PM

Rudeney

MBworld Guru

Joined: Dec 2009

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NO LONGER ACTIVE

Make sure you use genuine MBZ gaskets. Some aftermarket parts, like Victor Reinz brand, are too thin and will leak. Genuine gaskets are maybe $20 more than aftermarket. As for labor, if the job includes thoroughly cleaning the covers and resealing the breather covers and OEM parts, then that's not too bad. I can do the job in an hour not doing the cleanup or breather covers. Another hour to add those items.