E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

Need your honest opinion...

Old Mar 20, 2006 | 11:56 AM
  #1  
Davel's Avatar
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From: Maryland
03 Eclass, 03 BMW 06 Porsche Cayman S, 03 Harley Davidson "bored & stroked"
Need your honest opinion...

1990 300E original owner all services done, 103,000 miles just found out it needs head gasket been quoted around $1,800 to do the job. Is it worth it, or is it after 16 years time to buy a new one. Paint is starting to dull and driver seat cover needs to be replaced, other then that car is in good condition for age and mileage... Thanks in advance
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 01:25 PM
  #2  
YNVDIZW124's Avatar
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From: Long Beach, Ca
lots of cars
1800 for a headgasket?.....sounds crazy...not even a used motor cost that much...I have an 86 and that's 20 years old....runs like a champ...
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 05:19 PM
  #3  
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From: Sherman Oaks
2004 C240, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
depends on if they are redoing the entire head or just doing the gasket...
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 05:19 PM
  #4  
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From: Bryson City NC
93 300SE Rauch "Smoke"
How many quotes have you had??

Smokie
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Old Mar 21, 2006 | 04:34 PM
  #5  
Davel's Avatar
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03 Eclass, 03 BMW 06 Porsche Cayman S, 03 Harley Davidson "bored & stroked"
just the one quote, but it did include valve work and timing chain replacement...
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 01:46 AM
  #6  
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price is a little high. shop around, lotsa mercedes independent mechanics.

if the only things wrong besides the head gasket are paint fading and a seat sagging, its worth keeping.
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 01:59 AM
  #7  
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From: Washington, the State
1993 300CE Sportline
beer for my mechanic

you said: just the one quote, but it did include valve work and timing chain replacement...
I've heard around $1200 for JUST the head gasket fix...but it seems silly not to do a valve job and maybe a timing chain while the head is off. What is the breakdown for the job? I'd guess the valve work could easily go past $350-500. I'd get another estimate unless it is the shop you trust and have had them work on your benz before. I'd hate to "breakin" a new mechanic. I always review the estimate with "my" mechanic and if I feel good about it...go for it and give him a case of beer when complete (imported of course), he likes it and maybe I get better care.
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 02:16 PM
  #8  
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I just had mine done. Has 167K on it. Independent former MB Master Tech quoted $800 for new head gasket. Complete top end rebuild was only $600 more so I had him do both. The timing chain had already been replaced about 125K or so.
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