MidniteBluBenz

anyone else have the same problem? i took my car ('91 300E) for a bumper to bumper inspection at benz and they told me that my head gasket is leaking oil. Its a $1200 job so i'm not going to do it, but i'm wondering how serious a problem it is. I have a lead foot and the engine sounds and revs fine so it doesnt seem to be causing any problems as of yet.

mhorn

Have you noticed the car's oil level to leak down between oil changes? Does the oil light ever come on? The M104 engines are prone to leak oil at the rear, the M103 engines will leak around the timing chain cover. If its not leaking a lot you could get by with it. However if you drive the car hard the problem will only get worse. If you decide to replace the head gasket, you should probably have the timing chain replaced as well while they've got the motor apart.

88MB260E

I've had the same problem since I've had mine. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you're pouring oil into the engine often. For me, I just use higher mileage motor oil and engine restorer (couples times a year) and I have almost no problem with losing oil.

Kestas

A head gasket leak needs to be fixed immediately if the oil is getting into the cooling system. If it's only leaking oil to the outside, it can be tolerated as long as you can tolerate the mess, as long as it's not wetting any rubber components under the hood. Oil can deteriorate rubber components.

GORBETTTEAM

Sooner or later this is what you'll be seeing my friend....

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/chamig...r=2e68&.src=ph

Jer

You would be better off replacing the head gasket sooner than later. Mine is failing, too. Also, I hate the smell of smoldering oil on a hot engine. Not in keeping with Mercedes quality...

w124nut

I've just had mine replaced at a cost of £800 but that included some extras. Replacing the head gasket may interfere with the engine wiring harness to the extent that the insulation if hard, will break and leave you with bare wiring. This will be another expense.