Oil Leak on 1997 E320
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Where are you located?
The other question is the 1997 M104 have little issue with headgasket leaks.
The 95-96 were plagued with them.
And yes that is a bunch of money for Gasket. Almost half the value of the car.
Clean and examine the area might be just a valve cover or timing cover leak.
if it is not a compression leak of the hg monitor the oil and add as needed and drive her into the ground. Sinking 17bills into a 97 is not prudent.
Or shop around a grand or so seems to be the going rate at a good indie shop.
The 95-96 were plagued with them.
And yes that is a bunch of money for Gasket. Almost half the value of the car.
Clean and examine the area might be just a valve cover or timing cover leak.
if it is not a compression leak of the hg monitor the oil and add as needed and drive her into the ground. Sinking 17bills into a 97 is not prudent.
Or shop around a grand or so seems to be the going rate at a good indie shop.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
If your only symptom is an oil leak, I doubt that is a head gasket. As mentioned, a valve cover gasket is a more likely culprit.
In any event get a second opinion.
In any event get a second opinion.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
Head gasket seep at back of the motor is common on these...they don't usually burn oil, just leak externally.
$1000 is a reasonable rate for the repair...$1700 a bit high
Ours has been seeping ever-so-slightly for the last 100k+ miles, but never need to add any oil between 7.5k changes so I just deal with the occasional drop in the driveway.
$1000 is a reasonable rate for the repair...$1700 a bit high
Ours has been seeping ever-so-slightly for the last 100k+ miles, but never need to add any oil between 7.5k changes so I just deal with the occasional drop in the driveway.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3
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1997 E320 MBZ
I just got a 2nd opinion and his quote is $1200--much better. He actually ran dye through my car and then looked at it with an infrared light and pinpointed the lead.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this.
