I went to inspect a 98 E320 4Matic with 125,000 original miles. The car looks very good inside and out for it's age (no rust) but I found oil leak(s) I was hoping some of you could help me to identify the source(s) of the leaks or potential sources based on the pics I took while I was there. The seller is far away from me and I didn't have time to make arrangements to get it checked out. I know I'm going to have to fix stuff at it's age and price point but I need to know if this is going to be a deal breaker or not.




From drivers side front





From passenger side front. You can see the bell housing is a little wet.





Here is a closeup of the bell housing from the passenger side.





What is that hose running along the heat shield?





I can't tell if the steering rack is actually leaking or if it's from oil above.

Besides these leaks, the car seems to run fine, no noise or problems with the steering, transmission shifts properly. The body is in very good condition for it's age and the paint looks good, but I can tell the front end has been repainted at some point. There are some small things that need to be repaired like window regulators and the mirror button on the center console, the drivers mirror has turned gold, ect, but overall the car looks really good. They want $3200.

 

could be valve cover gaskets dripping down. You likely have some weeping from the rear main seal also.

 

Thanx for the reply. I forgot to mention that these pics were taken after the car had been sitting for days. We had to jump it. So I'm thinking its a leak where oil sits when it's cold i.e. rear main seal but I'm not sure if the steering rack is leaking too.

 

 

If your wife has to own a fifteen year old leaker, I would at the very least take the car to a local garage and have them determine whats leaking and provide an estimate of repair. Then you can make your decision!!

 

I'll try but this car is like an hour and away from shops I know. I figure if it's just sweating RMS and or VCG, I can live with that.i can fix VCG and other things myself but I would not attempt to do a RMS. For $3000, I may just do it.

I'm an enthusiast, so the car is for me, not the wife. I've always loved European wagons and classic amercedes. It will be carrying mountain bikes, skis, tools, and computer equipment until I get a truck.