Car: 2014 E350 Sedan (Sport Package & 18" AMG Wheels - not E350 AMG per se) ~ 78k miles

My coolant was disappearing and got the diagnostics done at the dealership, and found the following issues:

1. Water pump and thermostat replacement (gaskets, seals, block off plate, lower radiator "correction" needed) ~ $1620 (at dealership) and ~ $1100 (at a reputable shop that works exclusively on German cars)
2. Front brake pads & rotors ~ $1200 (at dealership) and ~ $650 (at the shop above)
3. Gasket, Cylinder head front cover (left side ~ $590, right side ~ $670 at dealership) - no quote from the above shop yet

I saw the video of the diagnosis, and am pretty convinced about the water pump, and front brake pads and rotors. The oil "leak" from the cylinder head has always been there, I don't see anything drip or major.

Questions:
1. What is considered a fair cost for water pump & thermostat replacement at a shop?
2. Same question for front brake pads, rotors, and sensors?
3. Same question for the cylinder head gaskets
4. Are water pump replacement and front brake pads/rotors considered average difficulty? Can I try to do myself?

I am mechanically inclined, have worked on my motorcycle before (carb, valve adjust, etc.), have done light work on the Mercedes (spark plugs, ignition coils, oil change) and have the tools and time.
Anything difficult or tricky that would require expertise at a shop?

If the difference in cost between DIY and shop is around 500 to 700 (or less), I would likely take it to a shop, and if the diff is 700-1000 or more, I would be very tempted to do it myself.
I have another car that wife and I use, and am in no rush to get this done. I could take my time. But I want to make sure I don't bite more than I can chew.

I would appreciate advice on whether I should try to do this myself or take it to a shop. Also, if I did myself, should I get OEM parts, or are there third party quality parts (any retailers?) that I should buy from?
Any specific brand suggestions on brake pads & rotors? Any other general things to watch out for in case of DIY?

Thanks!

 

You can check

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...s=brake%20pads
or
https://mbparts.mbusa.com/v-2014-mer...em--water-pump

to compare MB online pricing (some dealers do not honor the online discounted prices at the shop ).

My car is very similar to yours (barring options), and still on original brake pads @83k miles, and I have not seen any of those issues. From the estimate from the shop estimate, and the parts prices it is up to you to save @200 depending on your choice of pads. Perhaps doing it yourself, it will remind you every time you press the brakes, or speed up .

The gasket cylinder head front cover seems expensive to me since it is all labor, and not much in parts (see items 7 and 8)
https://mbparts.mbusa.com/v-2014-mer...--engine-parts

The main thing is if you enjoy working on your car; otherwise, you may find it frustrating, so you have "to pay to play the MB game"

Hope the above helps you make your decision.

 

Thank you! It does help with my decision. At least, I am fairly certain I won't take it to the dealership. Very likely I will replace the rotors and brake pads myself. I might consider the shop for water pump, and from every thread I see online, people recommend OEM genuine mercedes water pump, not third party.
If the shop does actual mercedes part, I might take to the shop for water pump. As for the cylinder head gasket leak, I will post some pictures so people can see. I don't think it is a major issue.

 

I forgot to mention that disconnecting the harness from the solenoids (on those covers) would be a great idea and checking for oil sipping through the solenoids. Your current repair list will be peanuts if you get oil through that harness and it migrates to the ECU, i.e. $$$. There are several threads about this issue with the M276/M278 engine in the forum for ALL the MB cars using those engines. For example (no particular reason for selecting those ones, there are plenty of discussions to read about), see

W212 -> https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ispreloading=1

X166 -> https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...e-harness.html

C218 -> https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...g-harness.html

The sacrificial harness being used (even if you buy a newer designed solenoid)

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...des-2711500156

 

note to do any engine work on these, you'll need to invest in a full set of reverse torx sockets. you'll want to get your hands on a copy of the WIS and spend many evenings studying the procedures before attempting.

here's just a couple of the related WIS docs to give you a hint.

 

Buy a rebuilt mercedes water pump.
Have a local shop install; some have ex Mercedes mechanics.
Do brakes yourself. Hardest part might be removing original rotor. Rusted tght. Had to pres off with bolts.
Many choices, Best luck with Delco rotors an pads vs price.
Rears seem to last forever.

 

If a small leak, do a pressure test.
One I tested was leaking on dirvers side radiator top mount crack.
(was plastic)

Added a good stop leak and problem solved.