GLE Class (W166) Produced 2015-2019

Should I fix this oil “leak” from engine cover?

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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 02:05 PM
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Should I fix this oil “leak” from engine cover?

Had service B done last month and was told everything is good. A week ago one of the spark plug coil has a problem and causing rumbling so I brought it in to dealer to fix. The mechanic said he found a an oil leak from the front engine cover and causing staining on the alternator and it would cost close to $1.5k to fix which is almost three times the amount to fix the spark coil.
They want to reseal the front engine cover and place cam magnet seals. Would you fix the leak? Or wait until next service? I’m not familiar and need guidance. Please help!
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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by moziamo
Had service B done last month and was told everything is good. A week ago one of the spark plug coil has a problem and causing rumbling so I brought it in to dealer to fix. The mechanic said he found a an oil leak from the front engine cover and causing staining on the alternator and it would cost close to $1.5k to fix which is almost three times the amount to fix the spark coil.
They want to reseal the front engine cover and place cam magnet seals. Would you fix the leak? Or wait until next service? I’m not familiar and need guidance. Please help!
I do not know how techy you are but if this happens to my car I will do it by myself. you can search youtube to get an idea any 350 engine should have the same steps. It is all on the top, remove the intake, and then you can see both cam cover.
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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by moziamo
Had service B done last month and was told everything is good. A week ago one of the spark plug coil has a problem and causing rumbling so I brought it in to dealer to fix. The mechanic said he found a an oil leak from the front engine cover and causing staining on the alternator and it would cost close to $1.5k to fix which is almost three times the amount to fix the spark coil.
They want to reseal the front engine cover and place cam magnet seals. Would you fix the leak? Or wait until next service? I’m not familiar and need guidance. Please help!
Where are you located? You need to find a reputable/honest indy to do this for you before being taken to the cleaners.

The engine on the W166 is the M276, and it is also used in the W212 E350, and there are plenty of people in the W212 forum who can also pitch information for you.

Can post similar views of the engine covers? In particular the passenger's side in preparation for others to comment on.

Here is a thread on a different forum https://www.leighsr.com/forum/garage...lve-cover-seal

Last edited by JCM_MB; Nov 12, 2021 at 06:45 PM.
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Old Nov 13, 2021 | 02:47 PM
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The video shows a very small, and old, oil stain. It almost assuredly came from a small amount of spilled oil when doing an oil change. The oil fill cap is nearly directly above the alternator, and it's not hard to spill a few drips of oil while filling. Someone I know.... has done this before (me).

An honest mechanic will show a photo of the leak itself. The video does not show the source of the leak. Probably because there is no leak.

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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by juanmor40
Where are you located? You need to find a reputable/honest indy to do this for you before being taken to the cleaners.

The engine on the W166 is the M276, and it is also used in the W212 E350, and there are plenty of people in the W212 forum who can also pitch information for you.

Can post similar views of the engine covers? In particular the passenger's side in preparation for others to comment on.

Here is a thread on a different forum https://www.leighsr.com/forum/garage...lve-cover-seal
I’m in NYC. How much does it cost to fix a spark plug coil at a regular mechanic store? Dealer is charging $400😱
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by moziamo
I’m in NYC. How much does it cost to fix a spark plug coil at a regular mechanic store? Dealer is charging $400😱
Each coil is about $50+. The passenger side is a walk in the park, where the tricky part for the uninitiated arethe latch, and pulling out the coil. If you watch a video, you would see is easy once you have seen it.
​​​the driver side is a bit more tedious because space is tight, but not impossible. I would guess an hour and bit labour doing it myself.
It took me @ 2hours including spark plugs on my E350/M276 engine.

1 coil on the passenger side for $400 is outrageous. 6 coils is bargain.
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by juanmor40
Each coil is about $50+. The passenger side is a walk in the park, where the tricky part for the uninitiated arethe latch, and pulling out the coil. If you watch a video, you would see is easy once you have seen it.
​​​the driver side is a bit more tedious because space is tight, but not impossible. I would guess an hour and bit labour doing it myself.
It took me @ 2hours including spark plugs on my E350/M276 engine.

1 coil on the passenger side for $400 is outrageous. 6 coils is bargain.
They said the faulty coil is #6 and want $400 total for it. Do you know which side #6 coil is on? What would be a good price range at any other mechanic shop? I’m not car savvy at all.
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Old Nov 17, 2021 | 04:35 AM
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You can replace the coil pack yourself so easy if you have the tools.

Right Bank the closer one to the back Firewall

I have done coil packs on my old M113 motor (5.0L V8)

Last edited by amusa; Nov 17, 2021 at 04:49 AM.
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Old Nov 17, 2021 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by amusa
You can replace the coil pack yourself so easy if you have the tools.

Right Bank the closer one to the back Firewall

I have done coil packs on my old M113 motor (5.0L V8)
Thank you for the diagram.

I was looking for one to avoid "misinterpretation" with orientations. It is my understanding that based on the diagram it is on the left bank, firewall side, where right/left are referenced from the driver seat looking forward.
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