jfk-usaf

During my search noticed that about 5 of the 7 ML350s that I looked at (my12-15) had an oil leak behind the oil filter housing (but not on it) that seemed to come from the valve cover gasket or cam cover. Is this a recall that just wasn't completed on these specific cars or is this just a thing that happens with these cars? The 12 we just bought only has 6k miles on it so it doesn't have it yet. Is there a way to prevent it? Thinking about it, I actually hope that it develops before the one year warranty expires.

EDC320

Oil looks to be seeping.
Also filter housing has some too.
Lots of build up in front too.
Another view of the side.
Lots of oil here.

jfk-usaf

That's it... One of the previous cars we had a down payment on (before they crashed it and I cancelled) had this leak too. Per my request, they brought it to a MB dealer who said that it was a cam belt cover and valve cover gasket failure. That leak has been on literally 8 out of the 10 cars I have looked at. All of those cars ranged from 2012 to 2015 and from 21K miles to 35K miles. This should be a recall at this point. At least a Tech order. The 2014 w/ 34K on the clock that we just switched to has it as well.

EDC320

Mine is 2015 (December 2014 build) with about 32,500 miles.

jfk-usaf

Not surprised... The film around the oil filter looks like someone just didn't tighten it up all the way after one of your service visits though. It doesn't actually look like an issue.

EDC320

Leaky gaskets confirmed and being replaced under warranty.

DasSchnitzel

I had this on my BMW 3 series at around 40k miles. Easy and cheap fix that took a couple hours at most. Ended up using a gasket from Advance and have been leak free for 70k miles and I have no doubt it'll last the rest of the life of the car. One thing I'd recommend is to make sure that they clean off the metal very well before installing the new gasket. The gaskets under heat will tend to vulcanize and leave some residual gasket on the metal when you take it off. This can hinder the new seal. I'd trust the valve cover with new gasket being torqued on much better than when they built the engine originally.

pcy

While the valve cover gaskets are being replaced, I'd replace the oil cooler gasket as well... even if I have to pay for the incremental difference in labor charge.

EDC320

If this is such a common problem with these cars why no recall?
I guess they are hoping most people don't look under the hood until after warranty is over.