IAATM

The service department advisor at MB of San Diego is telling me that my 2012 W221 with 68k miles on it has a leaking left valve cover that will cost $1402 to repair/replace:

• FLUID LEAK IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
• RE-SEAL LEFT VALVE COVER = $1,402.00
  • Qty Part Number Part Description Price Ext Price
  • 4x 276-016-00-21 ELASTOMER-MOLD 4.37 17.48
  • 22x 113-990-02-22 SCREW 7.12 156.64
  • 13x 089099110 SOLVENT 6.00 78.00
  • 1x 003-989-98-20-10 SEALANT MB 32.24 32.24
  • Labor Hrs $1,095.60
  • Parts $284.36

My three questions to the Forum:

• Has another other owner experienced the similar situation, and if so, can you share it please?
  • For example, did you live with it for a period of time or fix it immediately?
• I haven't yet seen it myself, but is this normally a slow seep?
  • I've not observed any oil on the floor of my garage
• Can you recommend an independent garage in the San Diego or Southern California area who might fix it for less money?

Thanks and happy holidays!!

steveb9771

Get a second opinion from another dealer before you do anything. Make sure they identify exactly where the leak is. It might be from something attached to the valve cover that could be easier to repair. The labor charge seems excessive. They are charging above list price for parts.

As an example 22x 113-990-02-22 SCREW 7.12 156.64
They show $7.12 per screw, but https://www.mbpartscenter.com/oem-pa...rew-1139900222 shows a list price of $4.90 and sells them for $3.58.

How do they justify their cost for solvent?

It appears the only real excessive leakage will be cash from your wallet at your dealer!!

1bad540

If your car isnt under warty and you bring it to the dealer your dumb, find a reputable independant. Its not that uncommon but its also nowhere near that cost.