Valve cover gasket change. Major Oil leakage pix
 

I thought I do some maintenance to the beast, and figured start off with checking for oil leaks around the valve covers... Ill let the pictures do the talking, but for a car with 32600miles is this normal? What causes the gasket to fail? Oil was leaking so bad it was actually dripping onto the headers!

Oh, big thanks to few you who helped me out today!

one more before and after...

While I was in the garage, I also decided to repair the huge hole made courtesy of my 2 blue nose puppies haha...

How much were the OEM gaskets? And how long was the swap out? Mine isnt leaking yet but i figure if its an easy DIY, i might as well prepare for it.

I had a vent cover leak on my CLS and it only has 19000 miles. It was a cheap fix at least.

I have a small leak(s) somewhere too. Just ordered valve cover gaskets, assuming that's the issue, since they look damp in that area. Mine has 46k.
I paid $13 each side.

I got the gaskets at a local Benz for $60. They are about $16.xx on parts.com I didn't have the time to wait...

Well if your somewhat mechanically inclined it should take a good few hours. Took me 3 hours on the driverside (had some complecations) and hour on passenger side. About hour cleaning thecovers. Probably take hour or 2 putting all back together. (im still waiting on gaskets) I would make sure you have the whole day free haha.

I would go ahead and reseal the vent covers as well as they tend to leak. No gaskets use rtv gasket forming sealant.

Thanks. Was reading another thread on that, so it's on the list.
You may consider Pelicanparts.com, next time you need parts. No affiliation, just quality parts and they have good stock. I understand needing them quick, however.
Bill

I found this to be a common problem on all M113 engines NA or S/C

had this on my e500 at 36k miles on the drivers side. Fixed under CPO warranty. Smell burning oil on the e55, and can see seepage on it. When temps get warmer, i will end up replacing the gasket DS and will check PS.

Why don't you paint the covers during the down time.

Is there a detailed DIY anywhere? Might do this soon lots of pics if possible

Mine are disgusting. I plan on repairing it when I do headers.....someday.

I thought about it, but you can barely see them, so I figured why bother...

Finally finished up today... Was waiting on some parts... Also decided to do the S55 snorkel at the same time...

I followed this diy, decent not everything is there but the rest of it you figure out as you do it lol, and some alldata...

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...lug-wires.html

Those pics are awesome! Looking good :) Before and after pics show an amazing difference.

Would you happen to have the part number for the S55 snorkel handy?
Regards

s55 snorkel 113 094 12 82 (Only the driveside one needs to be replaced) The picture is comparing the stock restrictive one, to the s55 one. Some people use the SL ones, but S one is a better/easier fit.

Nice post tbal, top pics, top job.

a few questions, as im going to do this over the next few weeks;-

what was the problem you had on the drivers side?

also what did you torque the bolts back up to?

what did you use to clean the oil off?

cheers

Driver side, you have to release the fuel pressure from the release valve, and take off the fuel line going to the fuel rail... Not a biggie.

Tq. specs are all in this diy...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...lug-wires.html

To clean the oil off I used engine cleaner. brake cleaner works well too. Make sure you rinse it down good, wipe it down, and let them dry.

If your car has higher miles you might also want to consider changing the spark plugs as they will be easily accessible at the same time!

looks good Tbal. after reading your thread I looked around my engine bay and noticied a few leaks around the spark plug area so I will probably be doing this soon too! Thanks for making me double check lol :)

BTW, how much did the s55 snorkel cost? and you only have to replace the driver side?

Lol no worries. I started her up today, everything looks good n no oil leaks lol! This is probably just in my head but the engine seems to idle better than before. Less shaking?

where did you go?? i noticed mine leaking too while in delta earlier last year... bought both gaskets @ the richmond dealer, they charged me like 20 something per side if i remember correctly... there was a guy that had just bought the w212 e63 and i started talking to him and the parts guy about the speedshift tranny .. we talked for a while and the parts guy went ahead and hooked it up with his employee discount .. great experience :)

Damn I live here and got owned lol. Silver Star Mercedes in Surrey... Parts.com it was $42ish shipped but I couldnt wait a few days for it lol.

Btw thanks for your DIY too Harjot, it came in handy as well!

According to my SA, we get the leaks because our gas pedals see the carpet a lot more then other cars. :naughty:

Maybe thats it because I had mine replaced before I came to Germany and now the passenger side is leaking again. Damn Autobahn. It is what it is. Seems I should do it myself this time.