Head Gasket on W124 E220

[lisach]

Leaking oil badly, don't think it has blown though.

What's the cost of a new gasket, or perhaps the seal around that may have gone.

Should I worry?

Cheers

L

 

[Ian B Walker]

I think you need to be a little more explicit. Where exactly are you leaking oil from? Have you checked the coolant header tank and is there any oil floating in there. Are there any nuts / bolts missing from the rocker cover? It is unusual for the M111 engine to spring a leak.

<edit> OEM gasket A 111 016 26 20
£23.20

 

[lisach]

Hi thanks for the prompt reply.

Ok from what I can tell there is oil gathering on the bottom tray of the engine and this is coming from the Head Gasket area.

Also the last service noted that the Head Gasket was leaking 'in various places'. The garage did not quote at the time for some reason.

Question is whether this is seals or a complete new gasket.

Forgive me but I am a little unsure!!

 

[Dieselman]

It could be the timing case seal but is more likely the head gasket leaking at the right front corner.
Get it done when you can and keep topping up the oil.

 

[lisach]

Thanks guys.

So if I get it fixed its not likely to be a blown gasket etc.

What would a local (non MB) garage charge for this work?

I also have a rattle from the exhaust 'cooling cover'?? Is this normal or serious?

:bannana:

Lisa

 

[Ian B Walker]

A local garage would charge you around £500 + for a gasket change. The rattle from the heat shield is quite common and usually means that either it has broken away from the body, therefore requiring a new screw or that the shield has broken. Two choices here, either take it off and throw it away or replace it with a new one. (A 124 682 07 71 @ £14.55)

 

[lisach]

£500.....oh dear.

Why so much?

However if its not the gasket will the cost be less, or at 140k is it more likely than not to be that?

 

[Dieselman]

If the garage say it's the gasket then it probably is.

 

[lisach]

Ok so the head gasket leaking means a complete replacement then.

Right, does anyone know of any other options, in particular specialists in Hertfordshire who would be comptetitive?

 

[Howard]

It's expensive because it's a lot of work

£500 is a competative price..

 

[lisach]

So is it selling time? What kind of value is there for a E series Estate with a leasking head gasket, still drives ok. Nice car overwise but is it worth it?

 

[Ian B Walker]

Lisa, is it worth it you ask? How old is the car and do you like it are two questions that come to my mind. I personally would look around and ask members here, as you have done, where are there people near where you live who would do the job for you. Have you phoned round garages and asked for a quote?

 

[lisach]

Its a 1994 M plate. Highish miles, I love it, but have to think carefully whether £500+ to put right is worth the risk or perhaps selling as is?

What's it worth with and without the gasket fixed?

I really appreciate your time guys.

 

[Ian B Walker]

M reg Estate, got to be worth £12 - 1500 at least (repaired). £250 as it stands unrepaired. Get it repaired its worth it

 

[lisach]

£250 even if it drives, is that all? It does run ok, thought it would be worth than £1500 when fixed up.

Mmm, slightly changes the situation I think.

 

[PeterG]

To make u feel a bit better I had to shell out £2000 for a headgasket replacment a few months ago as when the head came off it was cracked in a few places.
Mine had been weeping for about a year or so and I used various oil additives which seal gaskets, they tended to work for about 6 months at a time.
You could always do the same and steam clean the engine bay then sell the car with no leaks.
Pete

 

[nick mercedes]

£250 even if it drives, is that all? It does run ok, thought it would be worth than £1500 when fixed up.

It's worth more than £250, more like £600.

You only have to look at ebay to see that the world loves MB estate cars, even those that need head gaskets....

 

[lisach]

Thanks Nick

I thought it would be worth something. Just hoping that its not the £500+ that was estimated.

 

[lisach]

Update: Three estimates at the work required came to £1550, £1560 and £2000. The fact that it also needed four new tyres meant it has to go. Dare I try and P/X it

So I am in the market for a new estate. W124 or 210 considered.

 

[jackgilroy]

94 'M' reg E220 is worth more than £1,200 to £1,500 in working order.

I sold my 95 'M' reg E220 this year for £2,500 and it was covered in rust and had a dent on the back wing.