Late Model M104 loom'n'gasket?

[Dave Lewis]

I've recently bought a very nice W124 E280 estate to augment my 200. It's a 100,000 mile 1996 car, 2 owners, fsh, leather and aircon. It was delivered to the dealer in November 1995. I am fully aware of the potential head gasket and engine loom problems with these, but what I'd like to know is, were these issues addressed in the last build run of these cars? I have heard conflicting reports on this, and would like to know whether it would be worth pre-empting any problems by fixing these now, particularly the loom. The engine is completely leak-free, and it performs faultlessly, but I need a car that I can jump into at a moments notice and do mega distances in, so reliability is paramount.
(WDB1240882F3395123)

 

[bolide]

If you're worried about it, change the loom. About £500 plus a couple of hours work

The replacement looms look rather hand-made and are wrapped in proper loom tape. I've seen a few now and can recognise them. Whether the 1996 cars postdate the problem I don't know but some close examination of the loom by the coils (under the trim on top of the head) should reveal tell-tale cracking if the loom's failing

These cars almost always have a couple of oil leaks from the cylinder head but that doesn't mean the CHG is about to fail. It means there's a design flaw. I'd worry about the CHG when it fails and, till then, drive it like you stole it

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Dave Lewis]

Thanks for that Nick. The visible parts of the loom are indeed wrapped in loom tape, and do look a bit home-made. I'll have a peek under the cover by the coils, with fingers crossed. I'll report my findings. There is nothing in the history to suggest it has already been replaced.

 

[bolide]

Dave, is that an Aston Martin DB2/4 in your avatar? One of my faves


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Dave Lewis]

No, it's a Bristol 404 They only made 50 or so, it's got a shortened chassis, and is a 2+2, while most Bristols are 4-seaters.
And no, it's not mine, but one day......
Here's a link for more pics: http://www.interesting-cars.com/bristol404.html