Leaking Differential

[bbradley]

Hi
Am new to this forum so I approach with humility.

I recently, in a fit of recklessness, bought an 1997 w210 e430.

After driving it a few hundred miles I noticed oil spots on the drive and upon examination it is coming from the differential and looks as though it is spraying the oil laterally across the car so after parking you get a line of small drips.

To get a reference point for the repair I rang my local MB dealer who told me they would have to drop the back axle and it was 5 hours work and would cost £457 (which includes25% discount as its an old car)

My questions are therefore;

Is this a fair price for the job? (do they have to drop the rear axle)
Does anybody know of a good independent in the Farnham Surrey area who could do the job?
Should I keep driving it? ( I guess it will be ok if I top it up)

Any help would be appreciated

Best Wishes

 

[Will]

Hi bbradley,

Welcome to the forum

Leaking diffs are quite a common MB trait it seems, although most seem to just appear damp with oil rather than dropping oil on the floor etc.

I'd say that it's worth getting the seals done sooner rather than later if that's the case with your car (oil on the floor).

The main factor of the cost is the labour to remove/replace the diff and fit the new seals. £457 is actually a pretty good price for a main dealer (who typically charge well over £100/hour).

If it were me, I'd take the car to a decent MB indi. There's quite a few nearby, but Olly (aka BlackC55) runs a good MB specialist garage in Horndean - not all that far from you, has to be worth speaking to him for a price

Will

 

[bbradley]

Thanks for that Will, I,ll give him a try

Best Wishes

 

[lynall]

Search on here for member called olivier as he bought some diff seals for his w210 e300 (not sure if the same) and i dont think he needed them in the end so he may sell them to you.

Here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/72005-differential-leak.html



Lynall

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks for that Will, I,ll give him a try

Best Wishes

Let me know If I can help.

 

[bbradley]

Hi BlackC55
Rang you this morning, seeing you first thing Wednesday

Best Wishes

 

[Olivier]

Search on here for member called olivier as he bought some diff seals for his w210 e300 (not sure if the same) and i dont think he needed them in the end so he may sell them to you.

Here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/72005-differential-leak.html



Lynall

Thank you for that .
I was not able to check my mail for a week, but I am now back.
Olivier

 

[Olivier]

Bradley, did you get sorted with Olly and the seals? As Lynal said, I have an extra pair of them and the protective plates as well, if you are interested on them give me a shout.
Olivier

 

[bbradley]

Thanks for the offer, but the Guys in Horndean have given me a quote including parts this morning

Best Wishes

B

 

[Olivier]

All the best.
Olivier