When is it the right time to do a top end build??

[silver_star]

I think the above have pretty much summed it up. It is pointless carrying out the work unless it is needed. There isn't a set mileage/age when it needs carrying out.

Just keep ontop of your oil/filter and coolant changes and you could do another 100k+ miles no issue.

 

[WDB124066]

In addition to the above, on the six cylinder engines you will get a ticking from the valve area when the hydraulic cam followers start to go. Even then you can still leave them for a while.

When you do the head, you should also do the stem seals if you are going to keep the car & on the six cylinder cars at least the water pump should be seriously looked at while the head is off.

I remember seeing an MB instruction for inspecting/repairing the head for the six cylinder engines at least. It was a largish document. I can dig it out if you really want it.

I think it is good Billy that you are asking these questions and trying to determine a rough scope and cost for future work. This is exactly what budgeting is all about. You will have a reasonable idea of what to expect in the future and with a little help from the forum, a rough time frame for when it can be expected - brilliant Billy!

Be aware that it is always more economical to find a car that has had the issues resolved than it is to pay for it all yourself. There will be a point in time where the work that is done will not be reflected in the car's market value. So long as you realise you won't get your money back when selling. This of course does not take into account the bonuses of owning a car like this or off-setting the cost against another car's repairs etc. It is one great balancing act, motoring pleasure against cost. Problem is people don't know what cost is just around the corner, and get sucked in to losing a lot of money on a car. With a bit of luck that won't happen to you, and you will have plenty left for the Mortgage/rent etc etc.

 

[sl300 ireland]

what kinda money would it cost curious aswell

 

[wemorgan]

If you pay a garage to remove, strip, recondition and refit a 4 cylinder 16v engine it will cost about £1000.

 

[sl300 ireland]

6 cylinder ???

 

[BillyW124]

I think it is good Billy that you are asking these questions and trying to determine a rough scope and cost for future work. This is exactly what budgeting is all about. You will have a reasonable idea of what to expect in the future and with a little help from the forum, a rough time frame for when it can be expected - brilliant Billy!

Be aware that it is always more economical to find a car that has had the issues resolved than it is to pay for it all yourself. There will be a point in time where the work that is done will not be reflected in the car's market value. So long as you realise you won't get your money back when selling. This of course does not take into account the bonuses of owning a car like this or off-setting the cost against another car's repairs etc. It is one great balancing act, motoring pleasure against cost. Problem is people don't know what cost is just around the corner, and get sucked in to losing a lot of money on a car. With a bit of luck that won't happen to you, and you will have plenty left for the Mortgage/rent etc etc.

WDB you have hit the nail on the head. Thank you.

The reason for this thread was all about scope, what to expect and budgetery reasons.

If i wasnt going to keep the car i coundn't give a rats ass. Nor would i be doing extensive research on the up keeping of the motor and general future maintenance on it throwing good dosh on it already thinking i was going to get my money back...No way. i've still got a few bob to spend on it till its notched exactly how i want it. Could have bought one for 8 packets with some silly low millage, but whats the fun in that? Was gna ditch this for a 320, how unlogical was that? (considering the effort put in)

..this was thought out long before and what ever i pump into it is because it is purely for my ownership satisfaction and enjoyment.

Ok so my misus is never bloomin happy about it but they just dont get it which gets on my F*$£n ****.

..what shuts her up is when we are @ a Tesco's car park and some bloke stops with his shopping trolly gives it the stares and the blah blah nice motor speech, I get in the car, give her a glare, put the ignition on and drive off. This is where actions defo speaks louder than words.

anyway back to the topic, mechanically currently the car is sound, like mentioned the snapped manifold bolt on the exit, but will be tackling that soonish, prepared just incase it is to be a head off job.

(but the missy thinks its a screw thats missing and i need to go to B&Q and get one) LOL just kidding.

 

[BillyW124]

I can think of at least forty things to do on a W124 before any engine work could even be considered sensible. In my experience it's one of the last things on the car to give trouble. Some people experience a blown CHG on a W124 - but lots don't

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

Mind me...CHG?

 

[WDB124066]

Look after the women!!

Don't talk to her about the car unless she raises it. To her it's competition for your attention and your money, & she'll feel that the car is costing her something.

You have to take the other half along for the ride with you cobber, spend some money on them, go for a drive where she is the focus, not the car. That doesn't mean you can't hang out with your MB mates, some of them may have girlfriends that feel just the same; drives to country pubs, BBQ's etc are a good way to get the women involved - as is the occasional visit to the posh hotel and getting the doorman to have your car parked......

 

[bh13coupe]

My M104 has hit 120k and has the leaky CHG aka cyinder head gasket. I am considering having the CHG sorted, are there any other items I should address whilst the lid is off? I have not experienced any issues with the engine in the 7 years of ownershop.
I dont wish to hijack the thread.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Do the loom at the same time Paul, taking it off to do the CHG will likely disturb it if it is busily biodegrading and there is sense in combining overlapping work for cost reasons.

 

[bh13coupe]

Do the loom at the same time Paul, taking it off to do the CHG will likely disturb it if it is busily biodegrading and there is sense in combining overlapping work for cost reasons.

Loom was changed at 80k, I understand the new looms are good for a longer period.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Deffo no need to do then.

 

[WDB124066]

Stem Seals & the Hydraulic Cam Followers, or whatever the trade calls them..........