hi .........

following my previous threads, i hope any 1 can once again help me with another issue, since in 1 of my threads before, i reported on oil leaks from the seals beneath the engine...of my W126 300 SE,

id want to ask any 1 for advice whether its bettter for me to get the oil seals changed and if it`ll be pretty expensive since it involves every seal to be replaced, in comparison if its more better in the long run if i get a complete new engine from mercedes, which i know may be very expensive,but most perhaps more worthwhile for worry free motoring !

ive seen from alot of other mercedes - when they have seals replaced,eventually in due time, the engine blows out alot of noticable smoke, that in event fails on emission tests! My idea is that the seals arent put together precisely by garages, so eventually oil may leak into the valves causing combustion of oil and petrol together? ( which possibly may cause further problems to resolve and turn the car in to a money magnet ) and i be in and out of the garages to rectify the problems.

I really want to get the leaks sorted out asap, just like all Mercedes Car Lovers, i cherish my car alot, and id want to keep it up to top shape, internally and externally. It has done 186,000 miles, Whether this is a good way to avoid any further disappointments to watch my car detoriate miserably, i do not know, but i am open to suggestions .......

 

it is better to purchase the gasket set (A 103 010 45 08 costs $56) which includes everything for the engine.

if you can pull the engine out and replace every gaskets on it, then it is much easier because you can get access to every part without obstructions. you better replace the valve seals too. this is cheaper than getting a new engine and can last for another 10 years or more.

 

Sleepwalker passes on good advice. I hope however you are experienced in changing such things. One example my ex wife had a 11 year old Audi and most of the seals were gone from age, the car was worth $1500 in trade and the dealer wanted close to $2900 to change all the seals, so we sold the car. Price, value, age of vehicle, and life span left after investment is what you have to consider. Also, how much do you really like the car? I am a big believer, unless you have an antique or a very collectible model, that there is a point where the cost of repairs, outways the value of the car, even when it it all fixed, as you will never get your money back in trade. Similiar to a house, I have read a new kitchen, bathroom will give you the best return on your dollar, when you sell. Swiiming pool in or above ground will lower the value of the house. After purchase garages, stand alongs, you will break even and attached might make you a few more $$

 

thanks sleep walker, but problem is im no mechanic let alone a technician.... but i guess anywhere i go, alot of the garages are going to make inject more money into anything they do.C280 i really love my car regardless how old it is ......even if it comes to the point where it exceeds more than the value of my car, Im prepare to do it, the car has seen me through alot of good and bad times, although it may not be of value to the car market - its more of value to me on a personal scale. I guess i would`nt really ever have it put down... it may take me time to build up the money to get up to optimum again, but in my books i think its well worth it .



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You know what I love both of my cars, even thou the 450SLC has gotten to be a nightmare to get the HvAC to work, I had it to a Mercdes tech, a lot of experience, he got the controls to turn on the blower, but there is no heat again. But I love this 450SLC and I will get the heater working correctly someday.

As I said once you drive a Mercedes you will never drive another car!.

 

i consider the car in this category when it never lets me lose my face by stalling on the middle of the road or in difficult time.

your car looks so good and dependable.

you may inquire from even small but qualified workshop for an estimate on the job. since it's not troubleshooting and just replacement of seals, the working time is only 14 hours.