I recently purchased a 96 S500 (140) 96,000mi. and have had some major repairs. I just did the heads (resurface and valve grind). Heads were warped and the dealer said the block was warped as well. Has anyone ever heard of a warped block? I know the car over heated and a thermostat was replaced. That's why I blew the head gasket. My operating temp now runs between 84c and 100c, closer to 100c when driving 50miles or more. Is this a range that is ok for the car? I replaced old and worn out tires, thinking that was the reason for the shimmy in the wheel. With the new tires the ride has considerably improved, but there is still a light to medium shimmy in the wheel at different speeds (between 60 and 80 mph). Are there front suspension issues that I need to look at?

 

For the wheel shimmy. I have similar issues. I have had checked the roundness/trueness and balance of both wheel and tires at all four corners. Tire shop informs within acceptable spec's, but really wonder. as at times I up the tire pressure to 34/35psi when going on a trip and it seems to help some, but not much. My next checks are the front wheel bearings and the front lower ball joints and lower control arm bushings, especially the hydraulic bushings on lower control arm. Hopefully the subframe bushings are ok and expecting upper front control arms also ok.