300SL

[heckflosse]

I'm looking at a 300SL (same engine as M103 300E) tomorrow and was wondering what's the tell-tale sign of the notorious head-gasket problem. Does it leak anywhere in particular or is there any other sign. Also it's been posted lately that these are only good for 140,000 miles? Does this relate to just the head or is the bottom end effected also?

And finally if it's any good I'll be selling my new polished 8-holes with Continental tyres. Any one from the UK interested?

[Kestas]

If the engine is similar to my 95 320 (104.992) with the headgasket problem, then the bad leak typically shows up as an oil leak to the outside of the engine at the rear passenger side corner. Another less serious leak area is at the front of the engine between the upper and lower timing covers. There's a U-shaped seal that periodically needs replacment.

[Greg in Oz]

For us with right hand drive, the leak appears at the rear driver's side of the head gasket (ie. exhaust manifold side). You need to look under the exhaust manifold to see it. When it gets bad it runs down that side of the motor and drips off at the front of the transmission. Our 300TE had the leak when we purchased it. It lasted for quite some time before oil appeared in the coolant meaning it was definitely time to fix it. There is no particular mileage when it occurs. I know of some that have never had the problem and others where it happened at low mileage. We purchased ours at 124,000km with the leak and I did the head gasket at about 145,000km.

[heckflosse]

Thank you both for that!
Unfortunitly the 'Pristine example' was a complete nail!
The engine was covered in oil both sides as was the exhaust. I've seen a very nice '84 280SL but as I'm in no hurry to change I think I'll hold out for a later (R107) 300SL.

[Kestas]

If the oil leak is simply from a bad valve cover gasket, don't let that deter you from what could be a good buy.