I am an ex-W211 owner and my cousin recently got a W210 (1997 E320). He just noticed large oil stains under the car and, upon further inspection, saw 3 places where the engine compartment leaks oil (even when the car is off) and seems to be splattering all over the place when on. He is on his way to the dealer but I have a few questions for people who might know more about cars than us:
- if it's a blown gasket is it worth trying to fix it with one of those sealants you add to your oil (available at AutoZone)? Or are those for lower end cars and can futher damage his? In any case, would you recommend anything along these lines?
- how much should an engine gasket replacement cost?
- how long can he drive like that and what more can happen (if he doesn't make it to the dealer in time)? I mean, can the engine go altogether?
- finally, he had an oil change at a Shell station, if is it possible this was caused by using the wrong oil, oil that's not synthetic etc?
Premature to say what it will cost as you do not know whay is leaking. As for engine damage, if he runs out of oil, for sure, if he does not most likely not depending on what it is. Cause, could be the oil change if it started right after but not because of the type of oil. Drain plug, filter would be the first places I would look. Do not try to fix with addatives, that could cause damage and most of them don't work anyway in any type of car. Have it looked at right away. Going to the dealer is a good idea, Shell Station was a bad idea
New head gasket will cost you around $2500 to replace. If the car still has the original wire harness, it will probably break during the HG removal due to the insulation being brittle over time. This will add another $1,000 to the cost. Budget around $3500 for the whole thing and if the wire harness is OK, maybe $1000 less.
I know as I'm going through the same estimate process currently.
Folks
- finally, he had an oil change at a Shell station, if is it possible this was caused by using the wrong oil, oil that's not synthetic etc?
Thanks a lot,
Sergiu
New head gasket will cost you around $2500 to replace. If the car still has the original wire harness, it will probably break during the HG removal due to the insulation being brittle over time. This will add another $1,000 to the cost. Budget around $3500 for the whole thing and if the wire harness is OK, maybe $1000 less.
I know as I'm going through the same estimate process currently.
Read the post. The guy said it was an oil leak, a head gasket will not leak much oil, just coolant.
Alright, the dealer confirms it's a blown gasket and estimated $2400 in repairs (parts and labor). Granted that the diagnostic fee is not refundable (not sure how much it is at this point), is this a reasonable price or should he shop around a little more?
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