[91-560SEC-Owner]

Hi, I have a 1991 560SEC (W126) with 79,000 miles. The car is always garaged and never driven in snow (which is pretty much the entire Chicago winters). This summer I took out the car from the garage and noticed 3 oil spots on the garage floor. While driving the car, I also noticed a burning smell from the air vents. Needless to say, there is an oil leak that needs to be fixed. In addition, I have been noticing that the car is ideling just a little bit rougher than usual. I took the car to a MB certified mechanic and he is given me an estimate of $3000. He says, all things will require about 20 hours of labor at $90/hour with $1200 worth of parts. This sounds excessive.

I want to keep the car and propoerly maintain it, he says that he will replace any gaskets for preventative purposes. According to him, it is far cheaper to do it all at the same time rather than peace mealing it; it will save labor. This is my "fun" car. I simply want to keep it in good condition and enjoy it on summer weekends, but if I am spending $3000 on preventative maintenance, it is not too much "fun". I would appreciate a second opinion on both the issues, oil leak and slightly rough ideling. :bowdown:

 

[91-560SEC-Owner]

From the information you have given it is not possible to tell whether the mechanic is being straight with you. As an example, the problem could be as simple as leaking valve cover gaskets which should cost close to $100 to replace or as complex as a leaking head gasket, which would require many more hours and will likely be close to the cost you mentioned. As for the idling, I have had several Mercedes of that vintage and they go through fuel injectors every few years. Again, no real way to tell what the rough idle would be without more information.

You will probably get more interest in this problem if you post in the W126 forum instead of this one, as your car is of that body style.

Thanks dlafever, I found the W126 thread. Its working out great. Best Regards. :thumbsup: