Front engine and gearbox slight wetting oil

[abtx]

Hi, new to the forum.

I'm looking at a MB E220 1993 auto with ~180k miles I found in AutoTrader and thought it'd be a perfect daily for me. It's been a while I wanted a practical classic, and the price seems right, too.

However, the car for the past two MOTs had `Front engine and gearbox slight wetting oil` advisory. Here's the link.

Quick search reveals this might be due to the engine gaskets, but I wanted to ask here in case the E220 is known for this issue (could be something more trivial). I can afford to spend some money on fixing and maintaining the car, but I don't want to buy a car just to find out it needs an engine replacement or a ~2k job. Hopefully, this forum will be the right place to get some good advice! Thanks.

 

[abtx]

Hi, new to the forum.

I'm looking at a MB E220 1993 auto with ~180k miles I found in AutoTrader and thought it'd be a perfect daily for me. It's been a while I wanted a practical classic, and the price seems right, too.

However, the car for the past two MOTs had `Front engine and gearbox slight wetting oil` advisory. Here's the link.

Quick search reveals this might be due to the engine gaskets, but I wanted to ask here in case the E220 is known for this issue (could be something more trivial). I can afford to spend some money on fixing and maintaining the car, but I don't want to buy a car just to find out it needs an engine replacement or a ~2k job. Hopefully, this forum will be the right place to get some good advice! Thanks.

 

[onefortheroad]

Could be just spilt oil from DIY oil changes . Who knows ??

 

[abtx]

Could be just spilt oil from DIY oil changes . Who knows ??

Could be but it's had this couple years in a row. Not sure if that's good or bad

 

[onefortheroad]

Could be but it's had this couple years in a row. Not sure if that's good or bad

If you're unsure,walk away . It's done 24 miles in 2 years . Looking at previous mot's it's just gonna be a money pit tbh.

 

[Doug1234]

No mention of chassis rust etc , so to me an old oil leak is to be expected on a car this age …the links showing date first registered 2017 so is it a Japanese import ?.
A lot of classic cars will weep some oil but if you start using them as a daily driver it normally starts to subside as the gasket/s that were dried out will swell again slightly and stop leaking.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Welcome!

This what you get with old cars if you’re not sure as said walk away or ask the owner to have the leak investigated, you can soon spend £2k on these cars only you can consider whether it’s worth it. I’ve just spent £2k on my E350cdi estate comprising oil cooler seals two new rear airbags service and a gearbox flush but I consider it worth it when you look at the cost to change

 

[abtx]

If you're unsure,walk away . It's done 24 miles in 2 years . Looking at previous mot's it's just gonna be a money pit tbh.

yeah, I think it's best to. tho it looks like a well cared for example (it's a Japan import)

 

[abtx]

No mention of chassis rust etc , so to me an old oil leak is to be expected on a car this age …the links showing date first registered 2017 so is it a Japanese import ?.
A lot of classic cars will weep some oil but if you start using them as a daily driver it normally starts to subside as the gasket/s that were dried out will swell again slightly and stop leaking.

see the ad - it is, looks it's taken care of

 

[abtx]

Oh well, the ad is gone, the offer is off the table. The car looked pristine from the pics. Anyway, thanks for all your advice!

 

[ajlsl600]

yeah, I think it's best to. tho it looks like a well cared for example (it's a Japan import)

Front and rear oil leak. Dry seals, overfilled or just wore out seals if Yr stealing it grand, if not I wud walk.

 

[Doug1234]

Being a Japanese import there would have been no rust , so only mechanical issues.
I grew up in the 70’s and started driving in the 80’s … cars rusted then like you would not believe so I look at it like this …if the body’s good then parts can be unbolted and replaced.
If you have ever driven or owned cars that were dissolving around you then you understand

 

[ajlsl600]

One pays their money n makes their choices. Good luck.