Oh My Lord - E320 Coupe Issues

[Kiwibins]

Hi there

I recently bought a 1995 E320 Coupe. Unfortunately the last owner tampered with the wiring loom. Subsequently the car has earthed from the loom, and knackered the loom. Additionally the engine cooling has been affected and it has now done the head gasket. So in summary:

- the loom needs replacing
- the headgasket needs replacing
- and the ECU probably needs replacing.

Now I am in a dilemna. I have been quoted £3k for the work. Is this work worth doing? I would say no! Can anyone recommend a cheaper option?

I live in SW19 London so would appreciate a close to home option!

Tx
Greg

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Well if you don't get the work done, you won't be able to drive it or sell it.

The ECU may be repairable if its damaged.

Whats knackered about the loom? Is it several wires or just one?

Who quoted for the work?

 

[Kiwibins]

Loom is knackered - burnt out and earthed. Place in SW19 called James Leigh quoted the work. I need some serious help. Does anyone know of anyone that would do the job for under £1,750 CASH? That is my pain threshhold!!!

Depressed.
Greg

 

[kth286]

Kiwibins

I want to try and help you reach some sort of sensible conclusion as these cars are superb and well worth some investment for keeping long term, even if it's not you that keeps it.

AS I have some hands-on experience with these cars, can I please ask for some background, for two reasons:-

1. to assess the real cost situation and present condition of the car

2. perhaps with a view to making you an offer for the car, if that is useful to both you and me.

What makes you think the loom had been meddled with ?

I do not see why the loom should have been the cause of the car overheating - what makes you say that ?

How bad was the overheating - what makes you say the gasket has gone ?

What is the condition of the car particularily bodywork and interior.

Has the car been modified with aftermarket wheels etc.

Where did you buy the car from ?

What was the cost ?

If you were selling the car in it's present condition how much would you want.

Please give a breakdown of the cost of each item of work required.

ie . the loom is approx. £600 plus fitting

Is your mechanic a Merc specialist - that's whats needed.

It will be good to hear more from you.

Regards

 

[Kiwibins]

David

Thanks for the reply. I have since been phoning around finding a few better numbers to throw around. So far I have a guy that will fix the loom - should be under £500. I have a chap that will fix the ECU for £320. All that is left is the head gasket. I would have thought I could get the job done for £600.

So I think that I will be retaining the car as I do like the old girl!

I answer:

The loom has "extra wiring" that is not original and has earthed out;
There is oil in the water;
She is in good condition - despite the poor mechanical issues. The leather is mint and I have just purchased a set of 16 inch wheels to fit (16 x 7.5J at ET42 offset - but I may be a bit optimistic with that offset!). The body is very good with a few rust spots on the front guards only.

Hence it was a hard decision as I really like the car! If you know of any good outfits that will fix the head for a good price I would be interested.

Thanks for the reply
Take care
Greg

 

[turnipsock]

Is it the ignition loom that you are talking about or another loom?

If it is the ignition loom then some of the wires degrade with the heat, repairing your current loom may only cure the problem for a short time. A new loom is about £500 and it's possible to replace this yourself with a bit of care.

 

[luders79]

Hello,
I work for a mercedes specailist and have just done a head gasket on a 124 E280 estste it has the same engine as your's ( M104 ) when putting back together found wirimg loom was knackered a new one from merc was £517 + vat. Hope this gives you some ideas towards the cost of your repairs. I would also be careful of getting your engine e.c.u repaired as we've had several problem's re conditioned e.c.u's. When you come to the head gasket make sure that your ready for any problems you may find when you get the head removed.
Hope all goes well!

Luders 79

 

[Kiwibins]

The head gasket went in late 2004. So hopefully there will be no nasty surprises. Know any good garages that will do a good job at a sensible price? I live in London SW19.

Greg

 

[evo-number-one]

could it be......

Hello,
......have just done a head gasket on a 124 E280 estste it has the same engine as your's ( M104 ) when putting back together found wirimg loom was knackered.............
Luders 79

Luders - do you work for a 'Specialist' with branches in Chelmsford/Braintree?

If so, the car in question may possibly have been mine and if it is would like to say a big thanks for your work on her - drove like a dream on the way home last night!

Glad I'm not footing the bill though!


Bob
e-n-o

 

[Kiwibins]

May I ask what it cost for the head gasket?!

Cheekily yours

 

[luders79]

We only have one branch which is in tooting london. Don't know how much the head gasket cost as i don't get involved in any of the paper work. I say whats wrong with it then get told to fix it.

Many thanks
Luders79