My mother (in California) owns this wagon (63k mi.) and is having two problems which she wants me (in New York) to help her out with, to wit:
1) oil leak coming from the passenger side of the engine, "up front, under a heavy plastic cover on the underside of the engine." She's been told it is a "gasket." I assume the head gasket, and I'm guessing that makes sense from the age/mileage of the car and other posts I have read about this model. Assuming this is so, how much should this repair cost? Is this a defect that I can tell her to take back to the dealer and insist on a comp fix? (Dubious proposition after 9 years, but...) Is it necessary to get this done at a Mercedes dealer?2) strange noise from the AC. It's steady, regardless of speed, temp, belts, etc. So far, no effect on cooling. I'm thinking this is just a failing compressor. Is there anything to be aware of here as far as repair/replacement goes? Cost?
I have no idea if she's had any work done on the wiring harness, which I understand is a problem for this year and model.
Lastly, if there is a good shop to recommend on the peninsula (south of San Francisco), I'd appreciate the referral.
Many thanks for any comments or suggestions. Not what I like to get involved with long distance.
-Bill