When these GLE 16-valve engines fail, it's almost always the timing belt. If you can, find another good used head and swap it onto the block.

The damage to the 16V head's valves is not irreparable but requires a lot of machine work and all new valves and guides, which gets expensive. The lower end is probably OK. It needs to be inspected.

You need to get the timing cover off the engine to assess what happened. If the belt broke, it's a write off. A shop has to charge about $2000 to do this job. It was a major problem whenever it happened to any of my customers years ago.

We always recommended 35K- 40K timing belt and front seal changes to be on the safe side. And these belts ain't cheap either- $100 for the main timing belt, another $100 or so for the balance shaft belt. Not fun even if nothing's leaking.

There are Brickboard and Turbobricks members who sell parts, as well as the good folks who list parts at IPD's free classifieds. Put in a want ad at these locations or just browse the parts ads till you find a good used head. Buy a gasket set, the new belts and seals, and see what you can put together.

A good price for one of these heads would be about $300 in my opinion. If a shop is doing all the work, expect probably about $800 in total work to take it apart, straighten everything out and install the good head.

Good luck with it, it'll be a nice car once these issues are worked out.
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::: Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244 M47 212K ::: 90 745GL M47 275K ::: 90 745T AW71 213K ::: 90 745T Parts Car ::: 88 245DL SOLD! ::: 84 242DL Project ::: 70 VW Bus ::: 70 VW Pickup Project ::: 71 VW Notchback :::