If, whilst the engine is running, you notice excessive oil consumption, white or blue smoke, or metallic knocking noises, this indicates significant wear in the cylinder-piston assembly and problems with the lubrication system. A drop in compression and erratic idling are key indicators of engine failure. The main causes of engine failure are wear of the compression and oil-control rings, crankshaft bearings, piston failure, connecting rod breakage and overheating. Turbocharged and hybrid engines complicate the repair process due to their design and additional systems.
Improper use, delayed maintenance and incorrect vehicle diagnostics exacerbate these problems. Every make and type of engine has its own specific issues; understanding these helps prepare for repairs and assess their complexity.

At Doctor Benz, we always carry out diagnostics in several stages using professional and specialist equipment.
1. Reading error codes with analysis of fault codes and assessment of operating parameters.
2. Checking cylinder compression using a compression tester.
3. Visual inspection to identify oil and coolant leaks, spark plugs, etc.
4. Engine endoscopy allows us to identify: scoring on cylinder walls; carbon deposits on valves and pistons; wear or blockage of direct injection nozzles; metal corrosion; oil and fuel leaks; damage to the cylinder head gasket.

Delaying repairs leads to increased wear and tear, damage to the cylinder head and deformation of the cylinders. This significantly increases the cost of repairs. In severe cases, a complete engine replacement becomes necessary, which increases costs and vehicle downtime. Turbocharged vehicles, hybrid engines and four-wheel-drive vehicles are often more complex and expensive to repair due to their design features.
If the engine damage is significant, for example, block cracks or severe wear, a major overhaul is not advisable. In such cases, it is wiser to consider replacing the engine with a reconditioned or new one.

A key advantage of Doctor Benz is that it offers its customers the option of installing not only new engines, but also reconditioned engines that have been restored in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and come with a warranty. This makes repairs significantly more affordable without compromising on quality.

Price Table

Service Price, from
Endoscopic examination €100
Timing chain diagnostics €60
Timing chain phase shifter replacement €150
Compression test €50