In the photo below, both pistons are shiny on the bottom. Is this the proof positive that the EA82 HG has failed?

 

 

look at the actual gasket as well. youll see the failure point. that said yes, you are correct

Thanks.  JJ421 was over here when I took the heads off and we wondered what was up with that. The other side has no shiny spots on the pistons.  Glad I am not doing all this block scrubbing for nothing. LOL.

I thought that the shiny area was due to the oil that leaks through the rings when the engine is off, loosens up the carbon that is then blown out.