Maybe the dealer would be a better choice now the tech doesn't work there

Have you talked to MBUSA customer service. They have been through this before. And they have trained reps that can at least give you good advice. I have done that in Canada and received a great deal of help from the MBCanada tech rep for our area. The whole engine does not likely need to be replaced. It does maybe have to be removed and sent to a rebuild shop. No matter what, it will be expensive. I would figure on $15-$20k. Maybe less for a used engine, but do you want that? Maybe your next step should be to trade for a Subaru or something reliable, under warranty and cheaper

I had something like this happen on a smaller scale to my much more simple '85 W123 diesel. An oil-change shop likely dropped a nut into my turbo intake. Engine was destroyed. I didn't even try accusing anyone. Just found a good used engine and had it rebuilt and installed by a good indy shop. Cost me $7000 back in 2001. Car was worth less than that before the incident! But I still have that car and drive it daily. But it is a car that was worth keeping.

Mercedes diesels ain't what they used to be

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5