"Anyone care to share some of their sources for replacement engines?"

Three years ago I put a new engine in my 240D 77, the original engine passed away after about 300K of city stop & go driving.
The last place that one looks for a new motor is the MB dealer, obviously too expensive, well mine came from Houston MB dealer, complete motor from Europe $3600, (exchange w/old engine) with everything on it except AC compressor, it cost me $1500 to install it including total clutch replacement.

Vahe
240D 77/350K