Cost of a 617 rebuild - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Brian Carlton · #31 01-27-2006, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imdavid28

More or less I am. I can't get a parts car because I have no place to put it. They offer a 90 day warranty with the engine I am buying, so I suppose I could get a refund if it was that bad.

I can't justify spending so much on rebuilding the engine though. Yeah sure it will last over 200k, but I don't think the rest of the car will. Besides, how much can a car with 400k be worth? I imagine no one in there right mind would buy something with that kinda number on the clock.

I agree. If you found an engine that truly has 87K on the clock, you've got some decent odds that it will run acceptably well. And, the cost of such an engine can't be beat.

Hit Man X · #32 01-27-2006, 12:45 AM

Would it be frugal to get a $3500 short block for a car that's worth $2000? Doubtful...

I'd have a used one in my SD if it decides to crap out on me. $150 intake to oil pan or $75 if I catch them on the correct weekend.

So if it lasts only 75K mi more? Big deal, go get another.

imdavid28 · #33 01-27-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

So if it lasts only 75K mi more? Big deal, go get another.

My thoughts exactly. Where are you finding engines for $150 thought? I have looked all around and the cheapest I can find around me is $250. But then again with everyone driving domestics in Michigan, its like trying to find parts to a space shuttle or something.

Hit Man X · #34 01-27-2006, 01:16 AM

Down at the local PickNPull, another place has them for $25!!!!!

They had an '87 SDL that was already gutted too.

Those prices are provided you yank the motor yourself.

willrev · #35 01-27-2006, 05:54 AM

Engines - Rebuilt - 300D,CD,TD,TURBO : 1982-85

Part Number: 617.952

Rebuilt : $4,495.00 Online : $4,045.50
Core Deposit : $400.00
Item Description : 1982-85

#36 01-27-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imdavid28

More or less I am. I can't get a parts car because I have no place to put it. They offer a 90 day warranty with the engine I am buying, so I suppose I could get a refund if it was that bad.

I can't justify spending so much on rebuilding the engine though. Yeah sure it will last over 200k, but I don't think the rest of the car will. Besides, how much can a car with 400k be worth? I imagine no one in there right mind would buy something with that kinda number on the clock.

David,

Thanks for putting your location in your profile. When I finally looked at your location I now understand the situation better.

Where I live we don't have to worry about our cars rusting out from under us, so we can just keep them in good repair and drive them until they are wrecked or we get tired of them.

I do want to point out that just because an engine has only 87,000 miles does not guarantee it to be a good engine. In fact it probably means that it lived its life doing short hops which is harder on an engine than one that is highway driven with more miles.

I do understand your dilemma and wish you the best of luck with it.

Have a great day,

240Joe · #37 01-28-2006, 06:03 PM

It's never wise to rebuild an engine for these cars. It's just not worth it. Engine parts are very, very expensive, and the work isn't the easiest.

Look at the numbers you guys are throwing around. You can buy these cars for $1K - $3k all day long.

Just buy another one, fix all the minor things wrong with car #2 with parts from the first car, and part the rest of car #1 out.

It's all about cents per mile. Let's not do crazy things.

Joe

Hatterasguy · #38 01-28-2006, 06:45 PM

It depends on your situation Joe, my SDL is a hobby. I get enjoyment out of perfecting it. Also I could not replace it for $6k yet alone the $1k-$2k you throw around.

In regards to the SD I tend to agree, when it rots out another $500 W123/W126 can easly replace it.

240Joe · #39 01-28-2006, 07:00 PM

Hat,

Well I had an 87 300 sdl and I wouldn't put $1000 into one of those either. The Ds are cheaper and better cars, in my opinion.

Sure, you can spend your $ any way you want. I understand hobbies don't count.

But, if you're looking for the cheapest safe transportation, you'd have a very tough time justifying dropping $2k into an engine on a car that is worth $1500 when you're done.

Joe

Diesel Giant · #40 01-28-2006, 08:47 PM

I remember someone on this board bought a brand new 617 from a dealer and paid about $3500 or so.

Now that was a bargin.

imdavid28 · #41 01-28-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240Joe

Hat,
But, if you're looking for the cheapest safe transportation, you'd have a very tough time justifying dropping $2k into an engine on a car that is worth $1500 when you're done.
Joe

Today, I just picked up my new powerplant for $800, and I paid $300 for my car. A lil different situation.

RobTheMod · #42 01-28-2006, 10:36 PM

Hmmm. I understand fully the non-economical aspect of putting an engine that costs more than the car is worth into it. Cents per mile, indeed... but what about the "replacement cost" issue?

I'm in AZ. Cars don't rust here. I have a spot on the side of my 300SD about the size of a pinhead. So there's no deterioration factor WRT the body "wearing out".

My SD uses some oil, apart from that it runs and starts as new. Very slight trans flare on the 2-3 shift, A/C has a leak I can't track down yet, sunroof moves slowly. Those are the worst aspects. Best: Seats, carpets, trim, paint a 9 out of 10. She's not perfect but most guess it as a well maintained early 90s model. It is more than nice enough a car for me.

Now, suppose I wish to replace it with a vehicle of identical attributes. I want the size and comfort of a W126, diesel power is preferable, oh, and I love the view of the star on the hood. Must be shiny silver, too.

(oh, and I'm not pricing engines or SDLs or E300Ds yet, either. I'm going to fix the sunroof and AC issues, and keep adding a little Rotella between changes, polishing, waxing, driving, and enjoying a classy, unique car.)

I'm thinking maybe a cherry SDL or maybe even a '99 E300D. What would one one of those cost? Again, we are dealing with hypotheticals. I think that in that case, the engine is cheaper. Yes I can buy another 300SD for cheaper than the motor, but chances are it will be nowhere near as nice as this one, and it likely won't be the desired color combo.

imdavid28 · #43 01-28-2006, 10:56 PM

If I had money to burn, I would fix my car up. No, actually I wouldn't. I would by a non-Michigan car (preferably an AZ, CA, FL or some souther car that has no rust) and fix that one up. I seen a picture of a red 240D under detailing, and I wet myself. They are beautiful cars if done right or if they were well maintained. But I live in Michigan, I am in college, and money is a little tight. I bought the car so I could run a heated veg tank and match my friend that bought a rabbit, fixed it up, and made his money back in gas savings. So my rout is the most economical, with the occasional splurge on something like new to me bumper. (which rusted off the car. Ouch...)

Hatterasguy · #44 01-29-2006, 10:12 AM

It depends on what the car is worth to you. However for me to consider a $6k+ rebuilt engine the car would have to be:
Important to me, I'd have to want to keep it for a long time.
The rest of it would have to be in good shape, ie no rust. Putting money in a rust bucket will only get you an expensive rust bucket.
Hard to replace.

larry perkins · #45 01-29-2006, 11:29 AM

well i suppose no one wants one of my rebuilts,guess that kills my idea of ofering a draw on lotto tickets to select the winner's right to buy one.
like the fast guns of the early west, will just have to get a reputation,lol
larry perkins lou ky
85 old cars