Engine swap: rebuilt vs. used-Need Advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-25-2006, 01:53 PM

A couple of months ago i fractured my second crankshaft, and my mechanic tells me it's a defect in the engine, so he says i need to replace it. Yesterday, he gives me two options: a used engine with only 100,000 miles on it for $2975, or a newly rebuilt engine (that he did himself) for $5200. The car is an 84 300D in very good condition. I really love the car and it's one that i'd like to drive for many years into the future, so i'm kinda leaning towards the rebuild. So i'd like to know what you guys think about this, and whether or not this guys prices seem reasonable. He's a very reputable mechanic in the area, but he is the only mercedes mechanic besides the dealership in a 100 mile radius. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys could offer. Thanks

Boatjockey1 · #2 10-25-2006, 02:08 PM

Ryan,

I had a 81 turbo with 400,000 on it and was still running well. I recently sold because of interior, paint and other issues but loved the car. I would think that I would go for the used engine if he has a guar. with it. I would also ask if he has info on that engine verified etc. That engine should run you as long as you wish to keep the car.

Boatjockey1

BobK · #3 10-25-2006, 02:09 PM

I'd have to have a gold plated certification for the 100k miles on the replacement engine. Most used engines have a lot more. That being said, I think the price is high. Just my opinion.

seo · #4 10-25-2006, 02:25 PM

My take on it that the 617 engine lasts longer than the 123 body does, particularly up north. Up here it's not unusual to find a car with a perfectly good engine that can't pass inspection because of body rust, so they sell for very little money. On that basis, $2,500 for a used engine sounds like a lot.
I have been told that unless the engine is run without oil the main bearings will last practically forever. I don't know this by direct experience. On that basis, I wonder a little about your mechanic. Exactly what was wrong with the engine that made it break two cranks?

vstech · #5 10-25-2006, 02:31 PM

I am guessing the 2700 includes installation and new hoses, filters, etc. still sounds a bit high, but labor rates in your area and the limited MB techs there may justify it. the engine should only cost around 600.00 most pul-aparts will only charge 100.00, but you gotta go get the motor.
John

rs899 · #6 10-25-2006, 02:42 PM

Both prices are high, IMO, but the used engine price is ridiculously high. The rebuilt engine price reflects some very expensive parts (pistons). I really think the OM617s should be entrusted to specialists like Metric Motors in CA or possibly Noels here in Orlando that do a lot of Mercedes engines. Both of those can get you an engine for a bit more than $5K, I think. If you go with the local guy (or anyone, really) you need to ask them what is new and what is being reused, etc.

Rick

#7 10-25-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

I really think the OM617s should be entrusted to specialists like Metric Motors in CA or possibly Noels here in Orlando that do a lot of Mercedes engines. Both of those can get you an engine for a bit more than $5K, I think.

Metric lists a long block for $5750 and a short block for $3100:

http://www.mercedesengines.net/products.asp?cat=40

I would assume at least another $1000 for labor, shipping, and assorted parts. I wouldn't bother with a used engine if you are planning on keeping the car.

Old300D · #8 10-25-2006, 04:48 PM

My used engine cost me $400, and that was from a person who pulled it from a U-pull-it for $150. I'd go used, but not for $3k.

bgkast · #9 10-25-2006, 05:18 PM

I second (third?) the used engine, but don't pay that price!

I got my used engine for $750. I could have found one for much less if I had had time to shop around more, but I had to get the car going ASAP. Should be 10 hrs max shop time.

Stevo · #10 10-25-2006, 07:54 PM

I would go for the used engine and the price doesn't seem high too me assuming thats installed and guaranteed. A friend just paid $2600 for a used 616 installed at Benz Friendz in Seattle and it had more than 100K on it.

bgkast · #11 10-26-2006, 01:10 AM

I called Benz Friends when I was looking for my engine. They wanted $1500 for a used 617 turbo.

Yow! $2600.

I guess it pays to do the engine R & R yourself.

Stevo · #12 10-26-2006, 09:29 AM

[QUOTE=bgkast;1313627]I called Benz Friends when I was looking for my engine. They wanted $1500 for a used 617 turbo.

That was'nt installed, right? They used to really be cheap then the neighborhood there in started giving them crap and they had to "down size" and proly spend a bunch of $ on lawyers

riethoven · #13 10-26-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEBREN

A couple of months ago i fractured my second crankshaft, and my mechanic tells me it's a defect in the engine, so he says i need to replace it. Yesterday, he gives me two options: a used engine with only 100,000 miles on it for $2975, or a newly rebuilt engine (that he did himself) for $5200. The car is an 84 300D in very good condition. I really love the car and it's one that i'd like to drive for many years into the future, so i'm kinda leaning towards the rebuild. So i'd like to know what you guys think about this, and whether or not this guys prices seem reasonable. He's a very reputable mechanic in the area, but he is the only mercedes mechanic besides the dealership in a 100 mile radius. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys could offer. Thanks

How did your crank break twice? I searched posts and could not find anything on broken cranks. Found a few sheered off balancers and broken timing chains, but no broken cranks. Although years ago I can remember hearing that the 5 cyl. Mercedes diesels OM617 were known to break cranks, but that is just hearsay.

Especially if you are not doing your own work, go for the new motor and try and negotiate the warranty to cover as many miles as possible. Think of it as having a car payment for 18 mos. or so. That is 288.89/ month.

bgkast · #14 10-26-2006, 12:01 PM

[QUOTE=Stevo;1313770]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

I called Benz Friends when I was looking for my engine. They wanted $1500 for a used 617 turbo.

That was'nt installed, right? They used to really be cheap then the neighborhood there in started giving them crap and they had to "down size" and proly spend a bunch of $ on lawyers

Yes, engine only.

t walgamuth · #15 10-26-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

How did your crank break twice? I searched posts and could not find anything on broken cranks. Found a few sheered off balancers and broken timing chains, but no broken cranks. Although years ago I can remember hearing that the 5 cyl. Mercedes diesels OM617 were known to break cranks, but that is just hearsay.

Especially if you are not doing your own work, go for the new motor and try and negotiate the warranty to cover as many miles as possible. Think of it as having a car payment for 18 mos. or so. That is 288.89/ month.

ether?

tom w