Advice Needed: 85 300d Repair Or Parts

[tmarguerite]

I purchased a nice 85 300D Turbo with high miles (300k) two months ago. I've already put too much $$$ into it and have only driven it a few times, mostly back and forth to the mechanic as I was trying to get the car up to speed. I'm not a DIYer. I took the car to the mechanic recently because the engine was making a dry banging sound. The mechanic says it needs a new engine b/c it would cost more to rebuild. The car runs. I had a tune-up done at Mercedes in Manhattan. I fixed the front windows, replaced fuel lines, replaced the exhaust, engine & tranny mounts and some other minor repairs like changing a blown bulb. The car still needs the alignment done, a/c, radio and brakes apart from the engine issue. How much could I sell the car for? Does anyone know where an engine can be rebuilt/replaced for under $1500?
Thank you

[Hit Man X]

Originally Posted by tmarguerite

Does anyone know where an engine can be rebuilt/replaced for under $1500?
Thank you

Texas.

[tmarguerite]

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Texas.

Thanks - so how much could I sell it for?

[Hit Man X]

Dependant on the paint/interior... maybe $1000. But that'd be pushing it.

What can't you DIY?

[tmarguerite]

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Dependant on the paint/interior... maybe $1000. But that'd be pushing it.

What can't you DIY?

Dad passed away, no husband, no brothers, no time and I'm not that inspired. However, even if I attempted to fiddle with some of the other issues, like the A/C. I still need an engine.

A rebuilt engine would cost between about $4000 and $6000 plus installation, depending on the source. The less expensive option is to find a good used engine for maybe $500 or so and have it installled. That may get you close to $1500, assuming you can get a good engine.

[junqueyardjim]

With a well worn and probably well neglected 85 300 Turbo, I can only imagine what you have already spent on repairs at the Dealer in Manhattan, NYC. My advise would be to cut my loss by getting rid of it NOW. Advertise it here, and on Ebay and any other media you can think of, and get that car down the road, NOW. It is so unfortuanate that you will most likely not get your money back out of it, but better NOW then if you spend more big dollars on a money pit.

[tmarguerite]

Originally Posted by junqueyardjim

With a well worn and probably well neglected 85 300 Turbo, I can only imagine what you have already spent on repairs at the Dealer in Manhattan, NYC. My advise would be to cut my loss by getting rid of it NOW. Advertise it here, and on Ebay and any other media you can think of, and get that car down the road, NOW. It is so unfortuanate that you will most likely not get your money back out of it, but better NOW then if you spend more big dollars on a money pit.

I think I'm going to cut my losses and get rid of it. The car is very clean. The inside and body are in very good condition, no rust or dents. I bought the car two months ago however with this engine issue I can't see investing the money it would cost to get it up to speed. Thanks for the advice.

[Jeremy5848]

Option #1: Your car would be ideal for a DIY person who has the same or a very similar car that isn't in the nice condition yours is but has a sound engine. For such a person, the engine swap would not be a big deal. You can advertise your car for sale in the appropriate section of this forum. Perhaps you can attract someone in your part of the world who would take the car and give you some money that you could put towards another car with fewer miles and a sound engine.

Option #2: Find such a person as described in Option #1. Marry him.

[tmarguerite]

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Option #1: Your car would be ideal for a DIY person who has the same or a very similar car that isn't in the nice condition yours is but has a sound engine. For such a person, the engine swap would not be a big deal. You can advertise your car for sale in the appropriate section of this forum. Perhaps you can attract someone in your part of the world who would take the car and give you some money that you could put towards another car with fewer miles and a sound engine.

Option #2: Find such a person as described in Option #1. Marry him.

I'll post pics of the car after I pick it up from the mechanic. Thanks for the advice.

[engatwork]

I have an extra turbodiesel engine tmarguerite. Do you have any pics? Do you have a dog?

Seriously, I am in the middle of rebuilding a 300k mile+ 617 engine and based on where I am with it so far the total bill is going to be pretty close to $6k (I am doing it for hire for a friend). This included new pistons ($1000), oil pump, vacuum pump, rebuilding the transmission ($1250), brgs, chains and guides along with all the other internal wear parts. The machine shop work came in at around $600. I have about come to the conclusion that even if you do the work yourself a rebuild on one of these is still going to be around $3k

As advised earlier - cut your losses and try to find you a clean, well kept early 90's w124 either diesel or gasoline version. I would offer the car here first and then try ebay. Let everyone know up front that there are engine issues and you will do fine.

[Stevo]

If your not a DIYer run away as fast as you can and find a nice Camray or Sub.

[ImBroke]

Was there any conclusion to this thread? If not, I have a low milage engine I'm looking to put into a clean body. That or I"m still thinking of replacing the floorboard in mine.