I am a new Mercedes owner. Majorly enjoyed car for 2 weeks before the head gasket blew. This 86 Mercedes 300sdl is in great condition. Has 169,000 miles. Never overheaded. Records show amazing service and care has always been taken. Paid $5,500. I am a DIY'er so working on the car myself...a learn as you go endeavor! I finally found a manual and got down to the head...done a lot of reading from forums to hopefully not miss anything along the way. Carried head several miles to get head resurfaced...guy was clueless about aluminum heads so rescued it before he touched it...Trying another guy now that seems much more knowledgeable. The car was in 'storage' for a couple of years, just taken for a drive around the block and polished on occasionally. Could this 'time out' have cause the head problem? Also, is it worth keeping or will this thing be a money pit? I did a lot of research and the word was so great on these cars that I felt good about it...now I'm having serious doubts...any advice?