I may need an engine for my 81 300D!! Car only has 138 kmi and looks great, but PO did not take care of engine properly; it has been using (not leaking) excessive oil (qt/300 mi), but oil pressure has been good 'til today; now, pressure hangs near 0 at idle; creeps up to 3 when revved. Where can I find a perfect, "low-milage" engine at reasonable price?

Wilton,

<Where can I find a perfect, "low-milage" engine at reasonable price?>

Seems like a tall order. I have seen a few posts receintly about this, you may find help by searching them out. I have a couple websites I have checked out but I have not utilized them for an engine and cannot speak to their practices. Here are a couple:

http://www.Atlanta-Stuttgart.com/

http://www.auroraaw.com/

http://www.pgauto.com/

http://www.mercedesusedparts.com/

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Rick

Wilton,
Why isn't rebuilding the engine an option?

Independent tech gave estimate of $5.5k for rebuild.

5.5 is not too bad. Performance Products also have some longblocks with rebuilt everything on them included for around the same price.

I have never bought a used engine before and never thought about it so I cannot help you much there, maybe check out the junkyard/used parts ads in the STAR.

MB dlr picked up car week ago today on a truck. MB tech found stuck oil pump check valve; stuck by/with pieces of metal from vac pump MB tech replaced on this car for PO several yrs ago. New oil pump installed couple of days ago; car returned to me today. Repair bill = $700!!! Pump = $250. Labor = $345. Pick up & del = only $50; 130 to 140 mile round trip.
Oh, BTW, rental car = another $209. I'll have to keep the car anopther 20 yrs, now!
'Did not like Neon rental - too low and terrible visibility to rear, especially to right, rear.