1987 190E 2.3: Repair or Replace?
 

The fateful day has finally come when I must decide whether to repair my 190E 2.3 (156K miles) or replace it.

It is suffering from massive blowby, and I'm told needs to be bored. I don't know what the condition of the head is, but the machine shop seems to think that "reconditioning" it should run around $200-$300. They also think that the work on the block should be around $300. The mechanic who is now in possession of the car expects, at first glance, that the job will run around $1500. I suspect he is conservative, because a piston kit appears to cost about $400, bringing the total so far to $1000 without labor.

The car also needs a new HVAC fan control switch, which I can do myself and a few other odds and ends, but the chassis appears to be generally sound.

I would truly value the input of people who are more familiar with these cars than I am.

Do these costs sound realistic?
What are your feelings about repairing this car or replacing it?

A complete overhaul on this engine takes around 30-35 hrs total, so I would think with parts & labor you will spend $2500-$3000.

Repair or replace?
 

That's more like what I was expecting.
In you opinion, is this car worth that kind of repair bill? I think I could replace it for slightly more, but I run the risk of getting into the same situation with the next one.

The car appears to be reasonably sound otherwise, so I have SOME confidence that I could stil get a lot of use out of it.

I would probably shop around for a 300E in the event that I scrap this one.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Carpe Loan Officer
 

The question in my opinion involves not only the cost of engine renewal, but the remaining service life of other major components:

How many miles on the transmission? Rear Axle/Differential? Power Steering Pump? Radiator? Climate Control System? Struts? How much downtime can you tolerate while the items are repaired/replaced as they fail?

I guess what I'm saying is that while having a sound bodyshell is a major plus, it's possible that other i$$ues are on the horizon. I would wonder if investment in an early-Nineties 190 with about half the mileage would be more prudent. I think blue book on a 1993 falls under $10k.