'84 300D Engine Replacement

I have 230,000 miles. The #3 cylinder has failed (no compression). After various tests, my mechanic gives me 2 options: A) a short term patch (not sure what he means) that may cost $1200 to $1500, and no guarantee other cylinders won't fail, or, B) Installing a direct from factory rebuilt engine with everything for $5900 plus labor and a 4 year warranty, assuming I really want to keep the car. I love the car. Except for this problem, everything else is fine. Are there other options? I would appreciate any comments. I need to make a decision soon. Thanks!!

[Benzmac]

Wow this is a tough one. The car isn't worth insalling a new engine in unless you are planning on keeping it for another 5 years or so. Why not patch it and get a real good 300E or something?

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I'm sure there are more options than these two! Why not check around for a cheaper reconditioned engine? I know a 123 nutter who found that after his 300d's tranny had given up the ghost (at a little over 600k kms!), it was cheaper to install a reconditioned petrol motor and tranny for a 280e than to buy a new diesel job!!

There are often engines in good nick available if you wait and know where to look. If your in/near Australia I can get you a beautiful 1983 300d engine with only 140k kms on the clock. Another 123 nutter's car was hit severely (much worse than mine) by hail and is looking to sell its parts.

Keep the 123. They are bullet-proof, elegant and reliable! Furthermore, stats suggest that well maintained 123s are fast becoming rare classics, the so called last of the "chrome Mercs". Check out http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9347/w123ccc.htm for more information on this one.

Best wishes!

David Rayment.


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1984 300D 235000 kms
Sydney, Australia.