Repair engine? or get new one?
 

Resently went to a mercedes dealership to get my 86' 190e 2.3 looked at by friend(a very good mercedes mechanic) along with a few other faithful mercedes techs, as I have alot of problems with it. As it turns out, the mechanics said that I need a valve job, new rings around the pistons, and I seem to have an induction problem with the valve on top of the throttle body(the 3.5 inch valve that can be seen with the air filter assembly taken off. It needs a new spring or something, as the valve requires alot of pressure to open). I also have bad compression in 2 cylinders, which sucks in a 4 cylinder car.
Here's the questions: Should I get the engine rebuilt? or should I get a new engine for cheap, off of ebay or something?

Or, should I get a new car? I am inquiring about a Mercedes 2.3-16v that is on the lot.

Boy, did I get stuck with a lemon.

Thanks to all,
Peter V.

Pete:

You will have to decide how you want to spend your money. A used engine is a possibility, but don't buy one without a warrenty. There are numerous dismantlers who will sell you one known to be running properly when it arrived. A rebuild will probably cost more, but you will have an brand new engine, for all intents and purposes, and with proper care, it will outlast the body.

The fuel distributor problem is fairly common, and is about the only repair possible to a fuel distributor -- no way to fix anything else. Bosch rebuilds are the only way to go other than brand new if that doesn't work.

The other problems are due to either serious overheating or poor maintenace -- the engine in the 190s is otherwise excellent.

Peter