1972 220 W115 Engine Blown - So Cal Ideas for Replacement?

[MisterJalopy]

My 1972 Mercedes 220 4 cylinder gas developed a loud bottom end noise like a broken rod or crank. The engine is toast.

Sun Valley Mercedes (the used transmission shop) recommended So Cal Mercedes in Orange. They do not have an engine in stock.

Short of pulling an engine from a junkyard or buying a donor car, does anybody have any ideas for a shop that will source, remove and replace the engine?

Though the car is dry, clean and presents well, it is still four door with a four cylinder that has yet to greatly appreciate, so cost is an issue.

Thanks in advance!

[Frank Reiner]

Have you stepped to the altar with this car, exchanged vows and rings?

OR

Is it a commodity?

[Phil_F_NM]

Originally Posted by MisterJalopy

My 1972 Mercedes 220 4 cylinder gas developed a loud bottom end noise like a broken rod or crank. The engine is toast.

Sounds like a perfectly working 1972 220D!

Phil Forrest

[ssk831]

Smog exempt car....small block V8? please?

[MisterJalopy]

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner

Have you stepped to the altar with this car, exchanged vows and rings?

OR

Is it a commodity?

I would say that my interest in the car at this point is between commodity and love of my life.

It is a really nice car. I am the second owner - original owner was an education administrator in Pomona that bought it European delivery new.

It has issues. At some point the driver door was hit and the repair is less than stellar. Except for that, it is original paint. No rust in floor boards, quarters, etc. A very hard car to find anywhere other than So Cal. Needs a headliner, door pockets, etc.

I have done some to it - brakes with new rotors, nice tires, detailed, coco mats, etc. but I don't know that I have another $2000 of interest.

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by MisterJalopy

I would say that my interest in the car at this point is between commodity and love of my life.

It is a really nice car. I am the second owner - original owner was an education administrator in Pomona that bought it European delivery new.

It has issues. At some point the driver door was hit and the repair is less than stellar. Except for that, it is original paint. No rust in floor boards, quarters, etc. A very hard car to find anywhere other than So Cal. Needs a headliner, door pockets, etc.

I have done some to it - brakes with new rotors, nice tires, detailed, coco mats, etc. but I don't know that I have another $2000 of interest.

Make it as cosmetically clean as you can, detail all the maintenance that has been done, settle the alimony, and say fare-thee-well.

[dieselgirl85300D]

Put it back in the garage and keep looking for a motor! Too nice to trash

[dieselgirl85300D]

Charlie can probably point you in the right direction

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I bought a donor car for $500.00 for the motor. You can definitely find one in the LA area cheap. You might even get more power if you find a 250 engine. I get daily email alerts of cars for sale on the West Coast. I see them frequently for sale for $1,000 and less.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

W115 for sale posted last night on southjersey.Craigslist for $1,000 with 83,xxx miles.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

1969 220 W115 chassis for sale Palm Springs.craigslist for $1,000 obo listed again an hour ago. I have seen this car listed several times over the past month or so. City listed as Hemit. Car listed as an slk220.

[joshhol]

Gee, if I had Jay Leno money I'd buy all these problem children 115's, fintails and 108's and fix em up.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I just saw your ad on Craigslist for sale. Someone from here should buy it. You are asking a very fair price. I would say the car is quite a bargain for someone who can swap a motor.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

This one is near you $500.

Mercedes 1969 250 Sedan w114 - Parts Car

[ruchase]

Originally Posted by dieselgirl85300D

Put it back in the garage and keep looking for a motor! Too nice to trash

I second! No point in giving it away for next to nothing. You will regret it. The way I see it, these old benze's are fully depreciated, and will eventually start to appreciate as the next generation of "enthusiasts" discover them.

Might as well take your time and find the right replacement. Or you could rent a cherry picker and make removing the engine a weekend's work. Once it's out, you might even decide to tinker with the existing motor to see whether it's salvageable, or figure out the next steps.

Plenty of people here to help you along the way.