1979 240D Great Shape, Bad Engine. Selling... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gdg9 · #1 05-31-2006, 01:29 PM

I have a 1979 240D that is in great shape, 188k. Light blue exterior, navy blue interior. Very new tires and some other work recently done. However, I just found out today the engine has a loose rod and will require a complete rebuild or engine swap. The price for this is exorbitant and I cannot afford it, nor see it being reasonable, as I was told it would cost well over $4,000.

I was offered $500 for the car on the spot. Is this a good price? Everything but the engine is in great shape, and it is all original parts, automatic, manual windows. I would listen to any other offers, I'm sure if you have a good engine to plug in this car would be a great addition. It is located in Ft. Worth Texas.

Thoughts? Thanks.

Volvo Diesel · #2 05-31-2006, 01:56 PM

I would post this in the diesel discussion section. Surely someone there would be interested...there are quite a few folks around Ft. Worth that post on a regular basis. By the way, dropping a used motor in, even if you paid someone else to do it, would cost way, way less than $4k--a friend of mine in Georgia recently swapped in a used motor in his 240D, got one w/ 129k for $200 and paid $450 to have it installed, and now the car runs....like a 240D w/ 129k miles.

Good luck and sorry about your car troubles....

-Chris

gdg9 · #3 05-31-2006, 02:10 PM

I would not be sure where to find an engine though? Any thoughts? Thanks, and I will post in the other forum as well.

Tristar1959 · #4 06-01-2006, 01:37 PM

Was the person who offered you $500 on the spot the same person who told you it would cost $4000 to replace the engine?

There are a LOT of rusted 240D's which are still running beautifully but can't pass inspections or critical eyes, and which are not worth the body work...

These are called "donor cars".

An example would be

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4644562298&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Also check local junkyards.

If you have a truly clean body and interior, it would be well worth your while to keep your "keeper" (you'll likely regret letting it go) by investing $1K-2K in the cost of a good used motor and the mech to put it in for you.

Wish you were closer to Virginia - I'm pulling out a perfectly good-running 240 engine out of a 240D, for the transmission; then going to swap back a good used 300/automatic into the same car. I've offered to put it in a local guy's 240D with a blown engine, but he's had a problem coming up with the cash...

Unfortunately, the reality says that you probably wouldn't get much more for the car WITH the dying engine. So, why not do the used engine trick and, for less than half a year's car payments, keep your reliable, simple, transport!

Happy hunting.

Stan

gdg9 · #5 06-01-2006, 08:18 PM

Unfortunately, even if I was able to find an engine at a junkyard, I have no tools or know how to remove it, transport it etc.... I realize I will regret parting with the car, but it just is not feasible for me to do otherwise I am afraid.

Tristar1959 · #6 06-01-2006, 11:27 PM

Surely in all of Fort Worth, there must be a good general mechanic who could locate a good used engine and drop it in for you, for around $1K or so -
It's a changeout that any normally-competent mechanic could handle with ease - especially a direct swap-out. It's your bidnez, of course,- just hate to see you let a decent car go away without a fight.
Alternatively, I wish you were in Virginia and my yard weren't already over the honeylimit for old Benz's....

Stan

gdg9 · #7 06-02-2006, 03:05 PM

Well, after a lot of thought I have decided to tow it back to the house, keep it in the garage and bide my time, waiting for a good engine to appear.

JimmyL · #8 06-03-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdg9

Well, after a lot of thought I have decided to tow it back to the house, keep it in the garage and bide my time, waiting for a good engine to appear.

I'll keep my eyes open for you, and pm you if I run across one. Could have had a good one a month or so ago for probably $400 for the whole car.
Ti mi n g.........

Never been in the vintage forum before. I need to expand my reading.......

Jim B. · #9 06-03-2006, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdg9

Well, after a lot of thought I have decided to tow it back to the house, keep it in the garage and bide my time, waiting for a good engine to appear.

I would agree with those who have commented, about trying to find a way for keeping the car, while adding that I am like you in that I lack the technical expertise to do this, but from what you have described you have a wonderful looking basic car, a very special car for those who "know" in a excellent color, an extremely durable one, that you know, and powerful arguments exist to keep it going.

You could source a used motor, (if lucky with records showing what has been done to it) or have the one in it rebuilt

The problem with a used engine is it is a gamble too, if lucky you will only get a 20 day guarantee on it and troubles might pop up on it soon

I was in that situation once, had a Volvo with a bad engine and the price was $2000 for a used one installed, and $3500 to have ours (best kept)
rebuilt and then, that one turned out to have problems too in a few months.
(Note, the value of the car was about $4000 at the time also) It wasn't my decision, but I wanted to keep the car and try again. But then transmission problems came before anything was decided, and you can guess, the car went.

Sorry to ramble, but I applaud your decision, and now you have to find a good engine. A 300 engine will fit too. Hope you can find a motor near you, a good one, and quick