Okay, your in a pickle... You have to ask yourself, is the car worth the 6 grand in parts and labor (and this time, do yourself a big favor and have a dealer do it, with stuff like this, its got to be done right and with a guarantee. If you went to a dealer in the first place, they would have bought you a new engine by now!) or do you want to wholesale the car for nothing (probably a few grand at most) and buy a new car for $20,000.00! So you're talking $7,000 vs. $20,000. And if your thinking of another used Benz, with the money you will spend to make it "right" in time, it will surpass your 300D, at least here you know what you have which will be a re-built car that is good for many more years service. The choice is yours and good luck.