Yeah, coolant and bearings are bad, thus I've driven the car next to nil since realizing the problem. Getting time to act though.

Metric Motors offers the remanufactured head (300D - 617) at $790, better than the $1,600 you suspected.

Question about working w/an indie: It has been more than five years since I paid anyone to work on the car. I know of a local indie whose work seems to get a lot of praise (including here on MBshop). Are such people generally open to negotiating where to source a remanufactured head? I imagine everyone is different but, some I guess are open to it and that's why you mention it? So what would I do...agree w/the indie on where it is sourced and have it directly shipped to the idie and keep on him if nec. to get the core back? Do I need to get him the head gasket too or just get the head to him?

Sounds like you've got a story about installing a low-buck rebuilt head? Sounds bad...

And no, I know I haven't got the right tools to do this job. And besides, I found out a long, long time ago that when I know something isn't in my league, I don't try it. What getting older will do for you.

Oh yeah, Anthracite/Cream beige leather (told that this was *really* unusual colored interior for this car). Nice combo. though.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.