My old faithful 1978 240D finally refused to start. The reason is low compression which I have measured carefully. It has massive (unknown) miles on it but to its last day ran and was giving fine service eventhough it was using a qt of oil per 300 miles. No abnormal noises and no vibrations were present. It did emit smoke on startup. I was using it as a fine reliable car right up to the last trip. It had the normal power and acceleration for a 240D.

I want to compile a parts/task list, and pricing for me to do a rebuild.
I would like to start a list and have others add to my list. Prices will be added in time.

Note: I am finding that tabular columns are not properly displayed but we can work with it anyway. I am using a slash ('/') as a column separator.

I request that contributors simply copy the current list and repost it with their edits so we can end up with a good list that can be used for future decision makers. I will maintain and repost the list as necessary on this Original Posting (OP). The end result hopefully will be a good reference guide for those of you who will be facing the same decision in the future. This is thus a live working document which will aid many here on this forum.
Here is a start. I am not finished but you add as you wish. I truly value all of your experience. I also want to make sure the tasks are listed in the sequential order in which it is best to execute them.

Part or Task/ Price or Hrs/ Rationale
Move engine from car to stand/ 16 hrs $168/ Own labor $168 is cost of Hoist and Stand
Remove head & accessories/ 4 hrs $0/ Own labor
Remove lower oil pan/ 1 hr $0/ Own labor
Remove upper oil pan/ 2 hr $0/ Own labor
Remove crankshaft/journal bearings/ 4 hr $0 / Own labor
Retract rods and attached pistons/ 1 hr $0 / Own labor
Send head to shop for rebuild/ $500/ Valves, guides
Examine cyl walls and measure / 1 hr $0/ Own labor
Examine block/ 1 hr $0/ Own labor
Bore and Hone existing liners/$210
New Cyl liners / $280 parts and labor/ Machine shop to press
Crankshaft/$120/ Machining cost
New big end bearings/ $??/
New small end bearings/ $??/
New gasket and seal set/ $115/
New pistons & Rings if necessary/$300 - $1000/Ebay source at $300
New timing chain w rails/ $180
New timing tensioner/ $0 /Reuse existing one

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Dionysius