Hate to be "that guy", but didn't the engine already have 2 low compression cylinders and you were going to replace the head? If the engine overheated, the head is likely the issue, if you were going to replace it anyway, there's no time like the present. With the compression numbers you had, I can't believe that it idled worth a crap anyway.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]

You're right, it ran like complete crap when cold.
Took off the elr and it would stall out going in reverse, and turning the wheel.

It was that weak. Not to sound mean but how is reconditioning the head or getting a new head more cost effective than a swap?

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Most of the issues in these engines originate in the head, the bottom ends are pretty tough. If you're getting a used engine, you may very well have the same problems yours already has, or require similar work as you'd already be doing to the one you currently have. Shelling out money for a used engine with a #14 head (which is likely what you'd be able to find for cheap) is just throwing good money after bad, not to mention the challenges of actually doing the engine swap itself!

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]