Hello partners in crime. I just finished installing a new engine in my 1988 230E. The old engine died with terrible noises and was given a fitting funeral . I happened to stumble on to an M102.981 engine with about 37,000 miles on it for 3700$. Rebuilding the old engine would have cost twice as much or more.
It took about 30 hours installing the engine and with wery few difficulties. You can contact me if you want more details and i have pics.