I purchased a 1990 300E early this summer for $7,000. It has 150K miles on it. It began missing badly in July and I took it to my mechanic (whom I trust). The problem was a bent valve and a head that needed machining. I took care of that. The rough idle is back and my mechanic has found oil fouling my plugs. He suggests I think about a total engine rebuild, since the oil rings are likely bad and given the mileage, etc. The vehicle is in otherwise tremendous shape and rides beautifully. It also has a newly machined head. I have three questions:

1. Does a rebuild seem the right thing to do or are there other alternatives?
2. What am I likely to have to pay for such a rebuild?
3. Given the mileage on the car, what other repairs (non-engine related) should I expect? Transmission? Suspension?

Thanks!

Did the mechanic do the valve / head job?

Do you know if he replaced the valve guides and valve seals?

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Since I am driving a 1991 300e with 236,000 miles without even the head coming off, I would doubt the lower end of the engine needs a rebuild .... but it could be possible. Maybe a previous owner ignored regular oil changes.

Have the tech do a compression check and a cylinder leakdown test.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

regarding 3) I'd say it depends on how well the car has been taken care of before.
Suspension will probably need attention (unless it has been done already). You can drive with worn supension parts (ie all the rubber bushings), but it is no fun.
How about water pump, radiator, alternator? Have these items been replaced? Does the AC work fine? Is the blower motor noisy? Does the cruise control work? I guess steering and transmission are fine, if the car was treated well before.
Regards, Bruno