How hard is it to find a used 560 motor in a junkyard? I'd start there.
Is she worth fixing? [560 SL]
It's a sad story, but that won't stop the "I told ya so's." I bought my 1988 560 SL when I moved to this town, and from the moment I saw it, I was in awe that it would be my car. The man selling it to me said that the front bumper and hood was rebuilt, the reason for the good price. It looks great, so I didn't care about the big black "REBUILT" stamp on the title.
Now I need a new engine or a new car. I can't say I know the extent of the damage, but the shop tells me that a problem with the timing chain caused the right side cylinders in the engine to ruin themselves: pistons, rings, valves, and all. The price of the repairs is likely less than that of a new engine, if I can find one.
Now I'm basically at a total loss, and I don't know if I can afford to keep the car if this is a sign of things to come. So, I ask the community. You love your cars, but you also understand the risks of having them. Should I fix it, should I try to sell it as it is? Perhaps it's not yet my time to have this car.
Now I need a new engine or a new car. I can't say I know the extent of the damage, but the shop tells me that a problem with the timing chain caused the right side cylinders in the engine to ruin themselves: pistons, rings, valves, and all. The price of the repairs is likely less than that of a new engine, if I can find one.
Now I'm basically at a total loss, and I don't know if I can afford to keep the car if this is a sign of things to come. So, I ask the community. You love your cars, but you also understand the risks of having them. Should I fix it, should I try to sell it as it is? Perhaps it's not yet my time to have this car.
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I don't really know. I'm sure I could look around. Used cars are rather plentiful around here, maybe I could find something that'l work.
There are lots of Benz specific recyclers. But the first question I have is where on the planet is 'around here'? If you go to the User CP and fill out your profile, those with ideas in your area might be prompted to speak up.
I'm in Yakima, Washington. It seems like everyone here sells used cars, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a good engine. Does anyone know what a good price range on used engines is?
Good used M117 5.6 $1000. Make sure it came out of an SL and has less than 100K miles. Also replace timing chain, guides and oilers before installation. I have a good running one with 200K on it but it wouldn't be worth shipping.I'm in Yakima, Washington. It seems like everyone here sells used cars, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a good engine. Does anyone know what a good price range on used engines is?
Take your time and look for a used engine. Look around at non-MB recyclers- you'll eventually find a good engine from a wreck or rust bucket. They're definately available.
Get the est. "in writing, in detail" for the engine repair. If you can afford it I'd go that way. And yes it would be worth it to repair. Proceed with caution!
I'm in Yakima, Washington. It seems like everyone here sells used cars, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a good engine. Does anyone know what a good price range on used engines is?
You could start here...
Used Auto Parts | Used Car Parts
That stinks! Was it a dealer or a private party? If it was a dealer, you have specific rights and maybe can recoup part or all of your money! Actually I would check with a lawyer about any recourse you may have with the po.
Unless you are DIY, you're looking at more money to repair than what the car is worth. Add to that the fact that it's a rebuilt title (which means it's been wrecked, too) you would never get your money back out of it.
Sorry about your luck on this one, there are SO many crooks out there anymore...
Hopefully this experience doesn't spoil your opinion of these cars in general.
Bandit
Unless you are DIY, you're looking at more money to repair than what the car is worth. Add to that the fact that it's a rebuilt title (which means it's been wrecked, too) you would never get your money back out of it.
Sorry about your luck on this one, there are SO many crooks out there anymore...
Hopefully this experience doesn't spoil your opinion of these cars in general.
Bandit
I don't think he has any recourse here since the PO told him it had been wrecked and had a rebuilt title. If you ever buy another "Rebuild" ask to see pictures of the car before it was rebuilt. The guy might or might not have understated the damage.
Yeah, but by the sound of it, the po did not inform him of any mechanical issues with the drivetrain.
A rebuilt title has to do with a vehicle that was wrecked and totalled per the insurance co.and issued a salvage title. These typically go to auction and are sold off to salvage co.s that part them out or sell them as is to people interested in rebuilding. Once inspected by the state DOT they can have a rebuilt title issued, but that only pertains to roadworthiness, not necessarily overall mechanical condition (i.e. blown engine)
We need more details, Al !
A rebuilt title has to do with a vehicle that was wrecked and totalled per the insurance co.and issued a salvage title. These typically go to auction and are sold off to salvage co.s that part them out or sell them as is to people interested in rebuilding. Once inspected by the state DOT they can have a rebuilt title issued, but that only pertains to roadworthiness, not necessarily overall mechanical condition (i.e. blown engine)
We need more details, Al !
Unfortunately, I think I have to sell it. The shop is probably going to gut me for the labor at this point. One recourse I have is to sell the car to the previous owner, a gentleman who approached me about the car after he saw me driving it around town. He told me that he sold it to the man I bought it from, and that he'd like to buy it back. I spoke with him today and he said that he's still interested in the car, and he'd fix it. It's a much better fate than parting it, to be sure. He asked me to tell him my price for it, but I don't know what it's worth, if I overpayed, anything anymore. I paid $4000 for it, thinking I was getting a good deal. Do I offer it to him for $3000, and give him all the engine information I've gotten by email in the last couple days?
It sucks to see the car go, but clearly this guy cares for the car if he still wants it now. Any advice on pricing, selling it, cars in general is welcome. Thank you all.
It sucks to see the car go, but clearly this guy cares for the car if he still wants it now. Any advice on pricing, selling it, cars in general is welcome. Thank you all.
Was he the one that wrecked it, or was it the last guy/gal?Unfortunately, I think I have to sell it. The shop is probably going to gut me for the labor at this point. One recourse I have is to sell the car to the previous owner, a gentleman who approached me about the car after he saw me driving it around town. He told me that he sold it to the man I bought it from, and that he'd like to buy it back. I spoke with him today and he said that he's still interested in the car, and he'd fix it. It's a much better fate than parting it, to be sure. He asked me to tell him my price for it, but I don't know what it's worth, if I overpayed, anything anymore. I paid $4000 for it, thinking I was getting a good deal. Do I offer it to him for $3000, and give him all the engine information I've gotten by email in the last couple days?
It sucks to see the car go, but clearly this guy cares for the car if he still wants it now. Any advice on pricing, selling it, cars in general is welcome. Thank you all.
If it was him, I'd tell him $4k and wouldn't say another thing.
This whole deal smells REALLY fishy to me...
I would assume he is the one who wrecked it. The guy I bought it from only buys and sells classic cars, he didn't drive it from what I know. You really think I can get 4k out of it, without the engine?
You already pulled the engine?I would assume he is the one who wrecked it. The guy I bought it from only buys and sells classic cars, he didn't drive it from what I know. You really think I can get 4k out of it, without the engine?
Nobody has done anything for free. If he wasn't the original owner, then he probably sold it for a profit to the dealer, who sold it at a profit to you.
So did he make you an offer? Or was he waiting for a price from you?
This all just seems sooooooooo suspicious.......
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