Hi,

This is my first post regarding my first Mercedes

My car is a C180, year 2010 with about 70k on the clock. One day I was driving it and it suddenly had the engine lights on and lost all power completely.
AA came, looked at it, said it lost compression, could be a timing chain issue. The AA guy recommended me to go to a Mercedes specialist garage rather than any garage as this could involve major engine work.
As a merc newbie, I do not know any Mercedes specialist garage where I live (Ilford, London). So I went online and called a few. Got an appointment at one.
AA then towed the car to that garage on an agreed date.

Now, the garage had a look at the car. The mechanic said timing chain is loose and camshaft sprockets are worn. And I will need to pay £400 for a full diagnostics as possibly there could be further damage.

I've been told by the garage that total cost could be £2000-2500 or £4000 if I need another engine!
This is a hell of a lot more than I expected to pay. I am now in a catch-22. The value of the car itself is just around £4500 (Cat N).

I need help and advice on what to do? Pay up and fix it (with the risk of having to change engine worst case scenario) or sell as spares/repairs and buy another car? If I do sell as spares/repairs, what would be a ballpark figure for that?

Could you also recommend any affordable Mercedes garage please?

Thank you.

NewMerc

 

@NewMerc2019 Sorry to hear. What are the other options for replacement transportation?

replace engine as above: GBP4k
replace with another C-Class: GBP4,5k
replace with another vehicle:
sell old car for parts: max GBP2k my guess
motorbike:
public transport:

Please fill in the blanks, this will help others give input.

 

Well.... this will likely be expensive either way you go. Several things to consider:

If car is otherwise in good repair or you really like it, it may be worth the money up to worst case scenario (new engine).

I’m guessing probably slipped timing on the chain if sprockets are worn. If so you may need valves, pistons or possibly new head. All depends on damage assessment when taken apart. I’ve seen anything from just needing valves to needing entire engine. Only way to know is to take it apart and see. Most I’ve worked on didn’t have to get an entire new engine, but it does happen from time to time.

Another vehicle will likely cost more than repair of this one. Also, Unless it is new, you may be buying someone else’s headaches too. At least you know what is or isn’t wrong with yours. Here in the US many people pawn off their cars with problems due to lack of service and some unfortunate person (ME) usually is the recipient of that purchase.

I have spent some money on mine like this when I like the vehicle and it’s otherwise in good repair. My current car I recently did similar work (not replacing engine) and I have over 320,000 miles on it now. Just need to decide if newer flash or finances are more important.

best of luck my friend!

 

Doesn't this engine usually have a rattle problem well before it blows?

For the OP - If you can fix it for around half the value of the vehicle, I'd say it might be worth it. A used engine might be a good option.

 

Best get it fully diagnosed first that will help making a good decision.
I replaced my 2008 C200k timing chain at 100,000 KM and less that 1/2 a link of stretch over full length of the chain, did it to avoid any problem Later on.