john0183

Hey guys I am debating weather or not I should either rebuild my motor it's a 2003 e500 with 146,000 and counting or should I just buy a motor with low miles I know a lot people will say sell it and buy another one but I have replaced the ear air suspension and done a lot of other things I feel like it's better to buy a used low mileage motor any feedback is welcome . Thanks

Honcho

Is there something wrong with the original engine?

Why spend over 1,000 on a car worth 6,500 before you have to? Are you a mechanic? A rebuilt engine is less than the cost to install it, so you're looking at spending about half as much as the car is worth. Labor of love?

otto6457

I'm with Honcho. Why do you feel the need to rebuild or replace the engine? 146K is nothing as far as the expected life of the engine if it's been properly maintained.

No matter how much work you have done to the car previously, it's a matter of economics. If you are going to put half the value of a car into repairs, it better be a car that is rare, collectible, or at least a desirable model that is retaining it's value. Either that or a car that has so much sentimental value to you that you don't mind pouring emotional money into it that you will never get back out.

That said, I would recommend getting a rebuilt engine that comes with a warranty. I would doubt that you have the resources to do as good a job rebuilding your engine as a remanufacturing company and your warranty is a lot less valuable.

john0183

I understand but I am like should I just get a low mileage motor because my car is paid off or get into another car when you don't know how the person cared for it . So I am just unsure and I would like to keep the car for a while until I can get money to get a newer car .

otto6457

Why not just drive it until it needs an engine? It's quite possible the body will rust away before the engine needs a rebuild if you maintain it correctly.

vettdvr

If the engine is running as designed not leaking, overheating, burning oil, why change it, it might go 300000 miles. However I suspect the airmatics/SBC will wear out again before the engine.

RichM

Better add a transmission to the list as it is more likely to have issues than the engine.

AMGAffalterbach

That's like asking should I do one of the most expensive rebuild jobs on this car for absolutely no reason lol. I concur with everyone above. In Europe the W210/W211 platforms are used as taxis and some last well over 1 million kilometers without needing an engine rebuild if maintained correctly.

OnlyGerman

Agreed. No need to worry about that engine.