AndyBlack

I've had 6 MB's since my old 220D long ago (may it rust in peace)...but this is my first post. A friend of mine *cough* just bought a very low priced 2011 GL350CDI with all the options and ~94k miles with an engine issue. It idles very rough/noisy and has no power...the MB dealer said they found "engine oil sludging" and "timing chain rails damaged" and they had recommended to the PO they put in a new motor. Reading the other threads on timing chain stretch, this sounds questionable to me...but "my friend" went in expecting to buy and have installed a new/used/rebuilt motor. The motor cost is a big wildcard...it looks like he can get a used one for $4000, rebuilt ones for $6000...and $2500 in labor from a great MB specialty shop.

It had gone to Ebay from a dealer I've worked with before...the auction finished and the buyer flaked out, so they offered it to "my friend" for the same price, ~11k. The logic was...if it turned out to be a bad idea later, I could always sell it on ebay for parts for ~ what I paid, so...limited risk.

Worst case, I get out of it for about what I paid. Likely, I'd have a GL350 worth ~$24k for ~$17k. Best case...the engine can be saved and I only need a new timing chain kit...I'm seeing $1500 is about right for that.

I'm suspecting "engine oil sludging"=head gasket, so I might need a head gasket, but the dealer didn't speculate about that. My questions:

1. Would it be cheaper/smarter to get a new engine installed than deal with the chain/head gasket issue?

2. Is my friend an idiot or a genius?

alx

remove cam sensors and look inside. check to see if timing marks moved apart indicating a stretched chain. if chain is stretched- put a new one in with a new sit of tensioners/ guides.

if chain is not stretched get a new motor as the issue is deeper in the motor and a big unknown.

cant comment on friend, sorry

btw, he got a 350, not a 320