Vehicle troubles can range from mildly frustrating to giving you a headache, serious headache. The most dreaded car problem that no driver wishes for is a blown engine. When an engine is damaged beyond repair, you have no option but to replace it or buy a new car. In this article, we’ll be looking at how much it’ll cost you to replace a Mercedes engine.
A new Mercedes engine can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000 or even more. The exact amount will depend on the make and model of the car and whether you are buying a new, used, or rebuilt engine.
Replacing a car engine is usually expensive. A blown engine is usually due to a lack of proper maintenance and car owners can avoid expensive engine repairs or replacement by following simple maintenance practices, some of which will be discussed later in this article.
Should You Replace A Blown Engine Or Buy A New Car?
This is the first question you’ll need to ask yourself after having a blown engine. You have to decide if the engine is worth replacing or if it’ll be better to buy a new car. It’s usually expensive to buy a new engine so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons.
Naturally, you’ll have a mechanic inspect your car to see if engine repair is a viable option. If you are lucky, you may only need to replace some components. If not, a full engine change is in order.
Before replacing the engine, ask yourself if you like the car and if it meets your needs. You’ll also have to consider other issues the car has and if they can be fixed with the engine. The answers to this question will help you decide whether it’s worth replacing the engine or buying a new car.
Cost Of Replacing A Mercedes Engine
The cost of replacing a Mercedes engine can range from anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000 or even more. The exact amount depends on the size and complexity of the engine as well as the facility you’ve chosen to get the engine replaced. Also, the type of engine you are buying – used, new, or rebuilt – also matters.
Mercedes is a luxury brand and this has an effect on the engine prices which tend to be very high. If you have the budget, it’s best you go for a new engine. Used engines are more adorable but the problem is that you may not know the miles on the engine. So, if you buy a used engine that has a lot of mileage, chances are, the engine isn’t going to last very long.
Shipping fees have a significant effect on the price of an engine especially if the engine is to be imported into your country of residence.
There’s also the option of rebuilt engines which are used engines that have been rebuilt to make their operation close to what you’d get from a new one. Worn-out parts would have been replaced as well as seals and gaskets. And the effect of this is an engine with a potentially longer life span when installed properly.
Labor Cost Of Mercedes Engine Replacement
Since Mercedes is a luxury brand, you’ll need a skilled or experienced mechanic for any repairs. This also applies to engine replacement. Depending on the size and complexity of your Mercedes engine, a mechanic can install a new engine in eight hours. For more complex jobs, it could take anywhere between 10 to 15 hours to install a new engine and have a car up and running.
Most auto shops have an hourly rate that can vary from $90 to $150. The labor cost of replacing your engine will depend on how long the job will take and the hourly rate of your auto shop but you can expect to spend up to $1,000 to replace your engine.
Keeping Your Engine In Top Condition
To keep your engine in top condition and avoid expensive repairs, below are tips you should follow:
Change Engine Oil
You can avoid expensive engine repairs by periodically checking the level of the engine oil, and topping it or changing it as needed. You’ll find recommendations about this in the owner’s manual and be sure to follow it religiously.
Don’t Ignore Check Engine Light
Many people start to panic when the check engine light comes on as it’s usually an indicator of an issue with the engine. However, the indicator may also light up due to minor issues with the engine and the only way to be sure of the underlying cause is to perform some checks or have a mechanic inspect your car.
It’s highly recommended you never ignore the check engine light as the underlying issues may progressively get worse over time leading to expensive repairs that could have been avoided.
Look For Leaks
Make it a habit to look for any leaks underneath your car after parking for some time. Your car uses different kinds of fluids such as gas, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and so on.
A problem with the compartment or system that holds or uses these fluids can lead to leakage. By detecting leakages early, you can quickly take steps to rectify them and avoid expensive repairs.
Replace Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are generally designed for long-term durability and don’t require frequent changes. However, many manufacturers recommend you replace your spark plugs after every 80,000 miles and that’s something to keep in mind.
It’s worth mentioning that high-performance plugs may need to be replaced more often than standard plugs as their electrodes tend to wear out faster. Signs of damaged or malfunctioning spark plugs include difficulty starting the engine, the car accelerating slowly, or having to top up your fuel more often than before.
Remember to keep an eye on the cooling system and ensure there is always enough coolant in your vehicle. If you find your car overheating (check the engine temp gauge), turn off the engine and check the coolant level.
