broken engine

[puru33]

I dont much about car mechanical stuff. My engine is broken becoz of overheating. this mechanic says , it is unfixable and engine needs to be replaced ( used engine) and is gonna cost 3000$ including labour. He said he checked the compresser pressure reading or something on all 4 cylinders and it was 6, 4 , 4, 2 and is supposed to be 10.5 atleast in all cylinders. the car doesnt even start. he said out of 3 rings in each cylinder (piston rings) 3rd one may not be working. The coolant and engine connecting adaptor is broken too. so he says its no point in try to fix to now and no gurantee that it works even after investing money and time to fix it. Its 1996 make. The problem started with coolant...probably some leak . I filled up the coolant tank just 2 days before my car broke. It happened on a cold night...I noticed smoke coming out intiallay but ignored and kept driving and then car engine stoped after few miles. I had to get it towed

I want to know.
how much does a used engine in good condition cost?
I trust my mechanic but still I wonder is he really telling the truth?

Is it worth spending 3000$ for repair? I brought it for 6500$ last year.I know it is too much. but i thought it was worth spending so much since it was well mainted..new blackpunk stero system ..amplifier and stuff. I still have 3500$ loan to pay off.
If I dont wanna spend 3000$ for repair the only option I have is to sell it in the auction. but it wont sell for higher price. Might end up with loss after paying auction and towing fee.
what other options do i have
does it really cost 3000$ to replace a engine??

[hotmilk400]

it will cost around $3000 for a motor install if he is getting you a motor, bringing it back, removing the old one, putting in the new one. its all labor, but the motor still cost alot. you can probally get a used motor on here from a donor car, and if u find someone on the side that can do it, it might cost you like $1500ish.

it might be better to just cut your losses. it was a bad idea to keep driving it if it was smoking. wasnt your heat gauge above the half way mark?


remeber, the car was made in germany, you can not just get parts really easy. it is also a more expensive car to begain with.

[puru33]

thanks dude

[96cali]

keep in mind you can also use a 1.9L M44 from a Z3. It's the same engine as your '96. That can broaden your search. You should be able to find a good low milage motor under $1000.

[aceyx]

If you want a second opinion, I had good experiences in the past with Foreign Motors West in Framingham. There is another independent shop in the area but the name escapes me.

$3000 including labor isn't that bad, just make sure you get it in writing so there are no surprise costs at the end.