What is this OM617 engine worth?
 

I made a special purchase 2 years ago as part of a very large lot of cars, and parts from a gentleman's son after he passed away, and it's been in storage ever since. I bought a OM617 complete engine with 24,000 original miles. I dont really have plans to sell it, rather I've been just waiting for the ultra-special car to use it in. But, I've been wondering what this engine would be worth with the ridiculously low mileage. I understand opinions will vary, so just wondering what those varying opinions are.

The first question would be what do you have to verify that the engine has 24k miles? Without that it is just a good looking engine (assuming it appears in nice shape with that low mileage). With out any verification I would probably say it is worth not much more than $500 as a whole entity. If you could prove that it actually has that low of mileage, and if you wanted to wait for the right person, maybe you could get $1500+?? If you were to ask a higher price, you'd better be able to verify the mileage.

Also, does it have a plate where the pump for the SLS pump would go? That may add to the value, at a minimum add to its desirableness.

Out of curiosity, how did the engine end up with this low mileage? Was it a crate engine (if so then it should have the plate) or was it taken out of a cream puff that go in an accident? How long did it sit before you got it?

Was given to the PO as a last resort to make him happy. He purchased 2 engines from this particular yard that had issues. So, they took him into a warehouse where they had low mileage wrecks to keep them from being picked over and out of the weather, and offered him the engine out of the wrecked 300SD for his troubles. He owned a few radiator shops in Roanoke at the time and was well known around town. I think it was merely them striving to save their reputation by appeasing him as he was pretty angry. If it were someone like me that ran up on 2 bad engines in a row from them, I doubt they would have bothered to try to keep me happy. Anyway, he never got to installing it. His son said shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer, and never recovered.

Basically, I may be able to verify the mileage from someone at the yard since some there may remember him. I was just curious what it would be worth. I'll probably just hold onto it, but there's always that thought in the back of my head that asks, "What is this thing I've been holding onto worth?"

Sounds like it is unverified mileage then. Since you plan on keeping it then it really is a moot point. If you ever plan on selling it, it would be hard to ask a high price. Well I guess you could ask what ever you wanted, just probably not receive it. :o

Maybe I wasn't clear. Getting past all the "what ifs", let's say I was able to get a verified written report of the mileage from the yard through their inventory system, any idea what it's worth? I've never seen one with that kind of mileage sold anywhere.

Thanks!

Well he said 1500. Personally I'd think 2000.

Take a peek at what metric motors and others charge for a crate engine. Worst case, put it on FleaBay and let the market forces have at it. I think you may be surprised how little it will fetch since you cannot verify the mileage -- I am not beating that dead horse. I understand what you're getting at. Probably $2K - $2,500 would be the ceiling.

Well technically I said $1500+ but that is pretty ambiguous. :P I don't think much more than that. Possibly $2k but it would need to be a real special buyer to spend that much. Most people that drive these 617s drive the $h!t out of them and don't really care too much about mileage (not saying they neglect maintenance, just don't care about high miles). The other small category baby the hell out them but I doubt they would ever need a new engine so you would have to wait for a certain buyer to get that high of a price. Certainly almost no one on this forum would spend that much for an engine...or at least the cheap bastards like myself that post somewhat regularly. When most need an engine, they just buy a parts car and take the engine out of it not caring too much about mileage since these engines WILL GO FOR OVER A MILLION MILES! (Sorry, couldn't resist)

Don't be sorry -- you pretty much hit the nail on the head for about 95% of the folks out there....

Well, I meant sorry for the million mile reference. ;)

OK, I just feel a bit better holding onto it knowing at least it's worth something decent. It's a psychological thing with me. I cant justify holding on to something unless it has some value, even if it's estimated value...

Is this from a W116 or W126 300SD? W116 version is a little different (oil pan and stuff fitted on the top of the engine is simpler), though less horsepower (110 or 120hp depending on year). There's a niche market for that if you want to keep your car as original as possible when the engine goes, though most people would probably seek out a W123/W126 version for the additional 5-15hp.

I'd personally like to find a later-style one that can drive an SLS pump, with low miles. I'd consider $1500 for one with 24k a great bargain.

Is almost impossible to approximate value especially in this market. i have some really nice stuff for sale and i'm not asking a fortune for any of it and here it sits. in a good market, with verifiable low mileage i would say 1500+.....right now it would be like playing diesel roulette

Don't want to disappoint you.
 

I would think it is sub $500. You would not get $1500+ even with a sworn affidavit on the mileage. People will take the affidavit with a big grain a salt.

Also how you store the engine? In wrap with oil inside or just empty. It will rust.