The comparison: replacement engine engine overhaul

A replacement engine is essentially an engine that has already been used in another vehicle or is sold as a refurbished factory engine. The main advantages of a replacement engine lie in the Speed of availability.

However, a replacement engine also comes with significant disadvantages.

1.) Fit accuracy:

Engines are manufactured in various designs for a wide range of vehicle models and types. It is often difficult to accurately identify the right engine based on the chassis number or engine code. The risk of delivering an unsuitable engine that does not exactly meet the specific requirements of the vehicle is high. This often incurs costs for additional waiting time and the installation of another replacement engine.

2.) Damage assessment:

While the seemingly quick replacement of the engine may resolve the damage, in most cases it remains unclear what the cause of the engine damage was and whether this was addressed with a replacement engine or if it still poses a risk for another engine failure. In the case of a piston damage, one of the main causes is often a defective fuel injector or issues with the mixture preparation. Although the damage is resolved by replacing the engine, the defective fuel injector remains undetected, as the engine repair technician only receives the old part for inspection after the units have already been replaced, making damage assessment too late.

3.) Origin & Quality:

Exchange engines are an essential part of the auto parts market, but they are in an intense price competition fueled by a variety of suppliers.

These exchange engines, often sourced from used or refurbished sources in Eastern Europe, offer a cost-effective alternative to new engines directly from the manufacturer. The market for this is vast and confusing, providing room for numerous dealers from various nations. More and more often without in-depth technical expertise. Many of these "dealers" enter the market without expertise in engine technology, attracted by the opportunity to profitably exploit the problems of vehicle owners by selling externally produced exchange engines. This leads to a situation where the actual quality and reliability of the engines are difficult to assess. Buyers often have to rely on the reputation and promises of the sellers, which increases the risk of acquiring inadequately refurbished engines. This practice can ultimately lead to a doubling of costs and unexpected vehicle failures.

4.) Kosten:

Exchange engines may initially seem like a cost-effective solution for vehicle owners facing a defective engine. However, behind the initially attractive price, there are always additional costs that are not immediately apparent. One of these costs is the so-called core deposit. This deposit is a fee added to the purchase price of the exchange engine to ensure that the old engine is returned. The deposit amount can increase the original purchase price by 30-50%.

The refund of the deposit is conditional on the old engine being returned according to the seller's guidelines. The criteria for the acceptance of the old part are often strict, and it is not uncommon for there to be uncertainties or delays in the refund process. This financial risk always lies with the vehicle owner, who must not only coordinate the return but also bear any potential additional costs for shipping the old engine. Thus, the initial savings can quickly turn into a nightmare due to unforeseen expenses and bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately making the replacement engine more expensive than initially assumed.

The engine overhaul includes the disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and reassembly of the original engine with new or refurbished parts. A clear advantage of this method is the fit accuracy, as the original engine of the vehicle is used. This ensures that all specific modifications made for the particular model are preserved.

Another significant advantage is the identification and rectification of old part damages. During the overhaul, the base engine is completely disassembled, allowing for a thorough investigation of the cause of damage. This is crucial to address not only the symptoms but also the causes of damage, such as a defective injection pump or a damaged injector. By rectifying these causes, it can be prevented that the engine fails again in the future.

Moreover, the costs for an engine overhaul are often lower in the long term. Although the initial costs may seem higher, you save in the long run as the likelihood of recurring problems and associated repairs is reduced. Obtaining a replacement engine can incur high additional costs, especially if the search for a precisely matching model is complicated and time-consuming.