My car engine needs to be "relined". Please can you provide an explaination and what my options are?

Question

Found oil dripping on the garage floor from my MB ML320 (1999). Took it to our local Gemini service (always used them) and they came back stating that the engine needs 'relined'. They cannot perform this service and quoted $3000 to $5000, do be done at the MB dealership only.
Can you please explain the problem in more detail and why it's going to cost so much to get fixed?
What are my options here? Just get it done, leave as is and try to sell or some other strategy?
Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Relining an engine doesn't make sense. Take the car to someone who is not going to snow you.

Answer 2

I won't try and guess how the engine is leaking oil, but "relining" does not make since. The only "lining" I'm familiar with is on aluminum block engines. A steel liner or sleeve is installed into each cylinder bore. The pistons move up and down inside the sleeve/liner when the engine runs. Eventually, the liner can wear to the point it needs replacing. This provides a light weight engine but with wear similar to a cast-iron engine.

Answer 3

The only thing that makes sense in this context is that they want to replace the iron/steel cylinder liners in an engine with an aluminum block. (Cast-iron block engines do not have separately replaceable cylinder liners.) For the amount of money involved, it would probably make as much sense to replace the engine entirely -- or the entire car. But do get a second opinion before doing anything.

Answer 4

If your engine is leaking oil it can only be these things.1)your valve cover gaskets need to be changed.2)your oil pan gasket needs to be changed.3)your front or rear seals need to be changed.4)your timing cover gasket needs to be changed.5)all the above.

Answer 5

I assume you mean "wet sleeves" need replaced. You can do that or have the whole engine replaced.

Answer 6

for that price, they should be able to rebuild it :)