My '84-mit-wasserboxer had 215k miles when I bought it 15k miles ago,
and was on its second engine and third set of head gastkets.  On the
pre-purchase check the compression was uneven... I forget the numbers,
but like 25% low on two cylinders.  I was going to pass, but my mechanic
said it was not uncommon on the wasserboxer... so since the engine
started well and ran strong, I took a chance.  Seems to have paid off so
far; I get 20/23 city/hiway, can climb most Interstate grades in 4th
gear, and don't have to add oil between changes... so by real-world
criteria I have to say this engine works better than the compression
gauge says (to my S.O.'s delight).  On my recent pre-smog tuneup (and
catalyst replacement :-( ) I rechecked and compression is about the
same.  Maybe the thing is slowly beating itself to death inside from
unbalanced forces... but seemingly not faster than the heads are
corroding again or the tranny output gear is wearing and whining...

Ed Mellinger
Monterey CA
'84 plain-jane