PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Installing an OM603 engine in a gasser w124

Jeremy5848 · #12 01-15-2010, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JordaanDMC-12

Thanks Jeremy!

Yeah, I think this would be pretty awesome to do and I love Diesel so it would work out real well. I didn't even think about emissions until the previous poster and yourself mentioned it, I can't remember if diesels are exempt here in California or if it's after a certain year, i'll have to go to the DMV tomorrow and find out. I'm curious now lol

Diesels are exempt but there is a new law in California about to go into effect (or maybe it did on January 1) requiring diesels after some year (1997?) to be smogged just like gassers. In your case, though, the VIN of your car tells DMV that it is a gasser and they will expect it to pass a bi-annual gasser smog test, which will be difficult with a 603 in the chassis.

Ahhh . . . here it is, from the DMV website:

New Legislation
Effective January 1, 2010, smog emission inspections are required for diesel-powered vehicles manufactured in or after 1998, and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less for original registrations and transfers. Biennial smog inspection requirements will be phased-in beginning with a registration renewal date of April 30, 2010.

That doesn't affect you, of course but you have to figure out how to get DMV to reclassify the 300E as a 300D. BTW, I have heard that the engine must meet the smog requirements of the chassis model year but I have no personal experience with the procedure.

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair's web site has a lot of details. There's plenty of on-line discussion about "referees," changing VIN numbers, etc. Definitely you want to check out all the details before spending money on the project.

Jeremy