Great thread. Used quite a bit of information from it.

I just did the swap in my '95 E300D and it's a completely different car now! I used a 717.411 from an '86 190E 2.3. I kept the stock 2.87 diff and the car performs fine, but I wouldn't want anything taller. It turns 2000 rpm at 65 mph, so it is just into the power band at highway speed. My first tank was all highway, half on the automatic and half with the 5 speed, it got 38.57 mpg, incredible!

Like others, I noticed that the car seems to be really jerky now, but it can be managed by driving carefully. Unlike others my clutch (brand new) engages right at half pedal travel, not right at the top. I had my driveshaft made to exactly 33 inches and it came out perfect.

Just thought I would say thanks and share my findings with an E300D.

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dieseleverything

'95 E300D 279k 717.411 5-speed swap 40 MPG
'78 240D Turbo 144k
'83 240D 201k