Back in 2001, my 85 300D engine died because someone dropped a nut into the intake. Did a lot of damage to turbo and engine.

I had a knowledgeable shop find and install a replacement engine. I believe it was out of a 1983 SD. New turbo was different from original (I forget offhand the make). Only problem I noticed, was that the engine did not have a return port to sump for the oil collected in the air cleaner. Drain is plugged and I just suck oil out at every oil change. Shop also eliminated the EGR stuff the 85 had.

Still drive that car every day! 450k km now, so about 120k on rebuilt engine. Runs well!

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5