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The 617 was first installed for the US market in 1975, and I believe this was about the same time as for the rest of the world.
The swap is pretty easy, all the parts are available and the original fuel tank will work with no changes. Probably pretty expensive, but hey, it's a Benz.
I would guess the conversion couldn't have been done any sooner than 1975, but a 615 could easily have been installed at purchase, then swapped for the 617 later.
Diesel conversions were pretty popular in Germany, quite often in the W108 V8 sedans by later owners. The taxes are terrific on the 3.5L gas engine, and you get decent performance with the 617 turbo with MUCH better milage to boot.
Peter
Peter
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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!
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