I've searched but couldn't find the definative answer. I'm tossing around the idea of getting another tinkering project later in the year (have a bunch already) and would like to try a WVO conversion on a late 80s early 90s mercedes diesel.

What's the best (reliabilty wise) engine to convert? Are there any engines to totally avoid? Are there any Mercedes diesels to avoid all together?

Admittedly I'm somewhat of a newbie to the Mercedes Diesel scene but I've been reading this forum for a month or so and am interested in giving a conversion a shot later in the year. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thought I would beat all of them to the punch... do a little searching on the site. Most people seem to agree that the 80 - 85 300s are some of the best car out there.

There is a lot to read here already.

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NC Benz
Fuquay-Varina, NC
1979 300D
1983 300D Turbo 260,000 Miles
1984 300D Turbo 345,000 Miles (sons car)
OBK #31
1998 Ford Expedition 5.4l (fer Haulin'!) 145,000
1973 19' SeaRay with 115 Mercury TOWER OF POWER!
Club Car Golf Cart 36V
Ex toys:
1967 Mustang 289 (First Car)
Fiat 124TC
1975 Honda CVCC
1980 Audi 5000 Turbo

The engine isn't nearly as important as the WVO fuel quality and the engine modifications you're going to do. That being said, the best cars do convert are the ones with a bosch inline injection pump. I would look at OM616 or OM617 depending on your price range and how fast you want to go. I would also look for a W123 or W126 body style for parts avaliablity. If all of this is going over your head, go to wikipedia and do some mercedes research.