I have the oppertunity to buy a 1969 220d. The exterior is perfect, no rust, as is the interior. The car has a 4 speed manual tranny.
From what I've read, the 220d engine is a dog to drive.

So my question is: How hard would it be to swap in a 5cyl turbodiesel engine from a 1984 300dt? I'll also swap in the automatic tranny from the 300dt(or I could to use the 4spd manual thats already in the 220d, if it would be easier). Will the engine bolt right in, along with the tranny? Also, what kind of electrical work would be involved in swapping engines?
For what it's worth, the 220d doesn't have power steering or AC, so I don't have to bother with that.

I did a search and didn't come up with much.

I'm not new to MB diesels...I've owned a 300sd and a 190d, so I'm pretty farmilliar with them.

If anyone could give me some info on this, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance

I drove a '73 220D for several years and loved it dearly--I don't have any recollections of it being a dog at all with the 4 spd. You'd probably want to locate quite a bit of hardware from a W115 300D such as engine mounts, trans mounts, radiator, and other misc doo-dads. No matter what, it would be best to have at least two complete vehicles sitting side by side while doing the swap.

This swap is further complicated by the difference in fuel shutoff, glow and starter functions between the OM615 and OM617 turbo. The OM615 has a manual fuel shutoff and pre-glow system, while the OM617 has a vacuum shutoff and electrical relay glow system. Not insurmountable, but a significant hurdle to overcome nonetheless.

Thanks for the reply, thats just the info I wanted.

I'm going to go drive the 220d tommorrow and see if I still want to buy it. I'll probably leave the original engine in it since it was completely rebuilt a few months ago.

i had a 72 220 with manual steering and no ac. very nice car. i would say it was pretty doggy but with a stick still engaging to drive. just have to have an attitude adjustment. feeling strongly about passing on a hilly and curvy two lane will get you an anxiety attack. keep your valium handy.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

quattro, I hope you don't live around Ft. Wayne, IN do you? Otherwise I'd be interested. I want to drive a 115 sometime. Now that I have my SDL I still look at the older cars. Thing is though I don't think I could find an old fintail in good enough condition to equal my SDL.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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I would not advise changing the engine to anything but a 616 or 1976 617 that came out of a W115. You will create far more work than either car will be worth, and any gain in performance would be lost once you load up the 220D body with all the crap to feed the newer 617. Nastiest issue is location of oil filter and air filter, you will need to re engineer the whole thing to fit in the cavity left with the 615 gone.

Drive the 220D knowing that if you bother to give it an italian tune up regularly, use a good fuel, fresh filters, change to Mobil 1 all over, you will be able to get darn close to factory spec perfromance. I got a 220D that could not get out of its own way. It had sat for too long and was plugged up. Ran it hard and blew the snot out. Now she hits 87mph on the straight, which is factory top speed. Climbing 6% grades keeps her between 55-60mph on freeways. Best investment of $125 I ever made (purchase price of the car)

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clay

2002 s430 - Victor, a Stately & well tailored chap
1974 450sl - Frosch - Two tone green
1986 SDL - Polei

retired models-
1976 300D - Blei Vanst - it looks silvery
1972 220D - Gump - She was green, simple and ran
1995 E300D - Gave her life to save me against a Dame in a SUV
POS 1987 SDL - Beware Nigerian Scammers

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the car tomorrow and see if I still want it. If I buy it, I'll report back with pics, etc.

Nah, I'm just outside of Atlanta, GA. I've also wanted to drive a w115. I've had several Mercedes (ranging from a w126 280se 4spd to my '96 C280), but never had one older than a 1980. I'm just looking for something a little more classic/simple, so the w115 seemed fitting.