240d-4.5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fahrgewehr2 · #1 10-19-2005, 01:34 AM

123 240D with a V8. Looks more like a 3.8- black valve covers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-200-Series-80-Mercedes-240d-body-with-450SL-ENGINE-not-300td-300cd_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6329QQitemZ4582802976QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Seller claims the car has ABS, I disagree.

t walgamuth · #2 10-19-2005, 07:37 AM

yeah, could be 380 or 450 but i think they all look a lot alike with the 380 and 500 having al blocks, the 450 iron. i have thought of doing this myself. if it is still running the 369 gears it would be pretty quick. prob less than 10 mog though. also it looks as if the ex manifolds may hit the shock towers. that is what i had figured, after measuring, would be an interference point. i thought tube headers would be necessary. if done correctly this might be a pretty fun car. big if but the ac working is encouraging. looks identical to my two 240s.

tom w

Johnhef · #3 10-19-2005, 08:48 PM

Definitly not a 450 engine.

Its one of the early 80's 380 or maybe 500 (havent seen enough of them to tel the difference). It has the later M116 and M117 black valve covers on it but its definitly a 380 or 500. Nwer style cruise control unit and fuel lines next to it give it away.

Whiskeydan · #4 10-19-2005, 09:44 PM

420 maybe? I've never seen a 380 or 500 with black cam covers. Could have been painted.
I bet it is fast. I hope that "4 wheel ABS" works.

Glinko · #5 10-19-2005, 09:54 PM

So you guys are praising this car.....when no more than three weeks ago you were trash-talking a similar project being sold on ebay (198X 300D with an MB v8..)

#6 10-19-2005, 10:33 PM

Are manual windows correct for a (US spec) 1980 240D?

I hope they upgraded the entire drivetrain to handle the power.

t walgamuth · #7 10-19-2005, 10:52 PM

were optional. i have cranks in my 82 240 and no sunroof.

i agree, hope it all is upgraded, but it prob will work ok even if it isnt providing the driver doesnt abuse it.

tom w

Glinko · #8 10-19-2005, 11:32 PM

would the transmission from the matching automobile fit in the 123 chassis without too much modification?

t walgamuth · #9 10-20-2005, 10:22 AM

virtually the same with minor internal differences, i am pretty sure.

tom w

automatics

boneheaddoctor · #10 10-20-2005, 10:30 AM

Could be in interesting ride.....buy I would guarantee you the MPG would have you crying....

andmoon · #11 10-20-2005, 01:16 PM

where/when is the 6.3/6.9 going to be transplanted?

andmoon · #12 10-20-2005, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StefanoDimera72

4-5 yrs ago there was a mint 280SL w/ a 6.3 transplant (in Hemmings). I wish I had the money at the time...

diametricalbenz · #13 10-20-2005, 02:47 PM

I wonder what the suspension setup was and how looked like with all that weight when cornering at high speeds

ccooper · #14 10-20-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glinko

So you guys are praising this car.....when no more than three weeks ago you were trash-talking a similar project being sold on ebay (198X 300D with an MB v8..)

I recall the post - lots of mentions of "Texas Hillbillies." IMHO, that car did not look like it has the quality of this one. I actually believe it when the poster says "professional (sic) installed." Not to say I don't have issues with some of the characterizations the seller is making. First, "Four Wheel ABS Brakes." I know the W123 had them in Europe, but they were not in the US, or at least not that common. I didn't see any ABS pump in the engine compartment - I'd expect to see it on the driver's side wheelwell.

Also, he says it's a 1980 (probably to beat smog checks). He doesn't credit that the trim is all from an '82. The 1980 was the last year of the "first version" of the W123. It featured the "old school" MB-Tex seats and a totally different climate control face. The A/C control went from being a rotary knob to the W126 style wheel, which is very evident in this vehicle. The seats are clearly the boxy pre '83 style (I'm 6' 5" - I notice these things with passengers.) Also, he has the '82 and later style center console with the split hazard switch versus the all in one found in earlier models. It wouldn't surprise me that it's an '82. Conveniently, the 450 engine was use until 1980, which I believe is a breakpoint for smog.

Overall, this car looks good, unlike the one from two weeks ago. The interior is immaculate and the engine looks clean, with everything in its place. However, I wouldn't buy it, even though it's near me. MB engineers never meant the W123 to have a V8 engine and I feel that would affect handling, ride, and safety. Without assurances that was accounted for, I'll continue to shovel money into my current money pit. But it sure looks nice and clean, and I give it points for that.