I'm wondering about any/all model year changes between the 82 and 85 300TD-T (turbo diesel wagon). I own an 85 federal version wagon now.

Specifically, I'm interested in dropping the low milage engine (and possibly tranny) from my much beloved (but very rusty) 85 wagon into a motorless (but hopefully rust free) 82 wagon.

First off, I'd like to know if anyone can point out any problematic compatibility/connection issues with the overall engine/transmission swap.

Secondly, I'd like to know about compatibility issues with the other body mechanicals/electronics (e.g front suspension components on my 85 are mostly new. Can I move them over?).

Thirdly, I'd like to know what "creature comforts" I might be giving up in the body swap (e.g does the 82 have a tach, or just a clock).

TIA,

Doug

I dont know the specifics, as I have never done such a swap. Yet my guess would be that it would not be too problematic. If you have both cars side by side, it sould be a fairly easy switch. I am sure that there are significant differences between each car, but if everything is changed as a unit it ought to work....

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

FYI a rust free 82 wagon just popped up for sale for $500 in the cars section. Its got no engine in it.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

That would be the one I had in mind.

very very few difference in the 617-952 wagons ("81-85). 81 had the older style interior controls. 81-83 had the tach amp. 84-85 had the roof paint protection strips. 85 had a different rear diff gearing. Other than that a 617-952 wagon engine should fit into any other similar wagon without much problems at all. Has to be a wagon engine as the non wagon engines do not have the SLS pump in the head.

The 82 through 84 are very similar (they do have a tach/clock and the same climate control system as the 85), but I believe you will have to deal with a few differences from the 85. The 85 has a completely different tranny design and a higher final ratio (in the sedan anyway). I believe the tach and tach amp are also different in the 85 (I don't know how that affects the wiring harness). The speedo is different due to the different gear ratio. The 82 also has a manual (not electric) right side mirror, and does not have a shut-off delay for the front cabin light. Probably a few other minor items, but the "creature comforts" are about the same. If you are going to move a 617 from a 85 into a 82 you will probably have to move a few extra bits and pieces, but I doubt there are any show stoppers.

The most important thing to remember is to keep the donor car around for a while, just to be sure all items needed are available. Having the whole donor car from the start is a great advantage.

The '82 will have an 85mph speedo where the '85 will have the 125mph. As mentioned above, there are other differences in the instrument panel and it might be advisable to transfer over the whole '85 inst set.

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

I really appreciate it.

Having looked through the the extensive set of pictures of the 82 body, I'm assuming I'd have to transfer pretty much everything over from the 85 (from the drivetrain to the headliner).

Now I'm trying to tally up the the costs (in time and money) of doing essentially a "frame off" restoration.

BTW, I found this very topical and timely site (for me anyway) about just such a project. http://www.msdra.com/benzwagon.htm

It just goes to prove the point, "If you can't lead by example, at least you can serve as a horrible warning."

Doug