Hi guys im new to MB's and im looking at two cars. I ether want a 300SD or a 300CD. What i want to know is what car is better to build a performance car out of? Please dont bash me im just looking to build a performance MB Diesel so any help would be great. Also will an auto trans hold up to turning up the Diesel? Thanks agin for any help.

Neither. To get any power of handling out of either will costs tens of thousands of dollars with lots of custom stuff.

AMG did do a little work with the C126's back in the 80's in the DTM series. So their is a little AMG stuff around if you hunt German ebay. The only performance mods I have located for the W126 are H&R lowering springs and a $3k Brembo brake kit. Or stainless brake lines, those I am going to put on my car figure $100-$130 for 4 lines. You could probably get some custom made poly bushings and maybe a larger rear sway bar if you want.

Afaik their is nothing for the W123, but I havn't really looked all that hard either. I know you can get stainless brake lines though.

The Finns are the experts at getting power out of the diesels but they don't really seem to do much with the 617's. Mostly 602, 603, and 606's.

These are awsome cars but they are not performance cars. If you want to cruise they can't be beat though.

If you really want a MB to mod look for a W124 or a 190E 16 valve. Those cars have an aftermarket following.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

if you search their are some vids of the finns racing their diesel benz's and in one of the videos i did spot a w123 laying down a nice cloud.. but i dont know if it was 617 powered

ok then is there a Diesel MB to build up?

Dump the boat anchor diesels and drop in a gasser engine if you want performance. Better yet, go for a 280CE. The coupe is lighter than the sedan plus the fuel injected engine has way more power the diesel. Maintained, the engine will last as long as a diesel. Plus no mods necessary.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Correct me if I am wrong, but if memory serves me right, the W210 E300 diesel and turbodiesel cars have a relatively decent following with tuners in Europe, and I could swear that I have seen performance chips, exhaust systems, etc etc etc avail. for the W210 diesel powered models online.

However of all MB diesel models produced, the w210 chassis cars seem to be at the lower end of the build quality spectrum for a car bearing the 3 pointed star. From electrical problems to fit, finish, and rust, the w210 has the ability to be one nightmare of an MB. But then again any car can be a nightmare.
Id research the tuning market, esp. overseas, to see which MB diesel model that is avail. here in the US has the most tuning options avail., and then look for a nicely taken care of example that wont take much or anything to get it in top notch stock condition, and then tune.

best of luck!

VW TDI's have a much greater presence in the U.S. tuning market, maybe you could check out some Jetta and Golf TDI's for comparison to later MB diesels in terms of aftermarket tuning part availability.

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

www.cbs.nu

yea the vw tdi's are more tunable.. the biodiesel coop im in the leader has a 03 vw golf tdi with stage 3 turbo and stuff like that.. beats alot of things in a diesle running biodiesel .. its awesome

Do a search I know someone posted a link to the Finn's forum. I'd start with a W124 or a W210. A 1995 E300D would be a good place to start. Then you could swap out the NA 606 for a turbo charged one. Also lots of suspension and aftermarket parts.


I think the Finns latest project was a 500hp 606! Super cool, I want to build one someday.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200