w124 diesel conversion, swap - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

abh3 · #1 01-11-2006, 05:20 PM

Lost me mind at the insurance sale Monday and bought two 124s to complement my '88 300te that is rather tired with the usual leaking oil, whining dif, driveshaft vibration, etc. One is a 300e that runs very well and that is the sane approach but I REALLY like the idea of using the other car, a '90 300d 2.5 turbo diesel with about 150k, especially since I have plenty of off road diesel around... heh, heh.

Keep in mind I have the entire car, with the exception of a few electrical components damaged from sitting three years at the auction yard with the sunroof and back right window open (!) like window switches, lock vacuum pump, etc... The oil cooler leaks but that can't be that big a deal, right?

Are there differences in the radiator support or other body items beyond the obvious louvered right fender and some underhood tin? Could I just swap the engine harness, all associated lil' black boxes, tank and instrument cluster along with the entire driveline?

Is this just too much for a 150k diesel? Don't they just go on and on and on? Does this engine model have 'issues'?

Thanks for your input.

abh3

t walgamuth · #2 01-11-2006, 07:26 PM

for a conversion. two complete cars. it should be a bolt in deal. lots of hours but straightforward.

this feels like deja vu all over again.

tom w

abh3 · #3 01-12-2006, 08:15 AM

That's good news but... is 150k too much for these later diesels? Anything to look for as far as warnings of impending trouble goes?

t walgamuth · #4 01-12-2006, 08:59 AM

602 has few problems. it is generally well regarded in reliability. early models i believe had some head gasket issues. but basically it is a very good motor. you will find posters here with over 300k on them without overhaul, i believe.

tom w